Meet Benjamin Gutierrez | Owner; Beach Garden Group

We had the good fortune of connecting with Benjamin Gutierrez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Benjamin, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks is often a necessary step towards achieving greatness. I firmly believe that most remarkable accomplishments are the result of bold and daring decisions. In my case, I have identified a significant gap in the market within my community – the lack of a fully inclusive space catering to the entire LGBTQ+ market, offering a diverse menu and craft cocktails.

The concept I have in mind is compelling, and I am driven by the fear of regretting not pursuing it. Life is too short to wonder “what if?” I am aware that there are no guarantees in business, and things may not always work out as planned. However, I firmly believe that the only way to truly know the potential of my concept is to try.

Preparation and learning are key. Before embarking on this venture, I have taken the time to gather knowledge, seek advice from successful individuals, and develop a solid plan. I understand that mistakes are inevitable, but I view them as valuable learning experiences. Opening a restaurant and bar is undeniably a risky endeavor, but the lessons I will gain in business management, leadership, self-discovery, and more will undoubtedly be worth it.

While the prospect of taking risks can be intimidating, I find it incredibly fulfilling. I am fortunate to have a strong support system in place, which provides me with the confidence to face the challenges that lie ahead. Risk-taking is exciting because it opens the door to countless opportunities for personal and financial growth. It is an avenue for continuous learning, and the lessons acquired along the way are invaluable.

I understand that there is a potential for both financial gain and loss. Money is merely a tool, and regardless of the outcome, it should not define the worth of the risk taken. As long as I maintain a clear goal in mind and set realistic expectations, I believe that the possibility of losing everything should not deter me. The potential rewards and the fulfillment of pursuing my passion outweigh the risks involved.

Taking risks is an essential part of life and business. It allows us to push boundaries, discover our true potential, and create something extraordinary. With a well-prepared plan, a strong support system, and a willingness to learn from mistakes, I am ready to embrace the challenges and uncertainties that come with pursuing my great concept. The risk is worth it, and I am excited to see where this journey takes me.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our business is a fully inclusive restaurant and bar located in the heart of the LGBTQ+ district in Long Beach. What sets us apart from others is our commitment to providing a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

Getting to where we are today has been far from easy. We faced numerous challenges along the way, including the impact of Covid-19, labor shortages, and increases in food prices. These factors have added constant stress to our business operations. However, we have persevered and learned to adapt to the ever-changing circumstances. Each day or week seemed to bring a new problem or fire that needed to be addressed urgently. Despite the overwhelming nature of these challenges, we have managed to handle situations carefully and promptly.

Through these experiences, we have learned valuable lessons about resilience and the power of perseverance. I have discovered our own capabilities and strength, realizing that I am capable of achieving anything we set our minds to. The journey has taught us the importance of staying calm and composed in the face of adversity, as well as the significance of problem-solving and effective communication.

What we are most proud of and excited about is the space we have created. Our restaurant and bar exude a welcoming and bright atmosphere, designed to make everyone feel comfortable and accepted. We have put great effort into creating a visually appealing environment that reflects our commitment to inclusivity. We want our customers to not only enjoy delicious food and craft cocktails but also to feel a sense of belonging when they step through our doors.

Our brand and story are rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a space where they can be themselves, free from judgment and discrimination. We want the world to know that our business is more than just a restaurant and bar. It is a symbol of acceptance, unity, and celebration of diversity. We strive to create a positive impact on the community by fostering a sense of belonging and providing a platform for connection and celebration.

Our business journey has been challenging, but it has also been empowering. We have overcome obstacles, learned valuable lessons, and created a space that truly reflects our values.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Here is a suggested week itinerary in Long Beach, California:

Day 1:
– Start your day at Beach Garden Social House for a delicious breakfast.
– Spend the morning lounging at the beach and enjoying the sun.
– In the afternoon, visit the Long Beach Art Museum to explore the local art scene.
– In the evening, head to El Barrio for dinner and enjoy some authentic Mexican cuisine.
-stop by Plantitas- a gay-owned plant store

Day 2:
– Begin your day with a relaxing yoga session on the bluff overlooking the ocean.
– After yoga, head to Retro Row for some shopping and exploring the vintage shops. Don’t forget to stop by WeOp for a coffee, owned by a lesbian couple!
– In the evening, grab cocktails at Baby Gee’s, a trendy cocktail bar known for its creative drinks.

Day 3:
– Start your morning with a paddleboarding session through the canals of Long Beach.
– After paddleboarding, have a picnic at Horny Corner, a scenic spot overlooking the water.
– In the evening, enjoy a beautiful sunset while sipping cocktails at Ballast Point.

Day 4:
– Start your day with a visit to the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific to explore the marine life.
– In the afternoon, rent a Duffy boat from London Boat Rentals and cruise around the harbor.
– In the evening, head to Broadway, known for its vibrant gay bars, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Day 5:
– Spend the day exploring the local art scene by visiting various art galleries in Long Beach.
– In the evening, head to Executive Suites, a popular gay bar, for some drinks and entertainment.

Day 6:
– Start your day with a visit to the Queen Mary, a historic ocean liner turned hotel and museum.
– Explore the various exhibits and learn about the ship’s history.
– In the afternoon, relax at the beach and soak up the sun.

Day 7:
– Spend the day exploring the different neighborhoods of Long Beach, such as Belmont Shore and Naples Island.
– Enjoy the local shops, restaurants, and beautiful waterfront views.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to express my deep gratitude to my dad and the rest of my family for their unwavering support throughout the journey of starting this business. Their assistance in getting this venture off the ground has been invaluable. Not only did they provide financial support, but they also offered emotional encouragement during what was undeniably one of the most stressful times of my life. Their belief in me and the concept of creating an inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community has been a driving force behind my determination to make this business a success.

Furthermore, I am incredibly grateful for my business partners who shared my vision and believed in the potential of this concept. Their expertise, dedication, and hard work have been instrumental in bringing this idea to life.

Website: Www.beachgardensocial.com

Instagram: Beachgarden_socialhouse