Californian conversation with Shawna Haddad Byers
| Sunday, Feb 07 2010 09:01 PM
Last Updated Sunday, Feb 07 2010 09:01 PM
Fishlips is known as a Bakersfield hot spot for live music, drinks and dining. This was the vision of owners Shawna Haddad Byers and Andrew Wilkins, who have worked hard since 2007 to establish that reputation.
Byers, a Garces High School graduate (class of 1982), has called the Bay Area and Los Angeles home and has studied at the University of Keele in England. Working hard is second-nature to her, as she landed her first job at Mexicali restaurant at age 13, and she credits her work ethic to her boss, Ruth Cruz, and her father, Angelo Haddad.
Byers, 46, and husband James Byers have a 7-year-old boy, Hudson. She recently found time to let us in on her busy life via e-mail.
What's the history of Fishlips?
I was approached in the fall of 2000 to put my twisted ideas and love of straightforward food into play. We opened in the Padre Hotel coffee shop and started to change the way people viewed having fun and great food downtown. Fish and chips, clam chowder, burgers, tacos, fresh salads and tri-tip graced our menu and still do. Music was always playing, and I finally had the wall space to display all my favorite memorabilia from concerts and other antics. We moved to our current location in 2003, and Andrew Wilkins and I bought Fishlips in 2007. We are a 21-and-over venue that happens to serve killer food and has some of thee most amazing live shows this town has had opportunity to see. It has been the best hell ride I have ever been on. I am truly blessed.
How many hours a week do you work?
I used to work about 85. Now with Andrew and my dedicated and severely warped staff, about 50. I'm a mommy, so I gotta go home and take care of my first love. Unfortunately, even at home I find myself still working. Lucky for me my son is way too cool and understanding. However, I do have the freedom to hang out with Hudson on closed school days. I have never missed a school play or anytime he needs me.
What's the best part of your job, and the worst?
(Best) I get to be me! (Worst) Explaining the obvious to someone who does not want to listen.
Do you ever see a particular person come through the door and think, "Here comes trouble"?
Well, I do own a bar ... honestly, no. Everyone plays nice at Fishlips -- otherwise, you are asked to leave. Andrew and I are here at every show and at peak times. It's kind of a known law at Fishlips not to upset or annoy me. We have a safe fun place, and it's staying that way!
Which performers have been the most popular?
My musical Jesus is Dave Alvin. My lovely friend Craig Fraser brilliantly painted him (and all the other murals) on the wall so I can worship him every day. Gary Hoey, Dick Dale, Dale Watson, Digital Underground, 2 Live Crew, Junior Brown have all had outstanding shows here. Merle Haggard playing was a dream come true! Favorite tribute bands are Bon/Fire, Led Zepagain, Which Ones Pink and Cash'd Out. Favorite local bands Mento Buru, 800lb Gorilla, Backup Johnny, Dub Seeds, After Party and Soulajar. Any bands with Gary Rink, Paul Cartwright or my adopted son, Dustin "Catfish" Meredith. L.A. bands Paul Chesne, Grant Langston & The Supermodels, The Silent Treatment and Just Dave.
What's your favorite Fishlips menu item? How about drinks?
My favorite is The Stevie Ray Vaughan steak sticks. Three skewers with medium-rare tri-tip, onions & bell peppers with a thai chili marinade. The Jimmy Buffet Burger: 8-ounce hand-pressed with cheddar cheese, thousand island, pickles and grilled onions. The Tom Petty: seared ahi tuna, I still love. We have been serving this with our fish and chips for 10 years. I don't drink. Andrew has a love juice that is very popular. We have a martini club with 32 fantastic options and 12 beers on tap. I can't seem to keep enough Jagermeister, Patron tequila or Crown Royal in the place!
Complete this sentence: Bakersfield needs more:
... Cowbell (That's for Scott Cox). That's a tricky question. I know several people and companies that actually care and are trying to make things better. Oddly, when you get more of one thing, then you have to give up something on the other end. Say you want more shops, then you get more people and more cars. Now you are mad because you can't find parking in front of your favorite place.
If you were in charge of promoting Bakersfield, what slogan would you write?
For the city? I am way to obnoxious for that. Have you seen the slogans I have put on our T-shirts?
What profession besides your own do you think you would have liked?
I use to mix music for fashion shows, and I like photography. I have a good sense of timing and balance. Either would fit well. I have been told I would have made an excellent prison guard ... thank you, Loren.
Two things always in your refrigerator:
Water and string cheese.
Best piece of advice you ever got:
"Get out of money and get into people, and the rest will follow," and "Don't question yourself when you know you're right."
Dumbest thing you ever did:
Trying to bring live music to Bakersfield. In 1997 I did a four-lane change at Wilshire and Pico during rush hour in L.A. 'cause I almost missed the turn. I was on my way to the Voodoo Exhibit at UCLA and didn't feel like turning around. I looked out my rearview mirror once and then slid my Jeep Cherokee over four lanes to make the turn. James and our friend Steve still turn white if it is mentioned. Funny thing was, a week later we saw on the news about that intersection being the busiest and most dangerous in the U.S. at that time. James and Steve peed their pants again!
Who's your favorite Californian columnist?
Pete Tittl and Matt Munoz, and my all-time favorite, Larry Press.
Are California's best days behind it?
Did the state die and we weren't told? Should I buy more water???
What they're not teaching in school anymore but oughta be:
How to be a child, and accountability.
Name something drivers do that makes you mad:
LEARN HOW TO DRIVE AROUND THE GARCES CIRCLE! There are two lanes. Don't start in one and cross over before your turn. You know which lane to be in -- pay attention.
