MONROVIA, CA (BRAIN) — Just a little over one year after Empire Bikes opened in Chino Hills, California, owner Rock Sanchez had his sights set on a second location. With a 25-year career in the bike industry, Sanchez said he knew he had to get it while the gettin’ was good.
“Things were going so well at the first store in Chino Hills,” said Sanchez. “I saw an opportunity, so I took it.”
Sanchez said that Monrovia, located about 25 miles northwest of Chino Hills, has a sizable and avid cycling community. “This is a community where a lot of people ride bikes,” he said. “And it’s also a place that had a need for top-notch service, and that’s what we could offer.”
Empire Bikes sells bicycles from Giant, Felt and Scott. The new store in old town Monrovia carries the same brands but at 4,500 square feet, is more than 1,000 square feet larger than the original location. Both locations host group rides and other events, offer bike fit services and quick turnaround on repairs. The Monrovia location employs two full-time staff and two floaters, including Sanchez, who bounce between the stores.
A grand opening celebration was held at the Monrovia store in early November.
