A Corner of Convenience in Old Town Torrance

A quick chat with the neighbor we call “Frank.”

Meet C.K., a.k.a., “Frank” of Frank’s liquor. Frank has been operating a small convenience store in the Old Town Torrance neighborhood for more than a quarter of a century. We caught up with Frank to talk about his small store and his Old Town Torrance experience.

Our Old Town Torrance (OOTT): First of all, how have you been doing throughout this pandemic? 

Frank: Well, it has affected everybody and every business, so my small business has also been affected with this lock down, but it’s getting normal, as other things are getting back to normal.

OOTT: So, your business has declined this past year?

Frank: Yes, it has declined, probably 30-35 percent. Last year, when the county of Los Angeles issued stay-home orders and reduced business hours, being a neighborhood business, it did affect me. The health of the business also depends on customers’ health and changes.

OOTT: I imagine you have a lot of loyal customers though.

Frank: Yes, I do have regular, valued customers who have helped me through this pandemic. I appreciate their support.

OOTT: You’re not the original owner of Frank’s Liquor, in fact, your name isn’t even Frank. What is your real name?

Frank: My name is C.K.

OOTT: But people call you Frank. You don’t mind that?

Frank: Name is identity, being who or what I am, but Frank’s Liquor is an established business, so I kept it as it is. And I don’t mind that people call me Frank. It’s easy for the community. I’m happy, and people are happy. We get along with each other and that’s all that matters.

OOTT: And how long have you owned the liquor store?

Frank: I have successfully managed this for the last 27 years in this community—with their support and guidance. I appreciate their support

OOTT: And where are you from originally?

Frank: I am from India. The historical name of India is Hindustan. It is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, with distinct cultures, foods, languages, religions, and arts. I have a family background in farming and business.

OOTT: What brought you to the United States?

Frank: Time and opportunity. It's all destiny, when and where it will take you. I felt that one day in my life, I would be coming to America, the land of opportunity. I persisted against many odds, landed in New York, got a job in Washington D.C., settled there for some time, then moved to California. My experience as an immigrant—from a middle-class family with hard work—it has meant a lot to me. I am so grateful.

OOTT: And I imagine you still have family back in India?

Frank: I do have family, yes.

OOTT: Do you travel back often?

Frank: Yes, I do, but it’s been a long time because Covid-19 has affected travel and visitation around the world.

OOTT: What surprises did you encounter when you became a liquor store owner?

Frank: No big surprises. I have been in public relations. I was working with a district attorney in the County of San Bernardino. It’s a long distance from Torrance to San Bernardino and I was driving and working five days a week. So, wandering around this neighborhood in downtown Torrance, I’d been in this store many times and I thought I should get into this kind of business, and spend more time with my family and be my own boss. I thought it would be a challenge, but I must need a small challenge to see how it works. So, that was the decision I made. And I talked the owners at that time and said I’m looking for a business, and the deal went through. So, since 1993, I’ve been in this same small business.

OOTT: That’s great. Do you enjoy it after all these years?

Frank: Well, this business has all kinds of challenges, patterns, and migrating and existing customers. It’s a neighborhood business, and sometimes you can’t make everybody happy, but it’s a good challenge. I always remember that nothing is impossible. I enjoy and love my work. As it’s said, “Work is worship.”

OOTT: You’ve probably seen the neighborhood change quite a bit, haven’t you?

Frank: Definitely. The neighborhood has changed a lot, with new businesses and a new generation of people who want to be their own boss.

OOTT: It’s getting better though, right?

Frank: Oh, yes! It’s much better. The city brought many changes to downtown Torrance, with the streets, parks, and parking area with fancy bright lights.

OOTT: What are your favorite things about Old Town Torrance?

Frank: Old Town Torrance has a variety of things. It’s a small town with a lot of things you can see in one stop. You can enjoy a cup of coffee, see different cultures, and come across different people in one small area. Walk around, have a chat. It’s a good place to relax a little bit in El Prado Park.

OOTT: What changes, if any, would you like to see made here in Old Town Torrance?

Frank: We should have a small business chat—walk around with everybody to meet and greet and check on each other, and see if we can help each other.

OOTT: So, you’re wishing that the businesses in the neighborhood would communicate more?

Frank: That’s right. We should communicate. Meet in person from time to time, or have a cup of coffee, so there’s a little better communication. Share your struggles with a trusted friend or professional. Those things can bring us closer with different backgrounds and cultures.

OOTT: Do you have any plans for the liquor store moving forward?

Frank: Yes. I want to keep it small and easy to operate and manage, to adjust the inventory from time to time as demand changes. This is a historic building, and I want to keep it in a beautiful and well-maintained manner.

OOTT: It’s a small space, for sure.

Frank: It is a small triangle-shaped store on the corner of Gramercy and Cabrillo Avenue with both side entrances. I take pride in it, and try to reflect a positive image and attitude.

OOTT: Yeah, that’s the challenge for a small business.

Frank: This is the challenge of running a small business. Every small or big business faces some challenges, but one time, a state of California lottery jackpot winner got this lucky store in the news!

Frank’s Liquor is open seven days a week and located at 1601 Cabrillo Avenue.