HN Niagara JAN15

ISSUE 01 • 2015

HomeNews the

.ca

Niagara Region

This Month’s Cover Home Provided By:

Zoi Ouzas Sales Representative

A Career Built on Service

905.945.0660 or 905.563.8527 www.zoiouzas.com zoiouzas@remax.net See Page 5 for details on this and other great properties.

WIN 4 LEAFS TICKETS PG.11 • NEW EXERCISE ROUTINE TIPS FOR 2015 PG.8

www.bilko.ca bilko@rgcmail.com

Larry “ BILKO” Bilkszto Your Local Sales Representative Since 1989

905.641.1110 • 1 866.575.9400 Home Office 905.562.3000 Fax 905.684.1321

MAXIMUM RESULTS

•

MAXIMUM SERVICE

SOLD 42+ ACRES OF FARM LAND! Systematically tile drained. Planted to cash crop. Natural gas & 3 hydro meters, 200 amp each, 35’ x 30’ block barn, pond. Solid brick bungalow w/dble att gar. 3 bdrms, country kitchen, living rm w/fireplace, 4-pc bath, full bsmt w/2nd kitchen, 4th bdrm, rec rm w/fireplace. $489,800

N.O.T.L. WINE COUNTRY! Over 22 acres of sandy loam w/2 road frontages. Excellent soil for any variety of vineyard or orchard. Presently being used for potted trees by Mori’s nursery.

Older barn approx. 1,700 sq ft + 3,500 sq ft metal clad barn add’n w/loading dock, hydro, water, gas, bathroom. Old 2-storey vacant farmhouse. $649,800

5 ACRES WITH HOME & BARN! Just outside of St. Catharines & only minutes from the QEW. Tile drained sandy loam soil suitable to grow anything! Steel barn w/loft 45 x 24 + hydro. Modest farm house w/2 bdrms & a 2nd stry 31 x 10.5 loft area. Full basement. $424,800

MAXIMUM EXPOSURE

SOLD GREAT FAMILY & ENTERTAINING HOME! Custom-built 4-lvl back split w/oversized double attached garage & drive. All city services on this 62’ x 200’ country lot in Jordan. Fenced back yard, 40’ x 18’ inground pool. Outbuilding w/change rm, bar & storage. 3 large bedrms, master w/ ensuite. A must see! $549,800

SOLD 1.9 ACRE COUNTRY PROPERTY! Mature trees, pond, meadow, creek, wildlife, views etc, etc. Original brick home built in 1955 with additions. full basement. Large open concept kitchen and dining room area, family room addition with fireplace. 3 bedrooms upstairs, master has 2-piece ensuite. $419,800

•

23 PRIVATE COUNTRY ACRES! Multi level 5-bedroom home with double attached garage, detached shop. 22’ x 11’ indoor, inground pool. Open concept formal liv/din room, family room with fireplace and patio doors to exercise and pool area. Master with 4-piece ensuite, patio doors to balcony, Central air, central vacuum, 200 amp. $549,800

SOLD 4.4 COUNTRY ACRES! Past use was a grape juice production site. Approx. 12,000-square-foot steel building, 40’ x 50’ detached workshop, solid brick bungalow with full basement.

3 phase hydro. In need of repair. Property being sold “as is” under P.O.S. $599,800

GREAT STARTER BUNGALOW! 3 bedrooms upstairs with 4th bedroom or rec room downstairs. Full basement. Eatin kitchen, open concept dining/living room. 4-piece bath. Covered front porch.

100 amp service. Forced air gas furnace.

Private paved driveway. $139,800

SOLD ESCARPMENT BUNGALOW! Totally renovated 3-bedroom with views of T.O. skyline. 32’ x 16’ bolt inground pool, stone retaining walls, cabana.

Sunken family room with gas wood stove, formal dining rm with patio doors to the interlock patio, finished rec room with Muskoka stone fireplace, large games room. $429,800

COUNTRY BUILDING LOT! Approx. 14 acres on the 20 Valley backing onto the 20 Mile Creek. Presently zoned as a building lot to build that country dream home with access to town water and natural gas. Surrounded by wildlife and tranquility with mature trees and a pond. Just minutes off the QEW in prestigious Jordan. $399,800

NORTH END ST. CATHARINES! 3-bedroom semi-detached. Private driveway, fenced-in yard. Concrete side patio with auto remote canopy 16’ x 10’, 2 garden sheds. Eat-in kitchen with dishwasher and stainless steel appliances. L-shaped living and dining room, redone 4-piece bath with ceramic surround. $197,800

10 ACRE HOBBY FARM! Planted to apricots and plums. Tile drained. Double drive to 45’ x 25’ block barn with loft. Solid 4-level side-spilt with attached garage, formal dining room, living room with fireplace. 2-piece and 4-piece baths, 3 bedrooms, 2nd kitchen. $449,800

F

TU EA

R

EL

T IS

IN

G!

17 Udell Way, grimsby Main to Dorchester to Udell (between Baker & Park)

ELEGANT & STYLISH ... this FULLY FINISHED, 6-year old Losani extended Woodhaven model with scenic escarpment views boasts 2,683 square feet and offers 4+1 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms! Spectacular main floor features soaring cathedral ceiling in foyer, coffered ceiling, hardwood flooring, custom kitchen with upgraded cabinets, granite counters, and ceramic backsplash, garden door to fenced yard. Cosy main floor family room features custom gas fireplace with oversized mantle. Winding oak hardwood staircase with carpet runner leads to spacious 2nd floor, including oversized master with sitting area, upgraded 4pc ensuite with jetted tub and glass enclosed shower, walk-in closet. 3 additional spacious bedrooms and Juliette balcony complete this floor.

Fully finished basement offers large professionally finished recreation room, additional bedroom, 2pc washroom (ensuite privilege). With double garage, double drive and great location, this is a home you must see. Short walk to schools, shopping, parks and church. Close to West Lincoln Hospital, 1 min to QEW.

QEW, Exit at Christie, Continue on Mountain Street., Right on Ridge Road W

102 Ridge Road West, Grimsby PARADISE SETTING .... 1 acre property nestled on a unique parcel overlooks Forty Mile Creek. Steps to Beamer Conservation Area. Gardens, trees, waterfall, observation deck, in-ground pool, patio, deck, coach house/studio with loft, garage/workshop & more!

Spacious 2,058 sq ft 4 bedroom, 2 bath home. $699,000 MORE INFORMATION? TEXT 40378 TO 28888

or visit www.lynnfeeteam.com

$564,900 MORE INFORMATION? TEXT 45751 TO 28888

or visit www.lynnfeeteam.com

QEW to South on Ontario, Right on King Street to Mountainview

5391 King Street, beamsville A WONDERFUL INVESTMENT PROPERTY along the Niagara wine route. Great road exposure for your business on .67 acres with 47 parking spots surrounded

by Niagara wineries. Most recently operated as a restaurant licensed for 79 seats. Zoning allows for artisan shops, convenience store, day care centre, restaurant, garden centre, vet clinic and nursery school. $489,000 MORE INFORMATION? TEXT 39966 TO 28888

or visit www.lynnfeeteam.com

QEW, Exit @ Ontarion in Beamsville (64), Left on Greenlane, Right on Garden Gate

QEW to Bartlett, South to Main, Right on Main, Left on Park Road South, Left on Ridge Road East

QEW to South on Ontario, Left on King Street

QEW to Victoria Ave S, Left on Hwy 20 W, Right on Centre Street, L on Memorial Drive, R on Centre St

4817 King Street, beamsville

1170 Centre Street, FENWICK (pelham)

4486 Garden Gate Terrace, beamsville

Picturesque location with high traffic and visibility, offers great exposure and signage opportunities. The main Wine Route corridor through Beamsville & into the Twenty Valley tourist area. Bright, 810 sq ft upper level with large windows. Additional 810 sq ft on lower level.

Many possibilities and great potential! $299,900

PRIVATE 10-ACRE COUNTRY RETREAT ... 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom Colonial with new main bathroom, 3 gas fireplaces, hardwood, sunroom, family room, and formal living/dining rooms. Furnace and central air (2013). Deck, courtyard, covered porch. Forest, pond, mature perennial gardens. Just minutes to town. $779,000

FAMILY HOME ... across from quiet park/greenspace, short walk to schools & amenities, 1 min to QEW, this 3 bed, 3 bath, 12-yr home on 61’ x 118’ property offering o/c design with walk-out from eat-in kitchen to fenced yard featuring deck, pool. Master with ensuite and walk-in.

Finished basement rec area adds space! $369,000

ONE OF A KIND ... on 7.2 lush acres, this custom designed 4,500+ sq ft BUNGALOW boasts lake views + nature at your doorstep. 4 beds, 4 baths, 2 offices, swim spa, indoor nature habitat/solarium with skylites, stunning granite kitchen, private “Master Wing”, hotel-style ensuite, home gym & more! Too many upgrades to list here. $1,599,000

LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION?

MORE INFORMATION? TEXT 39968 TO 28888

MORE INFORMATION? TEXT 45753 TO 28888

MORE INFORMATION? TEXT 39965 TO 28888

visit www.lynnfeeteam.com

or visit www.lynnfeeteam.com

or visit www.lynnfeeteam.com

325 Ridge Road East, Grimsby

or visit www.lynnfeeteam.com

contents ISSUE 01 • 2015

08

PRESIDENT James BAKER james@thehomenews.ca

CLEVER TIPS AS YOU

BEGIN A NEW

EXERCISE ROUTINE

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jason STACEY jason@homenewscreative.com CREATIVE PRODUCTION Dana SEDLAK Tim FRANKIW ADVERTISING SALES James BAKER james@thehomenews.ca ADMINISTRATION Terry JOHNSON Diana LYNAS

F E A T U R E D R E A LT O R S

PRINTING Best Choice Printing

02

Larry Bilkszto*

03

Lynn Fee*

05

Zoi Ouzas* RE/MAX Garden City Realty Inc., Brokerage

2902 South Sheridan Way Suite 203 Oakville, ON L6J 7L6

06

Emily Gillan*

Phone 905-278-1111 Fax 905-829-2885

BC

RE/MAX Garden City Realty Inc., Brokerage

RE/MAX Garden City Realty Inc., Brokerage

THN PUBLICATIONS INC.

RE/MAX Garden City Realty Inc., Brokerage

thehomenews.ca

Hendriks** & De Laat*

DISCLAIMER: Every effort has been made to publish this magazine as accurately as possible; however errors and omissions can occur. THN Publications Inc., their employees, agents, representatives and vendors are not liable for any damages relating to errors or omissions in the editorials or advertising which may appear herein except where a specific charge has been made. In such cases THN Publications Inc. shall have limited liability only to the charge for such advertising or editorials.

RE/MAX Garden City Realty Inc., Brokerage

*Sales Representative

4

The Home News Magazine is published monthly and delivered to homes in Niagara Region

by Canada Post, agreement #41362062.

**Broker

thehomenews.ca

***Broker of Record

W

NE

CUSTOM-BUILT 5-BR EXECUTIVE HOME ON LARGE PROPERTY

G TIN

LIS

Located on one of the most prestigious cul-de-sacs among other Luxury homes in the heart of the Niagara’s wine region. Nearly 2,900 sq ft of luxury. Lrg great rm w/22 ft cathedral ceilings, new gourmet kitchen w/SS appl. Short stroll to town & 5 mins to QEW. A fabulous home. $649,900

GRIMSBY

VINELAND

REMAX – A COMPANY WITH GLOBAL REACH

Multi-Media Marketing Strategy

Contact me to find out how my Team and I can turn your next move into Your Best Investment!

JORDAN

MEDITERRANEAN OPULENCE & TIMELESS DESIGN are evident in this extraordinary estate home. No expense spared when built in the 1920s. Numerous updates in recent years! Located on large property on ravine setting on treelined enclave with other magnificent character homes in the heart of town!

UNIQUELY DESIGNED OPEN CONCEPT MODEL HOME

COUNTRY MAGIC ON NEARLY 25 PICTURESQUE ACRES

SCENIC HILLTOP SETTING On 1-acre Estate Woodland Retreat!

Large sunlit rooms, main floor family room with fireplace, spacious kitchen, main floor laundry. Master suite with ensuite bath and more. Best of country with city conveniences!

$599,900

Bungalow & 2-storey on scenic Ridge Road. Only 5 minutes to town centre & QEW. 3 bedrooms w/hardwood floors & large barn 79’ x 40’ w/2 oversized doors. Lovely pond located on the property, extraordinary serene setting with numerous possibilities.

$599,900

$479,900

GRIMSBY

Customized Buyer & Seller Programs

3,495 sq ft w/6 BRs,3.5 baths, lrg principal rms. Fabulous in-town tranquil cul-de-sac w/ravine setting, short stroll to 40 Mile Creek. Nestled below escarpment among other character homes! Lovingly updated & cared for century home. A rare find! $719,900

$1,299,000

Nestled below the escarpment in most desirable area of town. First time offered for sale. Bright & airy w/large windows, cathedral ceiling, spacious kitchen, master suite with ensuite. 2.5-car garage w/triple stamped concrete drive. 3 full baths, award-winning “Trillium” gardens! A classy home on manicured grounds.

Personal Staging Methods

GRACIOUS CENTURY HOME W/VICTORIAN ELEGANCE OVER $350,000 IN RENO’S & UPDATES!

$1,799,900

BEAMSVILLE

25 YEARS OF SUCCESSFULLY SERVING SELLERS AND BUYERS WITH MY UNIQUE:

On 54 acres of Niagara’s picturesque wine region surrounded by vineyards.

Luxury abounds throughout approx 9,500 sq ft of finished living space.

Fabulous lake views, 5 BRs w/4 ensuite baths, marble flrs, 3 car grg, gourmet kitch w/new B-I appliances, 3 FPs. Just a few mins from QEW & town centre!

GRIMSBY

2002-2014

MAGNIFICENT GEORGIAN ESTATE

GRIMSBY

A Career Built on Service

ST. CATHARINES

$549,900

Sales Representative

2007-2014

GRIMSBY

GRIMSBY

Zoi Ouzas

with loft easily converted to 4th bdrm.

Open concept w/high ceilings & 2,600 sq ft of beautifully fin’d living space.

Gourmet kit w/granite ctrs & island, hrdwd flrs, gas FP, Cal shutters, prof. landscaping w/deck & patio. Most sought-after location, close to parks, schools. Easy access to QEW.

$547,900

SPACIOUS EXECUTIVE 4-BR MODEL HOME Only 2 years new & located on a quiet cres. in upscale ‘Cherrywood Estates’ among other beautiful homes.

Numerous features & upgrades.

Fabulous kitchen w/SS appliances, granite counters, hardwood floors, washer/dryer, c/air, gas fireplace.

Luxurious Living right in town!

CAPTIVATING CONTEMPORARY CUSTOM-BUILT HOME!

MAJESTIC, CUSTOM-BUILT HOME ON PICTURESQUE SETTING surrounded by scenic country views, short stroll to town center. Pride of ownership and extraordinary sophisticated design defines this 4,100-square-foot elegant home.

$879,900

zoiouzas@remax.net

www.zoiouzas.com

905.945.0660 905.563.8527

Best Wishes for a Healthy and Happy New Year 2015!

LuxuryHomes.com SUPPORTER

A f f i l i At e M e M b e r

OVER 1/2 BILLION DOLLARS OF REAL ESTATE SOLD B E A M SVI LLE

4157 MAPLEGROVE RD. 1 acre on septic and well. Known as St. Helens Church.

It’s a gem all updated and lovingly cared for. 5,600 square feet of finished space. Possession 6 - 8 months or when new church is complete.

244 LAKESHORE RD. #307 Immediate possession available on this 2-bedroom condo apartment with bright solarium, central air, elevator. Lots of green space. $184,500

ST. C ATHA RI N E S

G I LL AN

ST. C ATHA RI N E S

Emily

$499,900

SO LD

99 BARBICAN TR. Near Brock University. All brick 4-bedroom home maintained to perfection. Many updates.

Enjoy your 18 x 36 foot inground pool on private landscaped 150 foot lot. $399,800

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

OFFICE

13132 LUNDY’S LN. 60 foot x 103 foot lot, value in land backing onto Rolling Meadows subdivision.

THOROLD

905 708 2687

THOROLD

DIRECT

38 CLAIRMONT ST. Circa 1925, 2,400 square foot charm of yesteryear 4-bedroom home with oak hardwood trim. Kitchen is open to family room, double doors to 3-season sun room overlooking Memorial Park.

$79,900

$319,900

905 641 1110

SO LD

THOROLD

THOROLD

SELLING NIAGARA for 27 years

14 QUEEN ST. N. Character 2-storey. Updated white cabinetry and ceramic flooring in family-sized kitchen. Main floor laundry, 3 bedrooms, original hardwood flooring, detached 1.5-car garage.

3 CYNTHIA ST. Watch the ships go through the Welland Canal. Walk or bike the trails. Renovated 3-bedroom brick bungalow, furnace 2010, c/air 2014.

THO ROLD

EMAIL

egillan@rgcmail.com

19 COLLIER RD. N. Investors take note! Around the corner from Brock University.

1,400 square foot bungalow, renovated kitchen, plaster & hardwood flooring construction.

$209,900

$159,900

of

CIRCLE LEGENDS Award Recipient #253 WORLDWIDE for Re/Max

55 CHAPEL ST. S. Owner retiring after 43 years known as Lockview Variety.

2-bedroom upper apartment overlooking Lock 7 bridge and the canal. $269,900

SO LD

$249,900

11 CHERIE RD. First time on the market. Built in 1973. Main floor family room addition with a 2-piece bathroom. Patio and patio doors to 16’ x 32‘ inground pool. Beautiful open concept rec room with wet bar and wood floors.

No disappointments here.

ST. CATHARINES

the best!

THO ROLD

IT DOESN’T HAVE TO COST MORE TO HIRE

$289,900

TO SEE MORE, VISIT

Garden City Realty Inc., Brokerage

homesbyemily.ca

OVER 1/2 BILLION DOLLARS ST. C ATHA R I N E S

OF REAL ESTATE SOLD 32 BARBICAN TR. Only one like it! 3,200 sq ft plus finished walk-out lower level. 4+2 bedrooms, 3.5 baths. Over $100,000 spent on improvements in last 2 years. Fantastic escarpment views.

189 DORCHESTER BLVD. UNIT #207 Retire in this lovely 2-bedroom end-unit condo.

Parking at your front door.

Insuite laundry, all renovated in 2014.

$215,900

ST. C ATHA RI N E S

ST. C ATHA RI N E S

178 SCOTT ST. UNIT #8 Resort lifestyle! 2-bedroom townhome overlooking courtyard and pool. Large master with open concept design.

Combined kitchen/dining room, patio doors to deck.

ST. CATHARI NES

$599,900

SO LD

74 WELLAND AVE. 3 units, main floor commercial (presently salon – 1,450 sq ft), 2 -bedroom upper apartment, 1-bedroom main floor apartment, totally renovated, charm of yesteryear. $309,900

Emily

G I LL AN SALES REPRESENTATIVE

THOROLD

7 REMIGIO CRT. 1,500 sq ft freehold townhome joined only at garage.

3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, updated kitchen, new laminate flooring. $239,900

$132,900

DIRECT

905 708 2687 OFFICE

905 641 1110

LOT 44, FIDDLEHEAD LANE House to be built, possession 3 - 4 months. Quality Niagara builder Accent Homes, 1,784 square foot sidesplit or bring your own plans. $389,900

PORT DALHOUSI E

$244,900

$539,900

110 ELGIN ST. Affordable 3-bedroom bungalow. Newer windows, hardwood flooring. Family-sized oak kitchen. Huge backyard.

THO ROLD

88 STRADA BLVD. Freehold townhome. Room for the whole family, 1,600 sq ft plus rec room/bedroom and third bath on lower level. Soaring cathedral ceilings in open concept foyer to second floor.

ST. CATHARINES

NIAGARA FALLS

ST. CATHARI NES

EMAIL 15 OARSMAN CRES. Approx. 3,400 sq ft of finished living space loaded with hardwood and ceramics.

3 + 1 bedrooms, spacious master has ensuite and walk-in closet. Lower level rec room, games room and exercise room, short walk to the lake.

egillan@rgcmail.com

SELLING NIAGARA for 27 years IT DOESN’T HAVE TO COST MORE TO HIRE

the best!

$199,900

2 WANDA RD. On Escarpment, 3-bedroom brick bungalow, hardwood floors, 2 fireplaces, rear sun room, attached garage. $209,900

of

CIRCLE LEGENDS Award Recipient #253 WORLDWIDE for Re/Max

TO SEE MORE, VISIT

homesbyemily.ca

Garden City Realty Inc., Brokerage

health & lifestyle

CLEVER TIPS

EXERCISE

ROUTINE E

xercise is a key component in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you are new to daily workouts, or if you are just looking to ramp up your existing routine, there are a few things you might consider to achieve success.

“Two of the most important first steps are to set a realistic goal followed by a plan to achieve that goal,” says Stephanie Dupuis, National Director of Personal Training with GoodLife Fitness Clubs. “Being realistic will help make a positive impact on your overall health, but it also needs to fit into your existing lifestyle. The goal should be something you can commit to.”

When getting started on a fitness program, don’t overdo it. Tackle one lifestyle change at a time. “If you haven’t been involved in exercise, your first lifestyle change can be as simple as exercising two to three times per week.

Once you have been exercising for a month incorporate another change into your routine. Your next lifestyle change can be as simple as increasing the amount of water you drink daily,” suggests Dupuis. However, she stresses that your changes should be gradual. “Changing your health and fitness is a lifelong journey and you have time to make changes.”

8

thehomenews.ca

Regardless of your exercise experience, incorporating a warm up into your routine is vital, Dupuis says.

Your warm up and cool down are important for safety.

A warm up doesn’t have to be long–it can be five to ten minutes. That short warm-up will increase blood flow to your muscles and help reduce your risk of injury.”

After your workout, a proper cool down is equally important. Dupuis recommends, “Gradually reduce the intensity and speed of your activity in preparation for stopping your workout.” A proper cool down allows your heart rate to return to normal and can help prevent you from feeling dizzy or fainting.

When you first begin working out it’s not uncommon for your muscles to ache a little bit–not severe or sharp pain, but a small amount of tension. Soreness comes from using muscles that haven’t been used in a while. It’s normal to feel some soreness 24 to 48 hours after exercising. It will go away. To sooth sore muscles Dupuis suggests that you keep moving the day after you work out. Even going for a walk can help. Remaining still will cause soreness to set in.

Most importantly, remember that everyone starts somewhere.

If you need help, don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional.

Dupuis advises, “Work at your own level and incorporate things you like into your workout. Exercise should be fun.” THN www.newscanada.com

Looking for a

GREAT REALTOR ? ®

Check your

MAILBOX & ONLINE.

GRIMSBY AND AREA OFFERINGS

NEW PRICE – GREAT LOCATION 1 ½ storey single family home with great main level layout boasting hardwood floors, in centre of town near school and amenities. 3 bedrooms, spacious bath w/sep. shower & large soaker tub. Priced at $239,900 4965 May Street, Beamsville

INVESTMENT OR BUSINESS LOCATION Set in heart of commercial core, 1,630 sq ft building w/3 rentable units w/sep utilities.

Opportunity for investor, retail office user or tradesman. Just off Hwy. 20. Call for complete property package. New Price $218,500 103 McMurchie Lane, Smithville

And more! Visit our website today, www.glenelgin.com or call: David JARVIS

Emily Mareea STEEDMAN GORDON

Broker of Record

Broker

Sales Representative

Maurice DOPKO Sales Representative

office: 905.945.7730

10

thehomenews.ca

THINKING OF MAKING A MOVE? GET JERRY & SHAWN ON YOUR LAWN!

Hendriks & de Laat team W e ’ r e h e r e t o h e l p. www.NiagaraHomes.com

OVER

S E M O H 0 20

D L SO 4 1 0 2 N I

#1 TEAM IN NIAGARA† • TOP 1% WORLDWIDE†

NIAGARA & INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE SALES ®

905.641.1110

905.563.3330

905.468.1110

GARDEN CITY REALTY INC., BROKERAGE

GET CONNECTED WITH US

INSIDE TOUR VIDEOS

FREE MARKET EVALUATIONS

OURTEAM@NIAGARAHOMES.COM

NIAGARAHOMES.COM

CALL/TEXT 905.651.3475

**Jerry Hendriks, Broker *Shawn De Laat, Sales Representative †For all of RE/MAX® based on previous three years total sales production. Information supplied by RE/MAX® International Inc. for all RE/MAX® team designated Sales Representatives and Brokers who are members of the Niagara Association of REALTORS®. Each RE/MAX® office is independently owned and operated.