Ep 2. Bar in a Bookstore

Five Day Biz Fix is a show that provides a unique twist on the typical renovation show. Instead of renovating homes, they renovate struggling businesses and turn them around in just five days. Season 1 episode 2, titled "Bar in a Bookstore," features the team taking on the challenge of reviving a struggling bookstore and café.

The business in question, The Open Book, is located in Valencia, California. It was originally opened as a bookstore in 1999 by James Mustich and his wife. The couple had a passion for books and wanted to create a space that fostered a love of literature and community. Over time, the store expanded to include a café, serving up coffee, pastries, and light breakfast and lunch options.

However, in recent years, The Open Book has been struggling financially. Despite their loyal customer base, the owners were unable to keep up with the changing times and faced competition from larger bookstores and online retailers. The café side of the business was also suffering due to a lack of attention and investment.

Enter the Five Day Biz Fix team, led by hosts Chrissy and Erik Kopplin. The couple has a background in business consulting and renovation, and they use their expertise in this episode to breathe new life into The Open Book.

The episode begins with Chrissy and Erik meeting with James to assess the situation. They quickly determine that the café side of the business needs the most attention and decide to focus their efforts there. To start, they bring in designer Mindy Gayer to help with the café's aesthetics. Mindy is tasked with creating a new look that will attract customers and make the space feel more welcoming.

Meanwhile, Chrissy and Erik turn their attention to the menu. They bring in chef Maiki Le to help revamp the café's offerings and make them more appealing to customers. Maiki comes up with a new menu that features fresh and healthy options, as well as indulgent treats like a Nutella and banana sandwich.

As the team works to improve the café, they also face challenges along the way. The building itself is old and has some structural issues, which they must address in order to make the space safe for customers. They also have to navigate some tense moments with James, who is resistant to change and protective of his vision for the business.

Despite these challenges, the team perseveres and manages to complete the renovation in just five days. The newly designed café is stunning, with a bright and modern look that perfectly balances the bookstore's cozy and charming vibe. The menu is equally impressive, featuring a variety of delicious and healthy options that are sure to keep customers coming back.

In the end, James is thrilled with the transformation of his beloved bookstore and café. He admits that he was resistant to change at first, but he now sees the potential for growth and success in the future. Thanks to the Five Day Biz Fix team, The Open Book is now poised for a bright future, bringing joy and community to its loyal customers for years to come.

Overall, "Bar in a Bookstore" is a heartwarming and inspiring episode of Five Day Biz Fix. It showcases the power of a dedicated team and the importance of adaptability in today's ever-changing business landscape. Whether you're a fan of renovation shows or simply love a good success story, this episode is sure to delight and inspire.