A neighborhood institution in Oxford has a pair of new owners with some fresh ideas.
Chuck and Debbie Walleman, residents of Oxford since 1998, have purchased Art and Dick’s Party Store at 81 W. Burdick St.
‘We’ve been doing business here ever since we moved to this town,? said Chuck, who currently works for the Siemens Corporation maintaining explosive detection and X-ray equipment at Detroit Metro Airport. ‘When we heard it was for sale, we decided this would be a great business opportunity and it will be my retirement.?
The Wallemans, married 35 years, will officially take over the store around April 7. That’s when the liquor license transfer is expected to go through at the state level.
Operating the store will truly be a family affair for the Wallemans.
Debbie is leaving her job as a realtor and receptionist at Century 21 Hallmark West to run the party store on a full-time basis.
Joining Debbie behind the counter are the couple’s two sons, C.J. and Mike, and their wives, Virginia and Theresa.
Even the Walleman’s 13-year-old granddaughter Elizabeth will help out by stocking shelves and working the cash register.
‘It’s going to be a real family-run business,? said Debbie with pride in her voice.
One day Debbie hopes to have her other three grandchildren ? Jacquelyn, 5; Kiersten, 10; and Chandler, 8 ? working at the store as well.
The Wallemans are full of innovative ideas and big plans to improve the already popular little party store.
A coffee bar featuring gourmet blends and cappuccino, along with some fresh pastries and donuts, will greet commuters as the store extends its hours by opening at 6:30 a.m. Monday through Friday to take advantage of the ‘morning rush.?
With the Waterstone development just down the road, Chuck said, ‘A lot of traffic comes by here in the morning. It’s a good business opportunity.?
The Wallemans are also looking into installing some cafe seating complete with wireless internet access so people can surf the web or take care of work while they sip their coffee.
‘Like at a coffee house,? Chuck said.
They also plan to expand the wine selection, put in a soda fountain and possibly, if it’s permitted, offer freshmade deli-style and breakfast sandwiches.
Some ‘cosmetic? changes to the store’s appearance will take place ‘to give it a fresh look,? according to Debbie.
As for the store’s name, locals take heart, it will remain Art and Dick’s Party Store.
‘The name is a legacy in Oxford,? Chuck said. ‘We’ve heard everybody would still call it Art and Dick’s no matter what we changed it to.?