Thriving Entrepreneurship in Upmarket Beachside Picnic Setups
In the heart of sunny Los Angeles, the beach has become more than just a place for sunbathing and surfing. The pandemic sparked a new trend, with beach picnics emerging as a safe and enjoyable way to gather outdoors. This trend has since evolved into a full-on lifestyle flex, and one company is at the forefront of this transformation: Santa Monica Picnic Co.
Founded in 2020 by Samuel Ancona, a former IBM executive, Santa Monica Picnic Co has quickly become a pioneer in luxury beach picnic experiences. The company has coordinated over 1,500 events and won awards for service and quality, including being named the best catering and event service in the Santa Monica Daily Press annual Most Loved local businesses competition.
Santa Monica Picnic Co offers a range of services tailored to the beach environment. From boho-inspired umbrellas, cushions, rugs, and tableware that withstand sand and wind, to music, lighting, and comfort features designed for outdoor beach conditions, the company ensures a premium experience.
Their basic picnic package includes setup, cleanup, music speakers, and styling. Additional services such as photography, beach games, sound baths, beach yoga, surf lessons, and even proposals, bachelorette parties, company offsites, and funerals during the summer months, are available.
Logistics for Santa Monica Picnic Co events are meticulously handled. Using motorized beach wagons, leaf blowers, and setting up near the wooden walkways just north of the Santa Monica Pier, the company ensures smooth execution, adhering to local regulations for beach use and minimizing environmental impact.
The company's busiest season is from May through September, with events scaling up to about 7 or 8 people at their peak. They partner with the Rustic Canyon Group for catering, offering a variety of luxury foods and drinks suitable for the beach setting. The cost for a beach picnic starts at $200 for two people, with food costing approximately $40 per person.
However, the journey for Santa Monica Picnic Co hasn't been without challenges. During the pandemic, the company faced the theft of their cargo van with most of their inventory. Despite this setback, they have continued to thrive, even organising their biggest event to date with 150 guests, including a live DJ, beach games, a full catered lunch, and partnerships with the Santa Monica Pier for unlimited rides and games.
Now, Samuel Ancona is working with the permit department, city council members, and the mayor to elevate beach services in Santa Monica, especially in preparation for the Olympics. The company is also considering launching beach chairs and umbrella rentals, and advocating for the creation of beach clubs in Santa Monica.
One unusual request involved a Tomb Raider impersonator reading a dramatic speech during a proposal, demonstrating the company's ability to cater to unique and memorable experiences. With their dedication to providing exceptional service and creating unforgettable moments, Santa Monica Picnic Co continues to lead the way in luxury beach picnics in Los Angeles.
- Samuel Ancona, founder of Santa Monica Picnic Co, originally a IBM executive, has transformed luxury beach picnics into a lifestyle trend in Los Angeles.
- In the fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, relationships, travel, and shopping realms, Santa Monica Picnic Co offers more than just a picnic; they provide a chic and unique experience.
- From boho-inspired umbrellas and tableware to beach games, sound baths, and even proposals, Santa Monica Picnic Co caters to a variety of events, including bachelorette parties, company offsites, and funerals during the summer months.
- Partnering with the Rustic Canyon Restaurant Group for catering, Santa Monica Picnic Co offers luxurious and suitable foods and drinks for beach settings, with prices starting at $200 for two people, including food costing approximately $40 per person.
