It's only been 18 months, but the Cheese Lady is a downtown Muskegon institution. Today marked the big day John and Kathleen moved to their new location at 808 Terrace. The renovation is amazing and the seating area, the expanded counter, the colors, and the increase in floor space make the place comfortable, but still cozy. Definitely check it out!
More pics on Flickr
posted by Dan & Sarah @ 9:56 AM
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Retail outlets have been popping up almost on schedule downtown Muskegon over the last three years. Some are long expected, like the re-opening of Carmens J, and some seem to come out of nowhere. That was the case with Dave and Kristine Olsen who went from 0-40 with the opening of Grips 'n' Gears, a Whizzer outlet, almost as fast as one of the new Whizzer Ambassadors can make it to the same speed! Whizzers are unique throwback motorbikes that were extremely popular in the 20 years following WWII. A sense of nostalgia and the fact that some of the bike models get 120 miles to the gallon have led to a resurgence of the brand which the Olsen’s are capitalizing on. Main Street caught up with Kristine who informed us of how things have been developing since their opening was announced prior to Muskegon Bike Time.
MS: So what did you think of your first Muskegon Bike Time? 
KO: It was exciting! We loved riding our Whizzers among them. Kinda felt like one of the big guys. We loved all their fabulous bikes. They seemed to like ours too.
MS: I hear you are planning to stay here at 942 Terrace Street, rather than moving to W. Clay. What led to the change of heart?
KO: Situations beyond our control, but we need to settle in. We can't keep moving about and the neighbors, here, are very nice. We'll be painting our sign and putting down our roots soon.
MS: Looks like the showroom is filling up with Whizzer bikes, T-shirts and other paraphernalia? What else is on the horizon for addition to the inventory? 
KO: Peterboro bike baskets will be coming in this week. They're handmade in the Monadnock region of New Hampshire and have been a family-owned and operated business in New England for 153 years. We will be getting bicycles and other accessories soon too, and even some Amish baskets.
MS: How did you come to be connected with these nostalgic machines? 
KO: The Whizzers are great! Moderately priced and fun to ride! We kinda stumbled across a Whizzer and then followed up, trying to learn more. The next thing we knew, we had the dealership for West Michigan. It has been a learning experience ever since.
MS: When you are riding around town what are people’s reactions to the bikes?
KO: They stop and stare, smile, and give us a nod or a thumbs up, and sometimes holler "Hey, nice bike".
MS: Downtown Muskegon sure is becoming the place to find cool stuff. Welcome and best of luck!
KO: Thank you. The people we have met here in Muskegon have been very welcoming. I think we will enjoy being here.
Comment on this story on the Downtown Muskegon Blog
Grips 'n' Gears website
Whizzer Motorbikes Company website
YouTube video of a Whizzer in Action
Info for Restoration Enthusiasts
posted by Dan & Sarah @ 8:41 AM
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