By Dolores Sauca Lorusso

On Monday, the Hull Redevelopment Authority designated the spaces to the five vendors who bid on the nine vendor spots available for the upcoming summer season.

Two vendors, Northeast Surfing and East Coast HUI Surf Shop, are returning for another year, while three new businesses, Flowers & Honey, MJ’s Refreshers, and Bob’s Dogs, will be joining the surf shops this year.

Bids were opened in the order received, and the highest bidder was given first choice of the nine spots on either parking lot A or B – Lot A is closest to Phipps Street, while Lot B is the largest section of the property. The minimum bid for one of the spaces, which measures 40 feet by 30 feet, was set at $1,000; vendors were required to be present on the Zoom meeting to be approved for a space. The HRA solicited requests for proposals for vendors to operate from June 1 to September 30.

The two surf shops were the highest bidders and chose to be located adjacent to one another in Lot A. East Coast HUI Surf Shop came in first with a bid of $3,002, while Northeast Surfing came in second with a bid of $1,520.

Flowers & Honey, MJ’s Refresher, and Bob’s Dogs also decided to locate their businesses on Lot A; therefore, Lot B will not be home to any vendors this summer. The four spaces not leased to vendors will revert to LAZ, the parking lot operator.

The HRA is only approving the use of its land; vendors are responsible for obtaining other necessary permits. Although some of the businesses requested an 8 p.m. closing time, the HRA made it clear to be fair closing would be set at 6 p.m. for all businesses to match the hours of the parking lots.

Only two vehicles are allowed to park on the vendor space, and this includes parking for employees.

Jane and Jeff Wicks of Flowers & Honey are no strangers to Hull; many may know them from the 16 years they owned and operated Hull’s Kitchen. Jane Wicks asked what would prevent someone from coming into the lot before they open and taking their spot.

HRA member Dan Kernan concurred it is important visitors do not park in the vendor spaces and said the board will ensure the vendor spaces are clearly marked.

As the third highest bidder at $1,200, Flowers & Honey will set up shop on the edge of Lot A in space 1. Flowers & Honey is a traveling general store featuring a variety of items including woodwork, flowers, honey, candles, essential oils, and granola.

“We aim to surprise and delight; the types of items carried will rotate. What will not change is we intend to tap into women-run local small businesses to create an opportunity to sell their product,” said Jane Wicks. “After closing Hull’s Kitchen, we missed the connection with our community.”

Cindy Shea of MJ’s Refreshers was next in line to choose a spot; although her bid of $1,000 was tied with Robert Catyb of Bob’s Dogs, she was first to submit her bid. The two businesses chose spaces next to one another.

MJ’s Refresher will offer non-alcoholic beverages, pre-made lunch items, warm pretzels, and made to order lobster rolls. Bob’s Dogs is a hot dog cart featuring hot dogs, chips, and soda.

Catyb said he does not have food experience but is branching out to try something new.

HRA Chair Dennis Zaia said the board started doing this with the idea in mind that new businesses would have the opportunity to experiment.

“You have got to start somewhere,” said Joan Senatore.

Run by Scituate resident Bobby Fenton, who is a veteran surfer of 43 years and holds certifications in both CPR and first aid, East Coast HUI Surf Shop offers kids the opportunity to safely learn to surf and paddleboard. The shop also carries beach supplies, surfboard wax, leashes, and sunscreen.

Hannah and Ronnie Lees of Northeast Surfing are happy to be back to instill the thrill of surfing into the children of the South Shore while also teaching them respect for the environment.

Ronnie Lees is a surfer and skier and has been involved in outdoor sports his entire life, while Hannah, a Hull native, has been surfing since the age of four.

Rentals of paddleboards, surfboards, bikes, beach chairs, umbrellas, and wet suits can be found at Northeast Surfing. The shop also sells water and Richie’s Slush.

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