Paul Filice is the president of Miner’s Ace Hardware, a collection of nine “hardware stores” across the Central Coast. I put “hardware stores” in quotes because Miner’s is so much more than a hardware store, though that’s certainly how it began. In addition to all the usual stuff — hardware, tools, paint, etc — Miner’s has a wonderful housewares section featuring Traeger grills, Yeti coolers, Ball canning systems and more that I could spend all day exploring. It also has one of the best nursery departments in the business, which is our top choice for everything from seeds and veggie starts to the avocado tree, satsuma tree, and espalier apple tree in our front yard. It’s a family business: I grew up going to school with Amy Miner, Paul’s wife, so I’ve been able to watch it grow over the years. Listen to Paul tell stories about legendary employee Wally Lewis who retired at the age of 95, the man who drove a Harley directly into the Los Osos Miner’s and continued to shop on it, and about how the community knew COVID was over when the popcorn came back.
Website: minersacehardware.com
Instagram: @miners_ace_hardware
20th Season Best Of: Media
20th Season Best Of: Gear
20th Season Best Of: Winemakers
20th Season Best Of: Miscellaneous
20th Season Best Of: Spirits
20th Season Best Of: Specialty
20th Season Best Of: Brewers
20th Season Best Of: Farmers, Ranchers, Fishers
20th Season Best Of: Chefs and Restaurants
Bonus Conversation: Why Are So Many Restaurants Closing?
Tuscan Mustang: Cal Poly student Mary Carli pursues her education “half a world away”
Sidecar Cocktail Company: Slinging poison, serving dumplings, and smooth jazz
LEGENDS: Sommelier-turned-farmer Rajat Parr
LEGENDS: Cult brewers Vinnie and Natalie Cilurzo, Russian River Brewing
LEGENDS: Chuck Hiigel, czar of Central Coast beer
LEGENDS: Taco Works brand tortilla chips with CEO Robbie Bayly
LEGENDS: Cattaneo Brothers jerky with CEO Katelyn Kaney
LEGENDS: Brown Butter Cookie Company with Traci Hozie Alderson
LEGENDS: Steak and Champagne Cake at The Madonna Inn with Amanda Rich
LEGENDS: Santa Maria Style BBQ at Far Western Tavern and Susie Q Brand with Susie Righetti
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