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In part one of a series, we profile ten locally-owned
businesses
that give Huntington its undeniable charm. Article by Shelly Betz
Photography by Rick Lee A popular song from the 1960s claims "You can forget all your troubles;
forget all your cares and go downtown." With the Ohio River serving
as a natural and sometimes majestic backdrop, downtown Huntington seemingly
has more to offer residents and visitors these days. And while we all
revel in the new business and entertainment attractions, there are even
more tried-and-true businesses which help make our great city what is
is today. Most of us recognize the picture of many downtowns in cities across
the United States is not always rosy. Many are laden with boarded up
buildings, long abandoned by once-thriving businesses that either sought
shelter at the neighboring suburban mall or were simply swallowed up
by the one-stop-shop megastores which seem pervasive in today’s
society. Nonetheless, there are times when we need to count the small blessings
within our community and realize that the presence of locally or family-owned
businesses can have just as much impact upon our lives as those which
extend beyond the borders of our city—Huntington is no exception.
Here are a few of them in Part One of our coverage of “The Local
Charm of Huntingon.”  Bliss Boutique
842 4th Avenue
(304) 523-2222
www.blissboutique.net
Bliss Boutique, located in the heart of downtown Huntington, offers
a refreshingly eclectic blend of unique fashions for women ages 25-45.
Filled with a broad selection of casual wear, formal gowns, fashion jewelry,
shoes and even some home accessories, the whimsical atmosphere of BLISS
is sure to capture the essence of any woman-of-style, as well as the
man who loves her. Owner Rita Pike-Grahamn says her idea to open the
boutique in February of 2005 was borne of many years shopping out of
town. “For years I traveled to other places to find clothing that
was unique and well made. I know quality fabrics when I see them and
also pay attention to the fact that our customers do not like to see
themselves repeated around town,” she said. Staying true to the
mantra, ‘All Things Feminine’, BLISS is more than the name
suggests. It is also a state of being contrived of a celebration of being
a woman. The store opens at 10:30am Monday thru Saturday and offer after-hours
shopping by appointment.  T.K. Dodrill Jewelers
321 9th Street
(304) 523-4748
www.dodrilljewelers.com
If diamonds really are a girl’s best friend, then Kirk Dodrill
may very well rank as a close second choice. As the area’s only
certified gemologist, Kirk Dodrill prides himself on selecting only the
finest precious stones, silver, gold and platinum rings, plus high-end
watches for customers. Tucked neatly along the downtown plaza strip that
conveniently leads to Pullman Square, T.K. Dodrill Jewelers is reminiscent
of a once upon a time multi-generation family-owned business, overflowing
with elegance and subtle irreverence for the ordinary. “From the
beginning (1984), our focus has been on the gemstones, providing good
customer service and overall quality. I’m sensitive about our family
name and its reputation,” said Dodrill. The store offers jewelry
design and the rare ideal cut Lazare diamond, which allows for maximum
refractory to return light to the top of the stone. Dodrill’s also
carries unique jewelry by such exclusive designers as Lyric, Richard
Krementz Platinum bridal and colored gemstones, A. Jaffe and Diana wedding
bands and bridal. Business hours are 10am-5pm Monday thru Friday, Saturday
10am to 4pm.  Wender’s Apparel, Inc.
901 4th Avenue
(304) 523-7852
As one of the oldest businesses in downtown Huntington, Wender’s
has outfitted many of the area’s most sophisticated and professional
ladies for some 70 years. It is truly a landmark. Specializing in sportswear,
dresses, designer separates, hats, handbags and accessories, the shop
continues to attract ladies of distinction and class, as well as those
looking for up-to-date, yet classic and practical fashions. Edna Dunkle,
store owner for the past 40 years, believes the success of the store
is due in part to a longstanding tradition of excellent customer service. “We
have a sales staff that gives every customer special attention. I think
it’s a advantage to really know the customer and what she likes
and dislikes,” she said. Wender’s also provides custom fitting
and alterations and prides itself on keeping abreast of the latest fashion
trends. Some popular designer labels include Liz Claiborne, Irene Allison,
Graff and Blast. Store hours are 10am until 5pm Monday thru Saturday.  The Peanut Shoppe
941 Fourth Avenue
(304) 522-4621
Now here’s a business we can all sink out teeth into—literally.
Whether it’s the warm cashews , chocolate-covered peanuts, pistachios
or homemade fudge that pleases your palette, most Huntington residents
can attest to the seemingly intoxicating aroma that emanates from the
popular downtown business on a daily basis. For many, it is a must-do
stop on the way to or from the movie theater. Family owned since 1924,
the rich tradition of offering fresh peanuts and candies continues to
guide the business as a favorite among local residents and visitors alike.
All shelled nuts are deep fried in peanut oil ad seasoned with select
spices. Other nuts still in their shell are dry roasted to peak flavor.
Doug Myers, current owner, says The Peanut Shoppe enjoyed a boom in business
throughout last spring’s filming of the “We Are…Marshall” movie. “The
Warner Bros. staff gave our display windows a much-needed facelift by
decorating them for the movie,” he said. The shop now offers custom-order
party trays, as well as gift tins filled with tasty treats, complete
with area school or sports team logos.  Stewart’s Original Hotdogs
2445 Fifth Avenue
(304) 529-DOGS
www.stewartshotdogs.com
Perhaps one of the most nostalgic eateries in Huntington is found on
5th Avenue. Since 1932 customers have enjoyed the famous hot dogs, BBQ
and root beer served up by Stewart’s Original Hot Dogs. This fourth-generation
family owned business continues to thrive and delight fans of all ages
with its trademark chili sauce, friendly car waiters, convenient location
and down-home flavor. John Mandt, Jr. says it’s no surprise that
Stewart’s is a favorite among the locals. “When you come
to Stewart’s you know exactly what you’re going to get. Everything
tastes the same as it did back in the beginning,” he said. Stewart’s
Original Hot Dogs is the official hot dog for Marshall University athletics.
They also provide catering for special occasions and accept internet
orders. In the past four years, Stewart’s has shipped more than
3,000 orders throughout the U.S. and to such faraway places as Iraq,
Italy and Korea.  City Kids & Co.
948 Fourth Avenue
(304) 525-2511
The best-dressed kids in town most likely have visited City Kids located
in the heart of downtown Huntington. The specialty children’s boutique
opened in 1989, offering unique, affordable fashions for children from
preemie sizes all the way up to size 14 for boys and girls. The store
carries such favorites as special occasion dresses, Christening gowns,
hair bows, boys suiting and all-weather gear to name a few. The business
is a ‘sister store’ to Pumpkin Patch in Ceredo, both carrying
different merchandise to serve two distinct customers. As owner Sherry
Houveras explains, both stores have plenty to offer by way of children’s
fashion. “We have brands that are unique to each store. The City
Kids shopper tends to prefer a more classic and conservative look. Of
course, we have many customers who shop both stores. They know that,
if it is to be found, chances are City Kids or Pumpkin Patch carries
it,” she said. City Kids is open Monday thru Saturday, 10am until
5pm.  Jim’s Steak & Spaghetti House
920 5th Avenue
(304) 696-9788
It’s hard to imagine Huntington without the legendary Jim’s
Steak & Spaghetti House, which is synonymous with the city itself.
The popular restaurant started by Jim Tweel back in 1938 is a favorite
among area residents, with its celebrity photo-clad walls and waitresses
who continue to don the traditional all-white uniforms. But it is the
food that draws customers by the thousands year after year, with a focus
on quality, consistency and good service. Many customers visit the restaurant
weekly to get the famous spaghetti, white fish and signature cheeseburgers
on a grilled bun. Daughter Jimmie says the popularity of Jim’s
restaurant transcends time. “I think the restaurant holds so many
memories for people in Huntington. They come here to celebrate birthdays,
wedding anniversaries, graduations and more. Jim’s original ideals
about good service and food, as well as cleanliness are reflected even
down to the uniforms the ladies wear. When you come here, you know exactly
what to expect and I think we do a great job of making customers happy,” she
said. Jim’s Steak & Spaghetti is open Tuesday thru Saturday,
11am until 9pm. Take out orders are accepted.  Glenn’s Sporting Goods, Inc.
1051 Fourth Avenue
(304) 523-7766
When it comes to athletic wear and shoes, there’s one name in
Huntington that stands above all others. Glenn’s Sporting Goods
opened in 1970, with a shoe selection that was limited to the famous
high or low top Chuck Taylor by Converse. Customers had their choice
of black or white. Nowadays, Glenn’s carries a broad selection
of athletic apparel that includes more than 600 styles of shoes, plus
school jackets and uniforms, sweatshirts, Marshall University gear and
more. The store also has the high distinction of being a NIKE Elite Dealer,
which allows it to carry specialty and limited edition products such
as the popular Air Force I shoe line and Michael Jordan clothing. It
is also a Russell Athletic RTS team dealer, as well as a Wilson Specialty
team dealer, gving them access to pro line uniforms. Customer service
is key. A knowledgeable sales staff, many of whom have worked at the
store for more than 15 years, still fits shoes and personally attends
to each customer. Store hours are 9am to 8pm on Monday and Friday; 9am-6pm
on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.  Mack & Dave’s
1010 Third Avenue
(304) 697-4211
www.mackanddaves.com
Mack & Dave’s has been a fixture in Huntington since 1949,
when good friends Mack Webb and David Cohen collectively purchased the
pawn shop where they both worked, then called B&B Loans. Along with
the name change, the business relocated to its current spot along Third
Avenue in 1974. Today, the city-block-long specialty department store
sells everything from furniture, electronics, musical instruments and
accessories to jewelry, guns and cameras. With such a rich history that
is embedded within the Huntington community, Mack & Dave’s
is one of only a few local businesses where the customers may span three
or four generations of shoppers. Although Mack Webb passed away 15 years
ago, his business partner David Cohen carries on the tradition of good
customer service that the two began in the early days. Store hours are
9:30am until 6:30pm on Monday; 9:30am – 5:30pm on Tuesday Wednesday,
Thursday and Saturday; and 9:30am – 6pm on Friday.  C.M. Love & Company
1002 Third Avenue
(304) 525-5128
www.love.doitbest.com
Opened in 1910 as Love, Brinker Hardware, Charles Marion Love changed
the name several years later when he became sole owner. Then, as now,
C.M. Love carried basic hardware products ranging from fencing and well-water
pumps, electrical wire, bulk grass seed, power equipment and lawn & garden
items. Recently, the third-genration family owned store has broadened
its niche offerings to include products more appealing to the ladies,
such as housewares, gifts, silver jewelry and some handbags. Gary Pommerenck,
company President, attributes the longevity of C.M. Love to staying true
to its roots, while evolving with the times. “We have always been
committed to carrying items that our customers want or need. Over the
years, we have made adjustments to our store inventory where items were
taken care of by other businesses, such as the trainloads of fertilizer
we used to purchase before manufacturers began selling directly to customers,” he
said. Even now, one of C.M. Love’s best assets lies within the
product knowledge among its management team and support staff, who offer
the right advice to customers each day. The store offers local delivery
service. Business hours are 8:30am to 5:30pm Monday thru Friday; Saturday,
8:30am to 5pm. Shelly Ridgeway Betz is a freelance writer living in Huntington with
her husband and two daughters. |
