It’s a family affair for Mike and Elyssa Mowry, new owners of Rio Wraps, 6325 Sashabaw Road.
‘We work together ? I run the back and she runs the front,? Mike said.
Their children, Chadd, 21, Kirsten, 18, and even Kaeley, 4, help out when they can.
Kirsten worked with the previous owner, who helped with the transition, Mike said.
‘That made it nice,? he said. ‘And we received good training. The franchise is like a family. They took us under their wing.?
So far, the Mowrys, who live in Rochester Hills, installed a new hot-sauce bar, a new set of window blinds, and a marketing plan to grow their business.
‘I went door to door to introduce ourselves to our neighbors,? he said. ‘It’s going good.?
Mike was previously in the automotive industry for 10 years, and Elyssa was a teacher.
‘The economy the way it is, I took a buy out,? he said. ‘We decided to venture into a new business.?
With input from the whole family, they decided on the food industry, and checked out the Independence Township Rio Wraps when they found out it was available.
‘I love it ? Clarkston is a great community,? said Mike. ‘I was impressed with the location. This is a good store.?
Almost all of the food is prepared fresh, which also appealed to them, he said.
‘I like that most of the food is homemade,? he said. ‘Nothing is out of a box, except the condiments.?
Future plans include buying more Rio Wraps, he said.
‘I’d like 3-4 of them,? he said.
For the Clarkston location, he plans a grand opening the week of April 26-31, with promotions, giveaways, and a burrito-eating contest for Clarkston high-schoolers.
He is also planning Family Nights, with cartoon characters, balloon animals, face painting, and free tacobar for the kids.
For more information, call Rio Wraps, 6325 Sashabaw, at 248-625-6314.