Is Smartstore the Future of Convenience Stores?

It's an odd place to find such an unusual store.

But there it is, sharing building space with an aerial and martial arts center, in a corner strip mall at the intersection of Artesia and Aviation boulevards. It's called Smartstore, and it's an unconventional fusion of high-end convenience store and technology-based specialty deli/coffee shop.

The exterior is unassuming, with only the name in bold vertical lettering to suggest anything unexpected within.  The interior, all wide open, industrial-style space, has a modern feel.  That sensibility is obviously intentional as Smartstore goes by the motto, "modern convenience."

And in many ways the store, which opened February 10, lives up to that claim. The convenience portion of the store has a surprisingly comprehensive, if slightly scattershot, array of items. Specialty beers and wines,  frozen chicken wings, soy sauce and pasta are available alongside body wash, Tylenol and condoms. Pre-made foods are provided by L.A.-based caterer Heirloom.

General Manager Justin Ashlock says the store is responsive to customers' desires. If patrons make a specific request—as some recently did by asking for the store to stock sake—the Smartstore staff will try to add that item.

The store is loosely divided into two sections—store and deli. It's the latter that really sets Smartstore apart. When customers approach the counter, they are greeted by three touchscreen monitors where they can enter an order for a signature or made-to-order sandwich, salad or soup. You can even plan ahead by going to Smartstore's website, which includes the full menu.  

For busy morning commuters, breakfast sandwiches, bagels and even a cereal bar are available. The store also carries its own proprietary brand of "smart coffee." There is a small dine-in area with three tables, conveniently located next to a large magazine wall. Several surfboards along the window add to the atmosphere.

The concept for Smartstore was the brainchild of Ashlock and store owner Matt Quigley. Phladelphia natives, they noticed that L.A. seemed to lack the touch-screen ordering method, which is apparently ubiquitous on the East Coast. The two spent more than a year and a half getting the store ready, personally building countertops and painting the interior.

So how does the food stack up? I made two trips to Smartstore, once for lunch and once for breakfast.

Lunch was a Buffalo chicken panini with avocado, pepper jack cheese and Cholula mayo ($7). The touchscreen ordering system was easy and self-explanatory, although the topping choices were borderline overwhelming. The sandwich took slightly longer than expected to make—close to 10 minutes. But the wait was worthwhile as the tender meat worked nicely in combination with the spicy mayo and the soothing avocado slices.

Breakfast consisted of an English muffin with egg whites and cheddar cheese ($3.50). The meal was ready within about four minutes, allowing me just enough time to grab some coffee. I went with a medium Pacific Coast Palms French Roast ($1.80) but skipped the available soy milk. It was enjoyable, although slightly lacking in the promised "chocolate/smoke" flavor. The breakfast sandwich was just right, the muffin delivering a crisp counterpoint to the soft egg whites.

It remains to be seen whether touchscreen ordering will catch on in the South Bay, but in the meantime, the folks at Smartstore can be proud that regardless of how you order it, their food hits the mark.

Smartstore is located at 1727 Artesia Blvd. in Manhattan Beach. Store hours are 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Beginning in April, the store will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, call 310-379-2100 or visit the store's Web site.