This review is a rare departure from my usual restaurant reviews and one that is shamefully about six months overdue.
In the spirit of supporting small local businesses, especially in view of our current pandemic crisis and the outstanding work they did for me, I cannot sit on this one any longer.
The Strip Joint is a furniture refinishing and repair business that has been family owned since 1980.
It specializes in the stripping, refinishing, restoration, woodworking, metal polishing, painting, and other custom finishes for old, damaged, and fine antique furniture.
It was originally opened by Mike Campbell on 21st Street before moving to its current location on Colonial Avenue location a few years later.
He retired in 2018 and passed the torch and all of his tools and materials to his son, Chase Campbell, who learned the business from his father growing up.
Even though Chase had a degree in automotive repair, he decided to follow his heart and work full time at his father's business 16 years ago.
Now in charge of the business, he exudes a great deal of passion for his craft, and it clearly sparkles in his work.
His father is still involved in the business and often helps out on Saturdays. He also provides in home service, which may be on hold right now due to the pandemic.
The Strip Joint is located on the opposite end of the same row of businesses where Yorgo's Bageldashery is situated. Yorgo's is on one end, and The Strip Joint is on the other.
When they are open, their work van is out front and their door is open. They still appear to be in business during the pandemic. I walked by there just a few days ago, and their door was open.
The place is larger than it appears from the outside. The work space inside consists of about 5,000 square feet.
The work they did for me was the restoration of an antique copper Turkish coffee table tray that I inherited from my parents. It had become badly tarnished during the recent years I owned it.
I have no idea how old it is, except that it is older than I am. My memories of it go all the way back to my early childhood. I've been told that the etchings on the tray resemble designs from the Ottoman Empire.
This is no pie tin, as one person thought when I showed her a photo. It measures 28 inches in diameter and is quite heavy.
The work they did included the stripping, polishing, and lacquering of the tray until it was reborn and given new life with its original shine and luster. The work was completed in October of last year and matched their estimate exactly.
It now hangs proudly as a beautiful wall decoration in my home. I shall forever be indebted to The Strip Joint for restoring a valued family heirloom I shall cherish for life.
The Strip Joint is a true Norfolk gem that has earned its support and reputation for the past four decades.
If you have a piece of furniture that can use some love and restoration, The Strip Joint carries my highest recommendation. read more