With locations in Morro Bay and Cambria, there are many unique treasures to find
By Blake Ashley Frino-Gerl
No antique store is the same, but when you have two antique stores under one ownership, you may find more of what you are searching for. The focus on quality antiques and interesting vintage pieces is showcased in the Morro Bay and Cambria Rich Man Poor Man Antiques store locations. Owners Myles and JoAnna Crebs always have furniture, crystal, glassware, Fine China, sterling silver, pottery, estate jewelry, Native American jewelry, fine art, and coins, and vintage clothing available for their customers.
Rich Man Poor Man Antiques has quite a history. Opened by Barbara Linder, the store originated in Visalia in 1976. It was relocated to Cayucos in the late 1980s when Myles and JoAnna Crebs were dealers. In 2012 the store moved to Cambria, where it remains today.
After transferring to Georgia in 1989 and working full-time as corporate accountants, the Crebs opened their first small antiques store.
After their retirement in 1996 from corporate accounting and owning a small antiques store in Georgia, Myles andJoAnna “pursued a lifelong dream of moving to the Central Coast” and once again owning an antiques business. They eventually purchased Rich Man Poor Man Antiques in 1999.
“Owning the stores is our fun,” Myles explains.
Myles, JoAnna, and Morro Bay Store Director Kathleen Mehlschau feel that one of the most enjoyable aspects of the business is when someone finds an item that they have been searching for months or even years for.
Mehlschau joined Rich Man Poor Man Antiques Mall in Cambria in 2015 after establishing her business Spiritful Designs, for which she was selling at specialty shows and antiques stores. She also began working with JoAnna Crebs in planning and designing the Morro Bay store, which opened April 1.
Both of the stores have outdoor areas with plants and planters, statuary, outdoor furnishings, “rusty” or native gold, and much more. The store’s Man Cave boasts items including tools, knives, Hawaiian shirts and collectibles, and records.
“The sellers in Morro Bay and Cambria are the most experienced in the business,” Myles said. The majority of the sellers are retired professionals, but there are also young talented newcomers, too. “This is a most impressive group of dealers, their talent in procuring antiques and design is the best I’ve ever seen,” JoAnna said.
The store is 8,000 square feet and includes a large outdoor area with a pergola. Delivery is available, and the stores are open every day except Christmas. Active in producing antique fairs in the past, Rich Man Poor Man Antiques is also a new member of the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce.
The Crebs appreciate their clientele and ensure their stores have a variety of treasures for them. “Our customers are locals and visitors; we love them all!” Myles said.
Rich Man Poor Man Antiques
2200 Main St., Morro Bay
Rich Man Poor Man Antiques
Antiques Mall, 2110 Main St., Cambria
richmanpoormanantiques.com
