Special to The Star-Herald
Thanks to Mike Cyr for supplying information on his business for this week’s article on shopping locally. The more we know about our local businesses, the more reasons we will find to patronize them. Bradley’s 24 hr Citgo Convenience Store and Bradley’s Car Washes in Presque Isle were built and are still locally owned and operated by the Cyr family. The business was named after their oldest son Bradley, who has Down syndrome.
Down syndrome, also called Down’s syndrome or Downs syndrome, is a genetic disorder caused by having an extra copy of chromosome 21. Down syndrome is characterized by distinct physical characteristics and varying degrees of cognitive dysfunction.
The car wash at 46 North Street was built in 1986 and the store in 1996. Mike and Carla Cyr as well as their 3 sons, Bradley, Douglas and Greg, can be found behind the counter or helping wash cars or whatever needs to be done. They work along with their great staff to get the job done. The Cyr family also operates car washes on State Street in Presque Isle and on Route 1 in Mars Hill.
Bradley’s 24 hr Citgo Convenience store and Bradley’s Car Washes provide services that we rely on regularly. In addition to gas and regular convenience store goods, there is also a deli with seating for 32. You can eat in or order for take-out. There is a daily menu that is available by fax with daily specials and their regular bill of fare.
As the old saying goes, the owners are in the store. Locally owned and operated and the money stays here and does not go out of town or out of the country.
Through their operations the Cyr family helps raise money for local nonprofits, donates to several local charitable programs as well as local school activities.
The Cyr family is proud to do business in the Star City and thanks it customers.
Successful businesses like this, which support local nonprofit organizations, have staff that live in the area and participate in local activities, are an example of the importance of shopping locally.
Theresa Fowler is the executive director of the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at 764-6561 or via e-mail at tfowler@pichamber.com.
