SHELBY, N.C. — C.J. Sauer spent years racing hotrods and motorcycles.
In 1993 his passion for speed turned into a business venture that has kept on growing.
Sauer and his wife, Lori, recently expanded Southside Customs, on South Post Road, to include a location on East Dixon Boulevard.
The new site is a one-stop shopping experience.
Not only can customers have automotive work done on motorbikes or cars, but they can purchase parts and accessories for hotrods and bikes, grab a burger and beer or even get inked.
The Sauers own three separate businesses at the one location: Eternal Arts Tattoo, Skooterz Saloon and Southside Customs. Between the three businesses, Sauer said, he employs 18 people.
A few months ago, the business opened in what was formerly Anchor Marine.
A large sign is displayed outside the shop, located at 1851 E. Dixon Blvd., which reads Southside Customs and Skooterz Saloon.
The original Southside Customs, on South Post Road, still handles custom built bikes and retail, Sauer said.
‘It’s the safest place to be on a Saturday night’
He said he and his wife decided to expand after getting requests from friends and customers who wanted a place where they could go to hang out and have fun.
Sauer said U.S. 74 is the main drag between Charlotte, Spartanburg, Asheville and Lake Lure and bikers frequently pass through Shelby without stopping.
“Now they have a reason to stop,” Sauer said. “It’s going to bring business to the community.”
Sauer said, although the business is catered towards bikers, everyone is welcome.
“This may be thought of as a biker bar, but there are also moms and dads, cops and firemen,” he said. “It’s the safest place to be on a Saturday night.”
Live bands play on Saturday evenings and Thursday is karaoke night.
Skooterz Saloon is open daily for lunch and offers burgers, wings, salads, appetizers as well as a daily dinner special.
Sauer said the shop, besides selling parts and apparel, does full-service automotive work on all vehicles and is an official N.C. inspection station.