My Genesis 1000 project


 
We have a hardware store, family owned for 100 years, a half mile down the street. It opened the same year our house was built, 1925. Worn oak floors, bins going back for decades, everything my old house could need.

They announced last month they're closing this fall.:(
 
The sad thing is that people say they want the old-fashioned hardware store, but they vote with their feet (and wallet) and go to Home Depot, Lowes and Menards. I still have memories of that hardware store smell from when I was a very little kid in the 1960s!

A place like Ace tries to straddle the line between the old hardware store and the modern big box ones. Being in a small town in rural Indiana, our Ace is sheltered from some competition, with big box stores being 30 to 60 miles away. Our store just moved to a much larger location. A gamble, for sure, but it is very nice to now have a much larger local selection for hardware and supplies - and even quite a large assortment of Weber grills!
 
The sad thing is that people say they want the old-fashioned hardware store, but they vote with their feet (and wallet) and go to Home Depot, Lowes and Menards. I still have memories of that hardware store smell from when I was a very little kid in the 1960s!

A place like Ace tries to straddle the line between the old hardware store and the modern big box ones. Being in a small town in rural Indiana, our Ace is sheltered from some competition, with big box stores being 30 to 60 miles away. Our store just moved to a much larger location. A gamble, for sure, but it is very nice to now have a much larger local selection for hardware and supplies - and even quite a large assortment of Weber grills!
Actually it's more like the stores vote with their feet and run away. FWIW, one that we had close by was Bob's Ace Hardware. I don't care what hour of the day you went there they were totally crowded and people always came out with carts full of stuff and also big ticket items like Weber grills of all variety up to and including Summits. No one can tell me they were not turning a $$$$. But, Menard's stayed right here. Sorry not gonna drive to an inconvenient location just to say "I bought it at Ace". Now the former Bob's Ace is home to a Rockford Rescue Mission thrift store. Hardly a place a shop for my projects
 
I have two Ace hardware stores within short driving distance of me that I do go to frequently as well as a Home Depot. I don't really like going to into the Home Depot and often take advantage of their free delivery or pickup if it's something I need sooner than later. I do buy a lot of the things I use on my grill rehabs from Ace, they have it in stock, the price is reasonable, and I don't have to deal with shipping or the crowded parking lot at Home Depot. An added bonus is that someone at Ace will actually ask you if you need any help, which is nice when you're searching through all the bins of stainless nuts and bolts for the ones needed for a grill rehab. Most of the employees at Home Depot run the other way if you even look at them.
 
My family started the hardware store in the small town I live in. I’ve told the stories many times, so I’ll spare you guys this time. But a while back the hardware stores property owner sold the land to an investor who leveled it for an atrocious apartment complex. It was 6 or 7 years without a hardware store (15 minute drive for Menards). But man, was it missed by everyone.

Now more than ever, I will buy anything I can from there. Even if it’s cheaper at Menards, I’ll save my time and spend extra to support small businesses. Especially if it helps keep it here. I’ll wait to buy tools/attachments from them when they do the Memorial Day/4th/Labor day., etc. sales as usually they’re right in line with big box stores then. I got my Dewalt battery string trimmer there for the same price as a farm and fleet a couple years ago, plus a 10% veteran’s discount (which f&f also does).
 
I certainly agree with all the sentiments. I grew in a small town in MA, where I could walk to as a kid. The worn wood floors and smells and tools captivated me. Started my fascination with hardware stores. I ALWAYS support the small biz guys. Cost isn’t as important to me as Quality, selection, Warranty, and most importantly WHO answers the phone when there’s questions or problems. I just HATE the impersonal box store chains, poor selection, crowds and overworked/under appreciated staff. Recently moved to CO, and there’s 2 Ace’s. Near me. 1 is brand new the other has been updated (it’s huge & the have a weapons dept). The new concept relies Heavily on hardware asst. I visit those stores 3-5 times a week for my job and my hobbies. They’re the closest thing to ‘old time’ hardware stores I’ve found. They’ve had All the little bits to finish off my grills. Plus they’re Weber dealers with a Huge selection of grills and parts/accessories. A virtual gold mine for me.

GLuck, Jay
 
My family started the hardware store in the small town I live in. I’ve told the stories many times, so I’ll spare you guys this time. But a while back the hardware stores property owner sold the land to an investor who leveled it for an atrocious apartment complex. It was 6 or 7 years without a hardware store (15 minute drive for Menards). But man, was it missed by everyone.

Now more than ever, I will buy anything I can from there. Even if it’s cheaper at Menards, I’ll save my time and spend extra to support small businesses. Especially if it helps keep it here. I’ll wait to buy tools/attachments from them when they do the Memorial Day/4th/Labor day., etc. sales as usually they’re right in line with big box stores then. I got my Dewalt battery string trimmer there for the same price as a farm and fleet a couple years ago, plus a 10% veteran’s discount (which f&f also does).
Absolutely!👍
 
I certainly agree with all the sentiments. I grew in a small town in MA, where I could walk to as a kid. The worn wood floors and smells and tools captivated me. Started my fascination with hardware stores. I ALWAYS support the small biz guys. Cost isn’t as important to me as Quality, selection, Warranty, and most importantly WHO answers the phone when there’s questions or problems. I just HATE the impersonal box store chains, poor selection, crowds and overworked/under appreciated staff. Recently moved to CO, and there’s 2 Ace’s. Near me. 1 is brand new the other has been updated (it’s huge & the have a weapons dept). The new concept relies Heavily on hardware asst. I visit those stores 3-5 times a week for my job and my hobbies. They’re the closest thing to ‘old time’ hardware stores I’ve found. They’ve had All the little bits to finish off my grills. Plus they’re Weber dealers with a Huge selection of grills and parts/accessories. A virtual gold mine for me.

GLuck, Jay
Agree wholeheartedly
 
So I want to take a moment to thank you all for your help with this project.
Save for the warmer basket arriving Tuesday, and a query with the “Dent Doctor” (I have a little ping in the hood on top), I think this one is done.
Just completed the burn-in.
After 12 minutes it buried the needle. It gets to temperature faster, gets hotter, more than my 2015 Genesis with new burners and service this year…and it stays clean.
Thank you all again very much. Planning our first cook.
 
Everything is sideways anyway lol
 

Attachments

  • IMG_6322.jpeg
    IMG_6322.jpeg
    233.8 KB · Views: 13
  • IMG_6321.jpeg
    IMG_6321.jpeg
    230.4 KB · Views: 13
  • IMG_6319.jpeg
    IMG_6319.jpeg
    177.1 KB · Views: 12
  • IMG_6318.jpeg
    IMG_6318.jpeg
    300 KB · Views: 11
  • IMG_6316.jpeg
    IMG_6316.jpeg
    160.9 KB · Views: 11
  • IMG_6315.jpeg
    IMG_6315.jpeg
    198.8 KB · Views: 11
  • IMG_6314.jpeg
    IMG_6314.jpeg
    138.5 KB · Views: 11
  • IMG_6313.jpeg
    IMG_6313.jpeg
    280.6 KB · Views: 12

 

Back
Top