You’re in store for convenience and a smile at Mike and Tina’s

by Mary Jo David

Mike and Christina (aka: Tina) DePugh were searching for the perfect party store to purchase. In a conversation with a store owner who was selling, the seller mentioned it was a great time to get into the convenience store business because the competition would be thinning—“Columbo’s is closing.”

That piqued the interest of the DePughs who decided to expand their search to include checking out Columbo’s. By then, the store at 13100 Territorial Rd. in Stockbridge had closed, but the location, its log-cabin feel, and the overall potential attracted them, so the DePughs made an offer.

“Mike had been wanting to buy a convenience store. We talked with people in the area who mentioned the need for somewhere close where they could pick up groceries. Plus, I grew up in a small town, so the small-town feel appealed to me,” Tina explained.

Since becoming the new owners and renaming the store to Mike and Tina’s Party Store (their sign is on order), the couple has made some notable improvements to the inside and outside of the premises. The new lighting, tile, woodwork, and overall cleanliness inside make it a pleasure to shop for beverages, snacks, and more.

Walking in, shoppers are greeted pleasantly by Mike DePugh—a friendly, soft-spoken proprietor who enjoys talking about the changes they’ve made and are continuing to make.

Mike and Tina’s offers pizza from nearby Big Chuck’s, delivered fresh at 11 a.m., Monday through Friday, and is considering extending that through the weekend. Along with many of the usual convenience store grocery items, they also sell deli sandwiches, soup, and hand-dipped and novelty ice cream.

“We’re working on expanding our hunting and fishing sections as well as our craft beer and Michigan wine selections,” Mike said, as he pointed out those sections of the store. Tina explained that the couple is also hoping to feature more local farm and artisan offerings in the store and encourages anyone interested to talk to her or Mike.

Previously, Mike had made his living as a DJ, “But I figured I couldn’t do that forever,” he explained with a grin. He was also a partner in a Toarmina’s pizza shop before turning his attention to the convenience store business.

Tina, who had previously worked managing holistic expo events, now focuses on the store’s paperwork, new ideas, some of the inside store improvements, and filling in for Mike. As a full-time Mom who homeschools the couple’s two young daughters, she has a full plate.

The DePughs kicked off a soft opening of the store on September 17. Business began trickling in and eventually grew, and by October they were fully operational with regular hours.

“Business is picking up,” Mike noted “Every day I meet new customers. Everyone has been very receptive to the store opening, and now we’re proud to say some of our customers have turned into daily regulars.”

Hours are expected to vary between summer and winter; currently the store is open Mondays through Fridays 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The store’s phone number is 517-985-6044.

New lighting and updated tile and woodworking make shopping at Mike and Tina’s Party Store a pleasant experience. Photo credit: Mary Jo David

Mike and Tina’s, formerly Columbo’s Party Store, awaits its new outdoor sign at 13100 Territorial Rd., Stockbridge. Photo credit: Mary Jo David

Mike DePugh greets customers and rings them up with a smile at Mike and Tina’s Party Store, which opened in September 2021. Photo credit: Mary Jo David