First area restaurant equipment resale shop opens in Ypsilanti

The expression about one door opening as another closes has taken on a literal meaning for business owner J.W. Boyle, who may no longer be planning to launch Great Day Gourmet Brownies in Ypsilanti, but just recently opened the doors of America's Resellers Corp., or ARC on E. Michigan Ave. 

 

Though complications with a major utility claim prevented Great Day Gourmet Brownies from opening, Boyle took his 30 years of restaurant experience and all of the equipment he'd purchased for the business and turned it into ARC, which Boyle says is the first business of its kind in the area. 

 

"There is nobody who does restaurant equipment with our inside experience," says Boyle. "We opened the first day at 8:30 in the morning, and there had been cars waiting. Local restaurants are tickled."

 

The 7,800 sq. ft. building on E. Michigan Ave. had been abandoned for several years, but Boyle says its size and convenient location was perfect for his showroom. Boyle offers new and refurbished restaurant equipment for sale, but he says making sales isn't his only goal. 

 

"It's about service to the community and helping people," says Boyle. "We try to help people who are opening a business, and take them through the steps. We'll sit down in my conference room and go through their food cost and their menu and their rent."

 

ARC opened its doors about three weeks ago, after Boyle spent about a year building the business through online sales. The family business employs a staff of five. Boyle says he hopes to be a great resource for local restaurateurs, both with his inventory and his advice.