Quick & Pick

I will admit this will be one of the few times I show some bias in my reviews, but I feel there is cause for doing so.
I believe this stand was one of the original shops opened during Phase I of development for The Irvine Spectrum or at the very least, it has been here for as long as I can remember, making it very odd that I am the first Unilocaler to review it.
I have known the owner Alex for a number of years and almost always stop by to say «hello» when I am down at Spectrum. I am always given a warm greeting by Alex, he even says hi to my four legged family members (he has known both Chief and Kaya). Almost anytime I am down at The Irvine Spectrum, you can find me taking a break and hanging out here.
Before the Plaza Newsstand opened over a year ago, Quick & Pick was the only option for all those incidentals you may need while you are out and about.
Alex works literally out of a hole in the wall (
), but if you forgot your nicotine or need a quick snack, he has you covered.
Have a headache? No problem. Need a boost because you are dragging? He has a energy drink with you name on it. Hi-​Chew? You bet! Recently he has added a Lottery machine and scanner, so if you want to be the next millionaire or check your «winning» tickets, you can do it here.
I will admit the prices are a little high, but if you know anything about The Irvine Company, you know why he has to charge a little more. Don’t get me wrong, it is nothing outrageous, but at the same time, he has to make a living. To give you an idea of how things work, The Irvine Company issued an order last year that all businesses at The Irvine Spectrum would be open on Thanksgiving by 11:00 PM for Black Friday. Refusal meant the business was fined. Some businesses were exempt, but the majority businesses opened their doors by the proscribed time.
In addition to the convenience and friendliness of the owner, my main reason for giving this shop 5 stars is all the nice things Alex has done for the better half and I over the years. During the hot summers, he has offered us cold bottled water and frequently gives my wife free gummy bears and Hi-​Chew (two of her favorite candies).
Rohlinism: No matter how large or small a business may be, it is always nice to be on good terms with the owner.
If you have forgotten something during your shopping or restaurant experience during you visit to The Irvine Spectrum, don’t forget about Quick & Pick!