After greater than 101 years in enterprise, a Bay Space establishment is closing up store. The century-old fixture of the Bay Space biking group will completely shut its doorways on the finish of the month, marking the tip of an period for one of many area’s oldest bike retailers. Hank & Frank Bicycles, which first opened in 1925, introduced that its last day of enterprise will probably be August 31.The store started operations on East 14th Avenue in Oakland earlier than relocating a number of occasions, finally establishing its everlasting residence in Lafayette, the place it has operated for the previous 52 years. The enterprise modified palms 57 years in the past when Dale Dryer took over from authentic founder Hank. His son, Frank Dryer, grew up sweeping the flooring and assembling tricycles earlier than buying the Lafayette storefront from his father in 1991.
Why the 101 yr store is shutting down
Not like many current legacy enterprise closures pushed by on-line competitors or rising operational prices, the shutdown comes because the constructing modifications palms. The property’s new house owners plan to transform the area right into a dance studio, prompting the youthful Dryer to decide on retirement somewhat than relocate. Dryer famous that whereas he’s saddened to go away the group, the timing felt proper, notably with no successor to hold on the household commerce.Buyer loyalty remained regular all through the many years, bolstered by a longstanding promise of free lifetime tune-ups with each bicycle buy. To honor that dedication after the storefront closes, Dryer has organized for a neighboring impartial store in Walnut Creek to take over the lifetime service perk for present patrons.Patrons and longtime cyclists are visiting the Lafayette location in its last days to buy bikes, schedule tune-ups, and share farewell notes with the employees earlier than the store closes its doorways for good on August 31.
What the observe on shutting down says
Hank & Frank Bicycles Pronounces Retirement After 101 Years of Group ServiceAfter greater than a century of serving Bay Space riders, households, and adventurers, Hank & Frank Bicycles will formally retire and shut its doorways on August 31, 2026. This choice comes with full hearts, deep gratitude, and an everlasting love for the group that has carried us for generations.A Legacy Constructed on BeliefBased in 1925, Hank & Frank has been a uncommon fixed in a altering world—a 101-years legacy stewarded by solely two households. When Dale Dryer took over the enterprise from Hank 57 years in the past, he carried ahead a practice of expertise, honesty, and neighborly care. At the moment, as we put together to shut this chapter, we mirror with gratitude on the generations of consumers, staff, pals, and households who made this store excess of a spot to purchase or service a bicycle.Why This Store Has At all times MatteredOur “why” has at all times been easy: to assist individuals expertise the liberty, confidence, connection, and pleasure {that a} bicycle can deliver. Whether or not it was a baby’s first trip, a household’s weekend journey, a commuter’s each day route, or a lifelong bicycle owner’s subsequent nice bike, we’ve got believed that each rider deserves care, respect, and steerage they will belief.We’ve got had the privilege of watching kids develop up on our bikes—then return years later to purchase bikes for their very own kids. We’ve got seen households trip by milestones, seasons, and lifetimes with us. From our authentic residence on East 14th Avenue in Oakland, by a number of places over the many years, to our last and beloved residence within the Metropolis of Lafayette for the previous 52 years, each group we’ve got served has formed who we’re.With Deep GratitudeTo all of you—our riders, neighbors, pals, and prolonged household—thanks. Thanks to your belief, your tales, your pleasant smiles, your loyalty, and your perception in what an area bike store can imply to a group. You invited us into your lives at birthdays, graduations, weekend rides, first commutes, race days, repairs, upgrades, and peculiar moments that grew to become lasting recollections.Your help allowed us to do what we beloved for greater than a century: serve individuals properly, stand behind our work, and assist preserve generations of riders rolling safely, fortunately, and confidently. That could be a reward we are going to by no means take without any consideration.Trying ForwardAs we glance forward, we additionally sit up for wishing Frank a joyful and well-earned subsequent chapter. On the similar time, we’re actively looking for the fitting particular person to hold on this extraordinary legacy, and we are going to preserve our group knowledgeable as that search continues.Between now and August 31, 2026, we invite you to cease by and be a part of this last season with us:* Select your subsequent high quality bicycle.* Schedule service with our distinctive mechanics.* Share a reminiscence, a narrative, or a easy hey.* Allow us to thanks in particular person for being a part of our journey.It has been our honor to assist preserve you shifting for thus a few years. Greater than something, we hope you understand how deeply grateful we’re—for each mile shared, each relationship constructed, and each second of belief you positioned in us.With honest gratitude,The Hank & Frank CrewHank & Frank Bicycles
