Chris Tomassucci/Daily News Photo | OWNERS ANTHONY AND AIMEE Tatangelo and their children, Sierra and Dominic, at the grand opening of U.P. Sport & Spoke in Iron Mountain. The couple took over the former Mortl’s Sports Center business and moved it to 627 S. Stephenson Ave. in the downtown area.

IRON MOUNTAIN — U.P. Sport & Spoke recently had its grand opening at 627 S. Stephenson Ave. in downtown Iron Mountain.

Owners Anthony and Aimee Tatangelo of Iron Mountain basically took over the business after Rick and Becky Mortl retired and closed the doors on Mortl’s Sports Center at 120 E. Main St.

“We will be carrying the same brands and inventory — bikes, skis, paddle boards, sunglasses, fitness equipment and more,” Anthony Tatangelo said.

Family and community were the driving forces

behind the decision to pursue this new business venture, the Tatangelo’s said.

“I have always been proud to say I grew up in the area and want to help it thrive so our children can say the same,” said the former Aimee Cavalieri.

She graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 2004 before she met Clarkston High School graduate Anthony Tatangelo in an elementary education class at Northern Michigan University in Marquette.

The couple married in 2010 and both now teach here, Aimee at Breitung Township Schools and Anthony at Iron Mountain.

Rather than stay at the Mortl’s Sports Center site, the Tatangelo’s decided to begin their business under a new name at a new location, in the former Art-Works storefront next to B’s Cafe.

But U.P. Sport & Spoke otherwise will offer much of the same equipment and repair services as Mortl’s did for its three decades in business.

“We will have their awesome service technician, Andy Cabrera, and Rich and Becky will come over for about a month,” he said.

As mentioned, U.P. Sport and Spoke offers bicycles, skis, fitness equipment, stand-up paddle boards,

accessories, apparel, winter gear, rentals, service and repairs, and even family-friendly events such as group bike rides.

As Rich Mortl prepares to retire and pass the business to new ownership, he asks that the community consider being “Loyal to Local” and give the Tatangelo’s the opportunity to serve them.

“We do plan to work with Anthony and Aimee in the early stages of their adventure, as they prepare to open their new dream business,” Rick Mortl said. “Being loyal to the local businesses in our community will keep our community strong and alive.”