Skateboard and snowboard shop opens at Cedar Taylor

Just in time for the snow, Martini Skate and Snow, a store that offers the latest skateboarding and snowboarding equipment, apparel and footwear, will open soon in the Cedar Taylor commercial district, just north of Melt Bar & Grilled. The shop blends a boutique atmosphere with the expertise and selection of a board shop.

“The sports of skateboarding and snowboarding are defined by personal style and originality,” says owner Mike Tirpak, who has been snowboarding for 19 years. His sister snowboarded at the World Cup level. “She got me interested in the sport,” he says. “Skateboarding is what you do when you can’t find snow.”.

This is the second location for Martini Skate and Snow. The first is located in Northfield, Ohio.

“We wanted to branch out to the eastside,” says Tirpak. “We wanted to be close to the Coventry Road scene and we think that our location by Melt will be good.”

“The skate park at Cain Park is just a quarter mile down the street,” he adds.

Why did Tirpak choose the name Martini? “According to an ancient Latvian legend,” he says, “Martini was the name of a festival marking the end of fall and the beginning of winter, which included masquerading and sledding, among other winter activities.”

Learn more about Martini Skate and Snow and its planned mid-December opening, at www.martiniskateandsnow.com.

Deanna Bremer Fisher is the executive director of FutureHeights.