MyNorth News Service

(Press Release provided by Fustini’s)

BOYNE CITY: Now Fustini lovers in Boyne City can find specialty olive oils and balsamic vinegars right in downtown Boyne City. Fustini’s has signed a lease for a property at 120 Water Street in downtown Boyne City and will assume occupancy as of November 1, 2015. This is the fifth Fustini’s location to open in Michigan.

“A trip to Fustini’s is not a standard shopping routine — it’s an experience,” says owner Jim Milligan. “Our core business has always centered around providing the highest quality olive oils and balsamic vinegars. We invite our guests to taste the oils and vinegars themselves and come up with their own favorite combinations.”

The model has worked very well over the last seven years as the company expanded across Michigan from its original Traverse City location, opening stores in Petoskey, Holland and Ann Arbor (another location was opened July of 2014 in Maui).

“After we take possession, we will build out the store in the distinct Fustini’s fashion. An Opening Event will be scheduled at a later date,” says Connie Nunemaker, Fustini’s General Manager.

The Fustini’s Story

 

What is Fustini’s?

The real question begins with, “What are fustini?” In Italy, fustini (literal translation: drums) are the stainless steel containers used to properly store olive oils and balsamic vinegars.

How did it come to be?

Jim Milligan, founder of Fustini’s, was so enamored with the oil and vinegar stores he saw while traveling in Europe, he wanted to bring the concept stateside. After a long career in international business at 3M and Imation Corporation, he created Fustini’s Oils & Vinegars — the name a playful homage to his Italian inspiration. Recognizing the exploding “foodie” market at its early stages, he opened his first tasting room in 2007 in the idyllic Northern Michigan resort town of Traverse City, where he had regularly vacationed with his family for decades. Jim found his perfect second life in his ideal location.

And where did it go from there?

The original store in Traverse City flourished from the start. As it turned out, a healthy and nutritious product, presented beautifully, with a commitment to artisanal craft and supported by unwavering customer service, was bound to be a success. Jim opened new stores in  three additional Michigan locations —  Petoskey, Holland and Ann Arbor — within the next three years. And as of the fall of this year, he’s taken the concept half way across another ocean; this time, opening his first location outside the 48 states, with a store on Maui.

For all these efforts, Jim has been recognized as a Top Ten ‘Boomer-Preneur’ by Money Magazine and CNNMoney.com.

Why oils and vinegars?

Fustini’s products are healthy, bold and flavorful additions to so many recipes — in everything from appetizers and entrées through desserts and even beverages. Vinegars are naturally low in calories and oils are high in anti-oxidants, so they’re as good for you as they are for the dishes you prepare. And since they’re imported from select artisans and small-batch growers around the world, cooking with Fustini’s always means cooking with freshness and quality.

A trip to a Fustini’s is more than just a standard shopping experience too. Customers can taste the products themselves and come up with their own favorite pairings. With nearly 800 possible combinations, there’s something for everyone.

What sets Fustini’s apart?

While offering quality oils and vinegars with unparalleled service is our core philosophy, the essence of the Fustini’s dream has always been to be a part of great food, culinary creativity and the nourishment of the foodie inside everyone. That dream has inspired our evolution into a wider range of gourmet cooking-related products and services.

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