LOCAL: T-Shirt Store Owner Adds Retail Truck to Serve Downtown Customers

CLEVELAND – The birth of food trucks in Cleveland a couple years has sparked a whole new concept on wheels – a T-shirt truck.

Tony Madalone, the owner of Fresh Brewed Tees – a Cleveland-based and -focused clothing operation – announced he’s expanding his business to include a retail truck.

Madalone, who owns a store at the South Park Mall in Strongsville, said he’s been looking for a retail location in Cleveland’s hot spots – East 4th/Gateway, Warehouse District, Ohio City, Tremont, etc. – and couldn’t decide on which one.

“So we got creative and thought, ‘what if we go where the people are?!’” Madalone posted online.

The company purchased a box truck that looks similar to a food truck, but it’s looking for help from Clevelanders to help get it “street ready.” He’s hoping to get $5,000 in the next 24 days, and has already raised more than $1,600.

Madalone turned to Kickstarter – a crowd-funding website that allows people to providing financial backing for a project in return for something from the owner if and when the project meets its goal.

For instance, those donating $5 or more will get an Free Brewed Tees truck sticker, and those giving $50 or more will get: a high five, cool sticker, invite to cookout part and a limited edition T-shirt.

PM BUZZ: Meagan Good Dishes On Her Perfect Eyebrows, Kim K On Beyonce Feud & More

Start Gallery