Matt Minard started working on computers when he was eight and his mother needed some help. Since 2003, he’s been repairing computers and game systems at his own store in the Clocktower Annex, Bulldog Computers. Now he’ll be selling new laptops and computer peripherals in the former Polly’s Market space in the Village Plaza.
Minard will be expanding his offerings to include Toshiba laptops; keyboards, mice, and wireless routers; Dish Network TV and Wild Blue satellite Internet service; and gadgets like Bluetooth-headset sunglasses and a dime-size miniature thumb drive.
He plans to continue building custom computers and repairing computers and game systems. He’ll also sell homemade cookies once a week. Someone at the Secretary of State office next door originally thought he was opening a treat shop—so he figured, why not?
Bulldog Computers, 1119 S. Main (Village Plaza), Chelsea. 433–1090. Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. Other hours by appointment. Closed Sun. www.
bulldogcomputerrepair.com
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More than a year after a fire ravaged its space, the former Aleko’s Carry-Out will reopen with a new name—CL’s Carryout.
Owner Carl Leasch hopes to be back in business by the Fourth of July weekend, “sooner if we’re lucky.” He is waiting for state health department approval.
Like Aleko’s, CL’s will sell pizza, pasta, and sandwiches—and a few new things too, like a pepperoni pizza roll, some new salads, and a new kind of pizza.
The name change reflects Leasch’s buyout of his silent partners—two brothers who founded the original Aleko’s in Hamburg and hired him in 1992 when he was in high school.
“The menu’s going to stay 90 to 95 percent the same,” says Leasch, who spotted the May 5, 2008, fire and alerted the fire department. The fire also destroyed the Chelsea Grille and damaged other stores in the Chelsea Shopping Center.
The shopping center’s anchor store Pamida reopened in smaller quarters. Chelsea Grille is also expected to reopen, but a date has not been set.
CL’s Carryout, 1070 S. Main (Chelsea Shopping Center), Chelsea. Phone, hours not yet set.
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Edna Middleton has relocated Rose Cottage, her household item and gift shop, from Dexter to the former Middle Bead space in Chelsea—and added more furniture, soaps, lotions, bird cages, and silk floral items.
“Chelsea has more foot traffic,” Middleton says, explaining the move. “Chelsea seems like more of a destination spot.”
Rose Cottage, 115 W. Middle, Chelsea. 433–9121. Mon. 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Tues.–Sat. 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (summer), 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (winter), Sun. noon–4 p.m.
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Sears Roebuck is scouting Chelsea for a location and owner for a possible Sears Hometown Store. The city’s “demographics look good” for one of the chain’s franchised smaller stores, says Charles Todd, Sears’ regional market development manager. The stores, which are run like dealerships, carry all of Sears’ best-known brands, including Kenmore appliances and Craftsman tools.
Todd says Sears is interviewing potential dealers but has no timetable for opening a store in Chelsea.
