“Skiing is dance; and the mountain always leads.” —Unknown
Tony purchased some property in Downtown Holly and opened a restaurant, starting small with a limited menu of pizza, sandwiches and pasta. An opportunity arose in 1975 to purchase the building next door, so Tony expanded the dining room and kitchen. The most recent expansion was undertaken four years ago to create an outside patio with seating for 80 diners. Despite the expansions and a second restaurant in Fenton, the business remains a family affair. Tony’s brother Carmine is his business partner and his son John is the general manager. Son Carmine handles the public relations and son Michael manages the Fenton Red Devil location. Tony’s wife Deborah is a Holly girl whom he met when she started working for him many years ago. “I married her, so I had to fire her,” he laughs.
The phenomenal success of TV shows like Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance has reinvigorated public interest in classic forms of dance performed with modern flair. And while the Midwest is certainly not Hollywood, locals can experience all the drama and fun of dance at Chassé Ballroom & Latin Dance Studio in Fenton. The business is co-owned by Michael and Ashleigh LaJoice, who say that their main goal is “for couples or singles to come to our studio to have fun with their partners and friends and get away from the stress of life, even if it’s only for 45 minutes.”
If you love the outdoors, Rocky’s is the place for you. Begun by Paul Joseph “Rocky” Roll, who grew up outdoors on a farm in Perry, MI, Rocky’s Great Outdoors has been an institution in Burton since 1971. Now retired, Rocky and his wife Linda are enjoying life in their beautiful Lake Fenton home, while the dependable staff at Rocky’s handles daily operation.
It all began with two Genesee County natives – Dave Broadworth of Swartz Creek and Dave Byl of Flint. They both loved watching sports and tailgating, especially at U of M and MSU games. Back in 1985, they conceived an idea to capitalize on the great rivalry between the Spartans and the Wolverines: Why not open a retail store and sell merchandise from the rivaling schools? The rest, as they say, is history!
Jack grew up work ing alongside his family in the restaurant and was taught how to cook by his father, Ping His Yang. “To me, cooking is an art form,” says Jack, who puts as much care into the presentation of the food as he does in its preparation. If cooking is an art form for Jack, his meals are meant to be appreciated by guests with all of their senses. “First, you eat with your eyes, so the food must look appealing, and then with your nose as you inhale the aroma. The final sensation is taste,” he says. And the freshly prepared dishes he serves do not disappoint any of the senses, as noted in the many positive customer reviews one can find online.
