Local family takes over ownership of Clor's Meat Market

It was a long sales process, but Kate Gonzalez is now officially the owner of Clor's Meat Market.

She's happy to finally get the deal done, even though she's already been working 15-hour days during the transition.

It's been worth it, she said, because Clor's is already experiencing business growth.

"We've added pizza and wings," Gonzalez said "Sometimes at night, it seems like we've become just a pizza and wing shop. The pizza and wing business has grown astronomically. Sometimes we can hardly keep up with it."

All the good stuff about Clor's -- the fresh meat, the chicken BBQ recipe -- all stay the same, she said.

Chuck Gugel, who acquired Clor's from Bud Clor in 1999, has moved to the Southwest with his wife, who needed to go to a drier climate for health reasons. His sons, Ryan, Aaron and Kyle, have stayed on with the business, as has Janis Lear as store manager.

Gonzalez has also hired a full-time baker and some of the store's counter space is now filled with fresh baked goods. The catering menu has also been expanded.

"I think the business is just going to keep growing and growing," Gonzalez said.

More than a year ago, Gonzalez acquired The Enchanted Florist on East Main Street, and her son Curtis Heatherman now runs it (and helps with Clor's). Kate's daughter Rachael Heatherman is helping to run Clor's.

Part of her motiviation for buying and expanding these businesses, Gonzalez said, is to create a legacy for her son and daughter and grandsons so they can benefit from successful local businesses someday. 

Pictured: Rachael Heatherman, Janis Lear, Curtis Heatherman, Michael Hyde Jr., and Kate Gonzalez.