Family business puts in-laws in same corner for once

By EMMILY N. BRISTOL

VIEW STAFF WRITER

While retail stores pop up across the valley every week, not all of them are family owned.

The 5-month old Dinettes Stools N' More is the uncommon partnership of two in-laws working together.

"This is the first time for both of us," said co-owner Carl Knoll, the father-in-law of co-owner Chris Phelps.

Knoll and Phelps have worked in retail separately for several years but this is the first time either has owned his own store.

Now they're realizing a dream together.

"When you come in this store you are going to be helped by one of the owners," said Phelps.

He said the new store, located at 8826 Eastern Ave., Suite 115, in the Colonnade Shopping Center, is the first in the Henderson and Green Valley area that sells mainly table and bar stool furniture.

The concept of the store is to offer custom and ready-made dining furniture in many different price ranges.

Phelps said he doesn't see the big chain stores -- like House 2 Home or the new R.C. Willey Home Furnishing store being built off Interstate 215 -- as competition. In his opinion Dinettes carries enough variety and custom furniture that there is no comparison.

"We are different than anyone else," Phelps said. For instance, the store has an interior decorator on staff to help customers put different ideas together.

One thing that is important to both owners is helping customers with unique needs. According to Phelps, many of the houses built in Del Webb's Anthem have 44-inch high bar tops.

Since the height is taller than average, residents in Anthem are looking for bar stools that are taller. Phelps said he is trying to fill those kinds of needs in his store.

"You are going to find things here you can't find in other stores," Phelps explained.

In the future Knoll and Phelps want to expand into new stores in other parts of the valley.

A grand-opening celebration for the store is planned for this weekend. Those interested can call 932-0075.