Muzik's Full Circle of Service

by Kelly Boyer Sagert

In 1942, John and Joe Muzik decided to open up shop as Muzik Bros. on the northeast corner of West Erie Avenue and Broadway in downtown Lorain.

It was a Gulf gas station,” explains John Muzik—third-generation owner and grandson of the original John—“and they also sold Schwinn bikes and Lionel trains. You could think of it as a five-and-dime store with a transportation theme.

photo by Jen Navarro

After they relocated the business to Ninth Street and Broadway, John’s son Richard took over, and the company began its focus on vehicle maintenance and repair. Richard moved the business a couple more times, setting up shop on 13th and Broadway—and then to Oberlin Avenue on the property where Taco Bell currently exists.

When current owner John Muzik took over the business, it was moved to 704 West Erie Avenue, just two blocks from the original location, completing the circle and returning to home base: downtown Lorain.

This will be our fifth location,” John says, “and we plan to stay here.

photo by Jen Navarro

In fact, John is in talks with artist Mike Sekletar to decide what mural to paint on the back of his shop to further beautify the downtown area. The timing is perfect for two reasons: one, the resurgence of downtown Lorain and, two, the upcoming 80th anniversary of Muzik’s Auto Care next year.

photo by Jen Navarro

When the business first moved to its current place, John remembers people asking where they could get a cup of coffee.

I’d send them to McDonald’s on Oberlin Avenue,” he says. “Now there are so many restaurants where they can go on BroadwayAvenue, which is great. I love watching the area explode, and I like to say that Lorain is the smallest big town you’ll ever know because people are all so connected and extremely loyal to local businesses.

photo by Jen Navarro

He applauds the efforts of Main Street Lorain —with the business being a proud member of the organization—and all of the time and energy that so many people are putting into making downtown Lorain an even better place to shop and otherwise do business.

Muzik’s Auto Care is known for being fair and honest with customers and having employees who really care about providing premier service.

photo by Jen Navarro

I’ve been with the business for fourteen years now,” John says, “and it’sbecome a true passion of mine.

When asked how they navigated the toughest parts of the COVID-19 pandemic, John said that they closed for the month of April because nobody was driving anywhere, anyhow. After that, though, business was steady while they observed protocols to keep everyone safe.

photo by Jen Navarro

And now,” John predicts, “Lorain is about to really let loose. This is going tobe a great summer.

Services they offer include:

Tires, brakes, batteries, water pumps, suspension work, oil changes, and tune-ups—services that keep vehicles running well.

You can contact Muzik's Auto Care at 440-960-2000.

photo by Jen Navarro