First let me say this—I’ve never had this much fun in a convenience store. Pearl Convenience is everything but your average neighborhood mini-mart.
When one usually thinks of a convenience store, the closest Circle K or CVS pharmacy comes to mind. Owner and entrepreneur, Anthony Lavdanski, wants Boulderites to think twice the next time you need something. On the corner of 17th and Pearl sits a bustling barber shop next to a recently occupied storefront that harbors intrigue alongside necessity. Enter: Pearl Convenience. At first glance, passers by catch a glimpse of the jazzy, hand-painted custom signage (Chase Brown, @somuchofyou1) that distinguishes the storefront as more of an art installation than anything else. Enter the shop, and you’ll find walls adorned with murals by local artists (Quinn Farrel, @theferalbuddha), plants, vintage figurines and an old-school television projecting VHS tapes. Their mission is simple: create an accessible, independent space that provides an “authentic bodega experience” while also fostering a community that cultivates passion.
“I have a vision and put the right people around me to make it happen,” Lavdanski said. “This builds community and takes the ego out of a project.” He and co-owners Bob Barrick (@kingdomjasmine) and Jon Epstein (@jonny.epstein) aim to do just that, creating a “little slice of reality” drawing inspiration from Boulder’s beloved local spots such as Village Coffee Shop.
From cereal to CBD, munchies to milk chocolate, customers can shop for everyday goods among locally sourced products such as Dry Storage flour, and Seed Ranch hot sauce to name a few. Whether you’re in the market for a soda, a pack of smokes, a Lotto ticket, or some candy, you can find a diverse array of products to incorporate the many tastes that abound here in Boulder.
Opening a business amid a pandemic is no easy feat; however, Lavdanski approached this project as he approaches his other businesses—with grit, soul, and a hint of risk. “I’m a connector,” he exclaims, smiling wide. “I pride myself on finding the right artists and humans to propel a project into existence.”
You can tell he really loves what he does. Although Lavdanski remains at the helm of his side-by-side businesses, Rollins Barbershop and Pearl Convenience, he makes sure to pay homage to the boys behind the business. What’s next for Pearl Convenience? Well, you’ll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, see what they have to offer on the East End of Pearl Street.
1640 Pearl St., Boulder, CO
PearlConvenience.com
The Artists and Locals Behind The Business
Justin Juhb: @juhhhb
Ryan Gonzalez: @usabarberryan
Dan Epstein: @d.epstein_
Mikey Shantz: @grimjob69
Brendan Stouffer: @b_stouffs
Elan Maulhardt: @elannmaulhardt