Joanne Williams
Editor

(Photo by Joanne Williams/TCJ: Once Mike’s Automotive, then home to Eaton Clothing and Furniture Center, now a business hub, anchored by Valhalla Value and Liquidations, 135 S. Washington St., Charlotte.)

 

Who cares what Punxsutawney Phil says about winter! Dairy Queen opens Saturday, February 7 in Charlotte.

And there is a lot going on in the surrounding area in terms of small business news.

Dan Riedy retires with a farewell party on February 8 at Riedy’s, 219 S. Cochran. The restaurant closes its doors after 46 years – once with three locations.

B’s Artistic Studio is now in downtown Charlotte at 111 W. Lovett. The move took place just after the holidays. 

Bella Grande clothing and more consignment boutique closes in March after almost two decades of success. Until the doors are locked, there are sales and deals inside 227 S. Cochran. Current owner Angel Fulkerson took over from founder Betsy Smith and has created lasting relationships with customers and consignment providers.

Deadtime Stories: The Sequel, opened in the Courthouse Square Museum in June 2025. Despite being open during festivals and concerts, there was not enough traffic for it to remain. The store closed before the new year, but the original Deadtime Stories flourishes in Lansing.

There is a new director at the Eaton County Humane Society Danielle Constant, who was recently a manager at the Northland Animal Hospital in Rockford.

The former Soldan’s pet supply, recently sold to Feeders Pet Supply, closed at the end of October 2025 in the Charlotte Plaza. A former manager wrote on Facebook that the staff was great, sales were underperforming, costs of brick and mortar were a factor, and other Soldan locations remain open.

Yes, it’s true, the former Reflections store at 129 S. Cochran is now Vikings’ Edge, an axe-throwing venue. Sneak a peek during the Wine Walk on February 12 (tickets required), or wait for the opening, February 27. As the Wood Turns owner John Laupp and neighbor from the Groomery, Capri Brown Dixon, are owners. Six lanes and unique designs are featured.

Richard’s Appliance, a mainstay in Charlotte at 630 W. Lawrence Ave.,  since 1983, is now Morton’s Appliance, offering appliance sales and repairs. Longtime owners Robin and Janice Richards retired and sold the building to Brad and Terri Morton.

The Riverside Café, a grand community spot, has been closed for about a year in Bellevue. Asking price is $300,000 for a spot by the riverside.

The former Bellevue Car Wash is now Steph’s Buff and Wash, and since owners Justin and Stephanie Keiffer took over in November 2025, changes and upgrades have been in progress.

It is hard to believe the transformation of the Windwalker Gallery front on 125 S. Cochran in Charlotte. Once an art, design and musical showplace, the Marketplace Studio Gallery is chocked with an eclectic mix of items from local folks, from herbs to clothing, mugs to jewelry. The back is still set up with a piano and stage and has been used for musical events. The Windwalker Antiques and Underground Gallery was started by the late Richard Turbin and his son, Rick, in 2012 and operated as such until Richard died in 2024. 

Also a part of the Marketplace is The Corner Market and Pantry, moving in from just down the road from its former location at Lovett and Cochran.

Seasonal Inspirations was a charming gift shop and community support for Olivet. Jamie Kita was the owner and operator, as well as one time Olivet Chamber of Commerce president. Ill health has forced her to close her shop.

When one business leaves a building, another moves right in. That’s the prosperity of the WestEnd Hub in Charlotte. Natural Journey to Health moved in with Agape Salon on Lawrence Avenue, leaving space for the newest West End Hub occupant, RK’s Unique Boutique to move right in at 517 W. Lovett. The shop should be up and running soon, says owner Randi-Kay Stine.

And still more moves in the West End, where Valhalla Value and Liquidations, which has done nothing but grown since its beginnings about four years ago, moves to 135 S. Washington, as Eaton Clothing and Furniture moves out and into space on 520 S. Robinson St., next to SIREN/Eaton Shelter.

Valhalla will not be alone in the budling as it is large enough to house multiple businesses, many fostered under Valhalla’s roof.