For visitors arriving by boat, ferry, or private plane, Catalina Island offers more than postcard views and rugged coastlines—it offers small-town charm built by families who’ve called this Island home for generations. One such family has left its mark on Avalon in more ways than one, operating three well-known businesses that serve both Island residents and the steady stream of boaters and vacationers who return year after year.
At the center of that family legacy is Mike Cassidy, a second-generation Islander who, along with his wife Cinde, carries on the entrepreneurial spirit of his parents through a trio of Catalina staples: Chet’s Hardware, Snug Harbor Inn, and the beloved pizza spot, Antonio’s. Together, these businesses don’t just meet practical needs—they help define the character of Avalon, providing everything from home improvement supplies to cozy hotel stays and late-night slices of pizza by the sea.
For boaters pulling into Avalon Harbor, Antonio’s Pizzeria is often the first stop—and with good reason. A fixture on Catalina since 1977, Antonio’s has become a tradition for visitors and locals alike. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and hearty Italian fare, the restaurant serves up pizza, pastas, salads, and sub sandwiches, all with the kind of familiar, friendly service you’d expect from a neighborhood hangout. “If you haven’t been to Antonio’s, you haven’t been to Avalon,” say the locals—and after more than 45 years of serving the community, it’s clear the pizzeria has woven itself into the Island’s fabric. Grabbing a slice to go or lingering over a meal with beer or wine, it’s a place where new arrivals feel like locals and returning visitors feel like they’ve come home.
The family’s investment in Avalon goes beyond comfort food. For more than 60 years, Chet’s Hardware has been a cornerstone of the community, originally opened in 1962 in the historic Atwater Arcade. Purchased by Edward and Patricia Cassidy 15 years later, the business eventually passed to their son Mike, who, alongside Cinde, has continued to grow the store while honoring its roots. Last year, Chet’s Hardware moved into a new, modern location on Catalina Avenue, offering the same reliable service with a fresh space and expanded offerings.
“We’re excited to be able to offer a new and updated space,” Mike Cassidy said, noting that while the store may look different, the mission hasn’t changed. Contractors, do-it-yourselfers, and even boaters rely on Chet’s for everything from hardware to home décor, paint, and supplies to keep their vessels in top shape. The new space also includes a garden center—something Islanders and boaters alike can appreciate. The nursery features traditional garden plants as well as a growing selection of native species, developed in consultation with the Catalina Island Conservancy. It’s a thoughtful addition that reflects both the Cassidy family’s dedication to the Island and the Island’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty.
For those looking to stay overnight—or simply escape the hustle of mainland life—the family’s Snug Harbor Inn offers a different kind of Island experience. Nestled along Avalon’s waterfront, this six-room boutique hotel pairs classic Cape Cod style with the laid-back charm of a seaside retreat. With only a handful of rooms, each guest is treated like a personal friend, enjoying thoughtful amenities such as in-room breakfast service, welcome wine and snacks, deep-soak jetted tubs, and high-speed internet access.
It’s no wonder the Snug Harbor Inn has become a go-to for romantic getaways, anniversaries, and quiet celebrity escapes. Guests can unwind with the sound of the waves outside their window, explore Avalon’s shops and waterfront just steps away, or take beach chairs down to the sand for a quintessential Island afternoon. For boaters who prefer to stay ashore for a night or two, the inn provides the perfect blend of luxury and location, offering a home base within easy reach of the marina.
The Cassidy family’s story is a testament to how small businesses continue to shape the identity of Catalina Island. From a hardware store that stocks supplies for both homes and boats, to a pizzeria where everyone feels like a local, to a boutique hotel that turns a weekend away into something special, these businesses reflect the pride and care that comes from growing up—and growing a business—on the Island.
“We’ve been part of this community for decades, and we’re proud to play a role in what makes Catalina so unique,” Cinde MacGugan-Cassidy said. For visiting boaters, that means more than just having access to pizza, parts, or a hotel room. It means being welcomed into a small, tightly-knit community that thrives on hospitality, hard work, and a deep love for the Island they call home.
If you’re pulling into Avalon Harbor for the day or anchoring offshore for the weekend, the Cassidy family’s businesses offer a glimpse of Catalina’s true character—where friendly faces, local pride, and Island tradition meet at the water’s edge.
For information on Chet’s Hardware, visit chetshardware.com/. For details on Antonio’s, go to antonioscatalina.com/. And, for reservation and more for Snug Harbor Inn, please visit snugharbor-inn.com/.
