My Breakfast With Harvey

30 years ago, I enjoyed watching a film directed by one of my favorites, Lois Malle, entitled—My Dinner With Andre. This brilliant film dealt with the true or maybe not so true life of  2 characters- Andre Gregory and Wallace Shawn over a meal at a restaurant. One never knew if they were actually acting or telling their true life stories. Wallace Shawn went on to star in another great film—The Princess Bride with another Andre …. Andre the Giant.

A few years ago, I was most fortunate to have what I call—”My Breakfast With Harvey.” You see, Harvey Pekar called one day and said that he wanted to write a graphic novel about me. I was obviously floored and I immediately agreed to meet Harvey, whose work I’d admired for years, for Breakfast at Tiffany’s …. I mean Tommy’s (a real favorite of Harvey’s and my home away from home). The next morning I sat in awe as Harvey asked many questions. We talked about the “Diner Saga” and life afterwards. We had several more of these breakfast conversations at Tommy’s and then walks and talks through Big Fun.

We sat at a table eating and I watched in amazement as Harvey drew a comic panel grid, filling in the spaces with stick figures and verbiage that was coming from my mouth. I said verbiage, not garbage. Honestly, I couldn’t believe that this was going on. Harvey Pekar writing a comic about me. I asked Harvey why. In his traditional raspy voice, he said-” I know that you put your heart and soul in the Diner …. it sadly closed. I want to know the whole crazy diner story.” As we continued our talks, Harvey also became interested in the Big Fun move and renovation. Harvey told me that he was impressed that I was able to get back on my feet to take my existing Big Fun store and move it across the street to a much bigger space. Harvey was meticulous about detail and he let me know the importance of all the artist touches that became the framework of the new Big Fun.

Truth be told …. I would have been okay if the graphic novel that Harvey wrote never made it to print. I have learned in life that it really is the “journey” that is important. As we all know, sadly Harvey got sick and passed away. I was never sure if the book would ever be published. I got a call and then a visit from Joyce Brabner, Harvey’s wife and co-conspirator on so many of Harvey’s projects. The book would become reality …. A new Harvey Pekar graphic novel that was a compilation of several short stories using a relatively unknown artist named Summer McClinton (no longer unknown), that Harvey and Joyce had discovered. I never met Summer McClinton …. all of the images drawn are from photos that were sent her way.

So my 15 minutes of fame are here. The book is out-Huntington, West Virginia  “On the Fly.” Joyce was kind enough to give me an advanced copy. I opened it to my chapter and read the title—Neighborhood Spark Plug. That sent a wonderful feeling through my body. It didn’t end there. Underneath was the following:

(AND MY BUDDY).

Harvey was Harvey. What you see is what you get. Harvey had no filters that most of us use to placate others. Harvey said it like was. You know the phrase—S/he had me at …. I honestly didn’t need to go any further than the—(AND MY BUDDY). Harvey left me the best gift that he ever could with those 3 words. I am thankful for our friendship, I am thankful for our special time together, and I am thankful to be included in a Harvey piece. Thanks so much to Joyce for seeing this projection to fruition and being a friend with a heart of gold.

Finally, when Harvey passed, word got to Anthony Bourdain, chef, writer, television man extraordinaire. I, along with my wife Debbie, have always been a huge fans of Anthony (Tony) Bourdain, his works and his non-traditional look on life. Immediately upon learning of Harvey’s death, Tony wrote the most incredible piece about Harvey. The first time I read it, I had tears in my eyes …. OK, I actually cried. Tony and Harvey met, I believe only once when Tony was in Cleveland to film for his show—No Reservations. This poignant piece has been included as an appreciation in Harvey’s new book.

Thanks Tony.

One last note ….

On Thursday June 2nd from 7-9pm, Suzanne, my neighbor from Mac’s Backs and I are having a book party for Harvey’s new book. Come join us for a fun evening.

See ya then ….

~ Steve

Positively Cleveland Visits Big Fun

NBC Channel 3 Visits Big Fun

Steve’s 2010 Holiday Wish: Please Buy Local!

Dear Friends,

2010….

Talk about the ultimate in recycling, this is the third straight year for this letter. I guess I’ll keep reusing it until people start to “get it”. Most of us independent business owners have joined some type of organization, to help promote indie businesses. There are neighborhood groups, special improvement districts, and now independent business alliances. They are all for the betterment of our communities and the quality of our lives. Please tell people to support and buy local. We cab be the change.

2009…

I’ve been asked to repeat last year’s Holiday Season Letter – So in that spirit, I will oblige.  I must also add an additional sentence or two- The “local economy” has not gotten better…. actually it has worsened. When I say local, I mean the neighborhoods where most of us live.  We see more vacant storefronts and less people out shopping.  The internet has taken its toll! Like the Film Oscars, where each year, they roll images of important people who have passed…. we too, in our neighborhoods continue to watch stores that have been around for 10, 20, and even over 100 years die off and close.  Please shop locally and support your independent businesses!

2008…

I hope this message finds you and your family in good health.  We all cannot avoid the constant barrage of the negative news about the economy.  It’s in the newspapers, magazines and radio. Its reality – we’ve been in a full-blown recession for over a year.  Sadly, most of the retail doom and gloom has been focused on the Big Box retailers.  Their numbers are down, but those pale in comparison to the hurt this down economy has put on small independent stores.  I’ve talked to many businesses across the board and nearly all are experiencing a very serious downturn thus far this holiday season.  In some cases, we’re talking 40+ percent decreases in sales from last year (which, by the way, for most was a down year from the previous year, 2006. For these independent stores, the holiday season represents 25% of their annual sales – the holiday season is a “make it or break it” scenario.  Compound this with increasing cost of goods, skyrocketing utility rates, rent hikes, taxes and well…. you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out the negative consequences.  So why am I sending this email?  It is more than a gentle, subliminal reminder…. It’s a plea!  SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT RETAILER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.  I fear many will not survive the winter.  We talk about where we live and why we choose certain neighborhoods.  We talk about what we value and sometimes we don’t put a price on what it means to us.  What about customer service?  What about product knowledge?  I could go on.

Remember that it is many of your local merchants who donate to or sponsor events with organizations that you are familiar with.  Studies show a large percentage of dollars stay in a community when you BUY LOCAL vs. leaving the state with an online or big box purchase.  Sadly, if a local store closes, it not only becomes an empty storefront (in this economy, they’re not lining up to rent spaces) but the trickle down from this loss affects many – the local accountant, lawyer, insurance broker and printer to name a few.  So you really know many who are or would be affected by the closing of a local “Mom and Pop”.  So, PLEASE during this holiday season…. try to spread the “Good Gospel”…. support your local bookstore, record shop, boutique, hardware store, coffee shop, and toy store.   Shop at the galleries and support local artists.  Go out and support the small music clubs that hire local musicians.  Eat at independent restaurants.  Put the word out on the street.  Forward this email.  Tell your neighbors, friends and coworkers.  Teach your kids about the importance of supporting local businesses.  It’s all about education and awareness.  Buy multiple gift certificates in small amounts to give away this holiday season….

Steve Presser
Be The Change – Think Globally…. Shop Locally

CoolCleveland Interviews Steve Presser

In this short video Steve talks about the importance of buying local and some of the wonderful independent retailers in the Coventry area. Check it out.

Big Fun: Play Through The Decades

Hello Cleveland reviews Big Fun:

Do you remember playing with G.I. Joes when you were little? How about Treasure Trolls? Lite Brite? Did you ever play with your Rainbow Brite or Teddy Ruxpin while munching on fruity wax soda bottles, candy buttons or candy cigarettes (before they had their name changed to “candy sticks”)? If these kinds of things bring back rushing memories of your childhood, you’ll be thrilled to take a trip down memory lane at Cleveland’s Big Fun Toy Store.

[....]

Named by Playboy as one of the “coolest stores” in all of America, Big Fun has two area locations: the original location on Coventry in Cleveland Heights, and a west side location on Clifton Boulevard. Locally-owned and operated, Big Fun provides an experience that you just can’t get at other local toy stores. Whether you were born in the 30s or the 90s (or even yesterday), you’ll find something at Big Fun that you didn’t know you couldn’t live without.

[....]

Opened in 1990 by owner Steve Presser, Big Fun has been a true Cleveland icon since its humble beginning. When one thinks of Coventry, it goes without saying that they also envision the familiar colorful block lettering of the Big Fun storefront and the memories that come along with it.

Cleveland Magazine: Big Fun Review

And we make their list for one of the best shopping experiences in Cleveland:

Pointing out reasons why people don’t need to cross the Cuyahoga River isn’t our thing. We battle our city’s East Side/West Side divide as much as anyone. But sometimes an idea is too good to be corralled on one side of town. The opening of a West Side Big Fun was one of those instances. The retro toy store is a Cleveland Heights landmark, and its second location along Clifton Boulevard is a spot-on, albeit smaller, version of its namesake. Everything you love about the original is here: vintage Star Wars figures, old-school video game consoles and the big wooden library card catalog packed with quirky trinkets. (We also dug the fresh touch of using offbeat board games as floor tiles.) Soon, the West Side will be returning the favor with its own export.

Yahoo! Travel Visits Big Fun

And has more then a few nice things to say about us:

My husband and I had read about this toy store in a local newspaper and thought it would be fun to see it sometime. It took a while, but we finally decided to make the trek to Cleveland Heights from our rural homestead in Geauga County (realistically, it’s only a 40 minute drive or so). As soon we walked in the door to Big Fun Toy Store we were transported back to childhood. The smiles hit our faces in the first few seconds and did not leave for days afterwards.

[....]

Walking through the store I caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of my eye. I could not believe it, an authentic Partridge Family lunch box with David Cassidy on the front. My heart fluttered as I remembered the crush I had on him when I was a kid. How could I have forgotten my first true love. The memories, and the joy they bring is what you get at Big Fun Toy Store. Best of all the memories are free of charge!

Cool Cleveland Interviews Steve Presser