Muncie sees summer business closings, openings

This summer, Muncie will say goodbye to some businesses while making way for new ones.

Closings

DN PHOTO BREANNA DAUGHERTY


Grandma Betty’s

Grandma Betty’s will not reopen after a man broke in and stole equipment.

Business owner Jeannine Lee Lake said she was not able to recover all of the equipment that was stolen in the February break-in. A loss of profit and problems related to the crime also led to losing her space on University Avenue.

“We weren’t able to get all of the money we thought we were [going to recover after the break-in],” Lake said. “But I think right now, we have been in business for 10 years, and we think it’s time to close.”

She said closing her business won’t mean she won’t sell her signature ice cream and treats this summer.

She will be present at many summer festivals, including Black Expo in Indianapolis, Minnetrista events in Muncie and others.

Lake said she is unsure what will become of her former space in the Village and doesn’t plan to open another shop any time soon.

Hiatt Printing

DN PHOTO BREANNA DAUGHERTY


Hiatt Printing will close its location close to campus Friday.

Chris Hiatt, owner, said he has worked out a deal with the T.I.S. College Bookstore in the Village. Students and professors will be able to pick up their materials at the bookstore or at Hiatt Printing’s other location at 1716 N. Wheeling Ave.

“We think it’s going to be a good thing,” he said. “But it’s unfortunate to lose that presence after 28 years. It is what it is.”

Hiatt said he doesn’t have any plans to open up another location but “you never say never.”

The location on Wheeling Avenue will have longer hours to accommodate students, he said. The new hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Openings

Goodwill

DN PHOTO JORDAN HUFFER


Southside Muncie shoppers looking to save a little money have one more option this summer.

Goodwill’s new 14,800-square-foot store at 1413 E. 29th St. opened Thursday and will employ 37 people, mostly Muncie residents.

Kent Kramer, Goodwill senior vice president and chief operating officer, said he is happy to open a second store in his hometown.

“[At the store], 90,000 items will be on the shelves with new ones coming out all day,” the Muncie native said.

Along with offering cheap secondhand merchandise, Goodwill also offers job training services.

Two-thirds of Goodwill retail employees have limited employment options because of disabilities, education statues or other barriers, according to a press release.

“We look forward to bringing more great finds and values to Muncie along with new education and employment opportunities,” Kramer said.

Goodwill

1413 E. 29th St., near the southside Walmart

9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays

11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays

Culver’s

DN PHOTO JORDAN HUFFER


Frozen Custard and ButterBurgers are coming to Muncie starting Tuesday.

Culver’s will open its doors at 10 a.m. at its 1312 W. McGalliard Rd. location and offer both dine-in, outside and drive-through services.

“Culver’s was founded on the idea that every guest who visits Culver’s leaves happy,” franchise owner Rayme Swan said. “We invite everyone in Muncie to come experience Culver’s hospitality for themselves.”

Swan and his wife, Heather, own another Culver’s in Marion, Ind.

Culver’s is known for its handcrafted frozen custard made throughout the day along with other choices including cheese curds, salads, fish sandwiches and hamburgers.

“We’re thrilled to bring handcrafted, high-quality meals and desserts to the community of Muncie,” Swan said. “We think it’s a wonderful area, and we are excited to become a contributing and active member of the community.”

On Nov. 22, 2013, the owners, company founders and local officials hosted a ceremony for the groundbreaking. At the ceremony, the business was expected to open by March.

The business said it was planning to employ 60 workers.

Culver’s

1312 W. McGalliard Rd.

10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily

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