According to a report from TheTimesHerald.com, “two struggling businesses with similar interests that once sat side by side in downtown St. Clair have joined forces to create a unique and economical business plan.”

“While many merchants are struggling to stay afloat in today’s tough economy, the owners of Bub N Ella’s Pizzeria and the Grape & Cheddar looked at their dire situations and wondered why the two couldn’t operate as one. The businesses — one relatively new and the other more established — have merged into one space on the south side of the St. Clair’s Riverview Plaza, 201 N. Riverside (M-29). John Conigliaro and his wife, Laura, opened their pizzeria parlor, Bub N Ella’s, in July 2006, while Robin Goike has owned the longtime former wine and cheese shop about a decade.”

“’I was getting overwhelmed,” Robin said. “I was wearing way too many hats.’”

Now, they pay just one rent, order from the same vendors, employ one dedicated team of workers and have considerably less overhead. Plus, they have a lot more time on their hands. ‘This may be enough to weather this economic mess, “ John said. “The necessity is unfortunate, but the fit’s good.’ Now co-owners, the trio opened their joint venture over the summer on the day before the Fourth of July.”