BERLIN – For nearly 60 years, the squat brick building and pair of gas pumps comprising Wainwright’s Tire Center have been a landmark on Broad Street.
Don’t expect that to change.
Though long-time employee Brooks Davis recently purchased the business, he wants customers to know they can expect the same honest and reliable service they have become accustomed to since Wainwright’s opened in 1956.
“My main concern is I want to let people know nothing’s changing,” Davis said. “Everything’s totally the same.”
Davis, who has worked at Wainwright’s since 1997, bought the business from Kenny Taylor. Taylor, who was also a long-time employee, bought the shop from founders Roland and Rosie Wainwright in 1989.
Davis doesn’t expect customers to notice any changes under his leadership. As it has for years, Wainwright’s will continue to provide its extensive list of local patrons with tires, brakes and oil changes. Davis says that in the auto industry, the dedication to providing quality service at fair prices that Wainwright’s offers means a lot to customers.
“People are so scared of getting ripped off,” Davis said. “Being honest and doing what you say you’re going to do is the biggest thing in this industry.”
Because Wainwright’s has proven to be trustworthy, Davis says most of the shop’s customers arrive through word of mouth. When someone new moves to Berlin, one of the first things they will ask their neighbors is where can they get their car worked on.
“That’s our best advertising,” he said.
While there have been no changes at Wainwright’s, passersby will notice a new tenant next door. The former Coates building, the
Bustle relocated last month from its smaller home on Main Street to a much larger location on Broad Street that underwent extensive renovations. Photos by Charlene Sharpe
back of which Wainwright’s uses for tire storage, is now occupied by bridal shop Bustle. The shop, which until now was in a smaller space on Main Street, is operated by Davis’ wife, Jennifer Davis.
She said the new location was designed to give her shop more room.
“We couldn’t pass up the additional square footage and the fact that it has its own parking lot,” she said.
She renovated the space, which had been a barbershop, and now has a selection of wedding dresses and bridal gifts and accessories on display. She says she will be able to expand the store’s selection with the additional space.
“And with the natural light from the [front] windows it seems even bigger,” she said.
Davis, who runs Bustle with her mother, says she’s thrilled that the shop has been able to fill a need in Berlin.
“There’s no need to drive to the city when we have a beautiful bridal boutique here on the Eastern Shore,” she said.
Bustle is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. as well as by appointment.
Wainwright’s is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and will offer Saturday hours during the summer.