Cherokee Cycles shop’s merchandise is located on portable casters that will allow the owners Marcus and Jackie Palazzolo to work as a bicycle shop by day. They can readily transform the space into an elegant private room for The Velo Vineyard group by night. The downtown location is now open and will operate as a catering and private party location for parties, birthdays and more. KARISSA STEWART/Staff
First-time business owners Marcus and Jackie Palazzolo want to turn people on to bicycles.
The Palazzolos are the owners of Cherokee Bicycles at 106 North Wall St. in downtown Calhoun, and Marcus, in particular, is known as one of the most dedicated enthusiasts in the area.
But the couple worried a cycle shop alone would not pull in the needed income to survive.
“With the downturn in the economy, a bicycle shop by itself wouldn’t make it. We thought if we threw in a couple of other businesses it could,” said Jackie Palazzolo.
The Velo Vineyard
Cautious to avoid the fate of three other downtown businesses that were forced to close this year, Marcus asked David Burton, former owner of Wall Street Trading Co., for help with a new type of business venture.
Marcus, who was a longtime Wall Street Trading Co. employee before it closed earlier this year, was able to purchase a downtown building, where several merchants plan to collaborate on a unique business plan.
Velo Vineyard is a three-in-one small association made up of Burton, who will function as a caterer, Trey Pierson, who will provide services as a disc jockey, and his wife Monica Pierson will help with the store’s gift shop.
“Everything’s on (wheeled) casters to push everything out of the way, so you’ll actually have a nice location to have a party,” Jackie explained.
Aside from its portable amenities, the store has a large flat screen TV, where the partners hope to host game nights. Hardwood floors make the perfect dance floor for parties.
The store, approximately 7,000 square feet, offers plenty of space for dancing and kicking back; Trey will liven up any party as a dj.
Also, in the works is a small gift shop that Monica and Jackie will manage inside of the store.
Transforming Vision
The Palazzolos said the business has already moved forward with its plan to revitalize the upstairs and downstairs space to accommodate the private catering and party services operated by Burton.
Hot and cold hors d’oeures will be provided Burton, and they will begin by bringing in a kitchen area that will be ready by early next month.
He will provide catering services for showers, private parties and more in July.
The Velo Vineyard group will also be up and going on the Internet soon. Right now, the Palazzolos say they are proud to be a Gordon County Chamber of Commerce business and are anticipating a partnership with the community.
Jackie said the group looks forward to working with the community and being a local business that provides a nice location and great service.
Cherokee Bicycles, a full-service bicycle shop that specializes in bike repairs, parts and gear, is open for business now, with hours Tuesday through Friday from noon until 6 p.m.
Call 404-291-0439 for more information about The Velo Vineyard.
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