April 17, 2020 | by William Bly (9 & 10 NEWS) Dave’s Garage in Traverse City and Empire are offering to disinfectant essential health care workers cars for free. The disinfectant spray is called Transform and kills 99% of bacteria in cars. Essential healthcare workers include: nurses, doctors, medical technicians, police and firefighters. Application of the disinfectant takes a few minutes and is effective immediately. Healthcare workers will just need to call either location of Dave’s Garage to set an appointment. “We are thankful that they are out there fighting this virus on the front lines along with our fire… Read More »

By the Record Eagle, Staff Reports EMPIRE — Traverse City-based Dave’s Garage has purchased Taghon’s Garage, 12777 S. Benzonia Trail, in Empire. Taghon’s employs four technicians and serves customers in Leelanau and Benzie counties, according to a release. Taghon’s was a family-run business for nearly 90 years, through three generations. Dave’s Garage co-owner Jamie Laferriere said the staff at Taghon’s will remain unchanged. The shop will add services including towing, jump-starts and lockout help. The new owners also plan to offer loaner vehicles and an improved appointment system. The Empire facility will be remodeled. First responders and school district employees… Read More »

April 30, 2019 Bill Froehlich, Jeremy Erickson The Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce is celebrating small businesses. Tuesday is the day the chamber celebrates its top 10 finalists for small business of the year. It starts with a breakfast Q&A session with the finalists. It’s an opportunity for chamber members to hear from all 10, and to learn more about some of the great companies doing business in the Traverse City area. The chamber says all 10 of the finalists are doing great things for employees and the community. “We are looking at not just a popularity contest or… Read More »

October 29, 2014 By Carol Thompson TRAVERSE CITY — Vintage wall displays and an old gas pump decorate the powder blue waiting room at Dave’s Garage, where customers hold mugs of coffee and await car repairs. Monday was the first day of new ownership for the 20-year-old business on Hastings Street in Traverse City. Craig Olvey and Jamie LaFerriere purchased the auto repair shop from founder Dave Karczewski, who is taking a year off to spend time with his grandchildren. “He has a sterling reputation around town,” LaFerriere said. “Every person we talk to that comes in here has been… Read More »