Downtown Griffith, known for its multitude of restaurants, breweries, and entertainment options, has rebuilt itself thanks to local, small businesses.
Billy O’s Dynamite Music is a music store that sells instruments from vintage guitars to mandolins, and is owned by Billy Ozzello, the bass guitar player in Survivor. The store offers used and new guitars and other instruments from brands such as Gibson and Fender. Amplifiers and guitar accessories are also sold at the store. Dynamite offers an electric guitar room, and they have a large range of acoustic guitars, basses, and amplifiers. Lessons on all stringed instruments, piano, drums, and brass winds are taught. The store was originally opened 19 years ago by Jerry Clemons Junior and Senior. In 2013, Ozzello took over the store after working part-time. He has been in Grammy-winning band Survivor for 23 years and was in and out until 2006. Before taking over the shop, “Billy O” worked in Chicago.
“It’s often hard to compete with online companies and large, popular stores. However, people can always come to our store to find vintage and used instruments.” said Ozzello.
Since 1988, Jim Glover has owned and operated Griffith Jewelers. Over the 29 years that he's been located in downtown Griffith, he has seen a lot of change.
“I have seen businesses come and go, but lately there are no vacant businesses and the town board has changed in a positive way,” said Glover, “I love our small, local business being in a small town because everybody backs each other.”
Glover bought the store from the previous owners who had it since 1956.
Lady’s Gourmet Popcorn has taken off since opening in 2013, and had to relocate due to business being so well. Tadi Haugh started the popcorn business at Griffith’s Central Market each Friday in 2013 and opened up the store the following December. Business was very successful and the store quickly became well known. In 2016, Lady’s moved down the block to a significantly larger shop, and they now offer more products such as gelato and other sweet treats such as chocolate dipped pretzels and cotton candy. They also partner with local Griffith businesses such as Grindhouse and Charcuterie and offer popcorn with spices from them such as espresso and a spice blend.
Haugh’s daughter is also planning to open a business specializing in gourmet hotdogs and homemade soups in the old location of Lady’s, called Relish.
“It’s going to be an awesome place-I know it,” said Haugh, “I have high hopes for it.”
After getting his big debut on Bravo’s “Shear Genius”, a competitive reality TV show for hairdressers, Ben Mollin opened his hair studio in downtown Griffith. Mollin has been traveling around the world teaching others about the art for 10 years, and hosted the show “Hair Wars”. The studio offers high-quality haircuts and coloring, along with styling for events, makeup application, and more. Mollin started his business in 2007 in the back of a music shop, and soon moved to his location near the Griffith bike trail. Prior to opening his studio that he works privately out of, he worked in and owned multiple salons all over Cook County, IL.
“I like the downtown area,” said Mollin, who is originally from Calumet City, IL. “It’s full of like-minded people and everyone gets along.”
Angel Hair Cafe is located next to Ben Mollin and specializes in gluten free, organic, vegetarian, and vegan options as well as fresh pressed juices, smoothies, salads, and sandwiches. The cafe is owned by Angela Mollin, the wife of Ben Mollin. Customers of Ben Mollin have the opportunity to walk into the cafe that is partially connected to the studio to grab a drink or a bite to eat before getting their hair styled.
New Oberpfalz brewery has been open since early 2015 and has gone from having three beers and snacks on their menu to serving up to 12 beers and an extensive menu. Owner Gus Lehnerer started brewing at home as hobby, but it quickly grew into an obsession. He was inspired by German styles that he enjoyed while in Europe. So, in 2013 Lehnerer bought an old building on Main St. and began renovating. When New Oberpfalz first opened, only five gallons of beer was being brewed daily. Now, 240 gallons of beer are brewed daily.
“This type of thing definitely doesn't happen overnight,” said Lehnerer, “You have to take baby steps, and it's going to take a long time.”
Lehnerer loves that Griffith is in the middle of Northwest Indiana and that everyone in the town works hard. He remembers when he bought the business and how empty the businesses were. Now, there are no empty storefronts downtown.
Over the years, the town of Griffith has improved greatly, and now appeals to crowds of all ages. From arcades to breweries, bowling alleys to cafes, you can find everything you could need in downtown.