A Chattanooga couple have turned their passion for motorcycle riding into a retail venture to cater to the apparel, helmet and other accessory needs of their fellow cruiser riders.
Julie and Greg Manning became one of 20 licensed retailers under the Renegade Classics brand and their newly opened store will begin a 3-day grand opening sale Thursday at their new 1,800-square-foot outlet in Brainerd Village. The store at 5888 Brainerd Road offers a variety of helmets, boots, gloves, jackets and patches with featured brands such as Renegade Classics, Liberty Wear and Brackney Leather which aren't available anywhere else in the Chattanooga market.
"We knew our fellow bikers wanted more options here in Chattanooga, so we when we discovered this business opportunity, we jumped in with both feet," said Julie Manning, who quit her corporate job to pursue the new retail store.
Before opening the store, Greg Manning had his own business, White Oak Embroidery, where he embroidered patches and made custom embroidered hats, shirts, monograms and logos.
"Merging the embroidery business into a Renegade store was an easy decision," he said. "You can get your vest, patches, and sewing all in the same place."
Julie Manning said the Brainerd Village site is located across the street from Bud's Sports Bar, which has a regular bike night each Wednesday, and is down the street from other motorcycle stores.
"After months of dealing with delays and roof leaks that wouldn't stay fixed, we are happy to have finally turned on the open sign and unlocked the door to the public," she said in a Facebook post when the store opened this month.
Renegade Classics is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Throughout the three day celebration, shoppers can enter to win a unique prize pack, enjoy hourly giveaways, and receive a free shammy with purchase while supplies last.
"We both wanted to own our own business and we think we've found the right business for us to pursue," Julie Manning said.
Contact Dave Flessner at dflessner at dflessner@timesfreepress.com or at 757-6340.