The Portland Party Store: Pizza and So Much More

Josh Cross is the owner of the Portland Party Store, a pizza and convenience store that Josh has been operating since April 2013.

Josh attended culinary school at GRCC and he worked in that industry for a time, including ten years in Portland at Duke’s Cajun Grill. Josh’s grandfather was Marvin Thrasher, who ran the original Cree Mee, a restaurant that was popular in Portland from the fifties through the early eighties. Josh has always enjoyed cooking and he was inspired to pursue food service by his grandfather. That interest culminated in his purchase of the party store.

One of the store’s specialties is pizza.

“We know the secret to good pizza,” said Josh. “We make our own sauce, we make our own dough, and we use only the finest, freshest ingredients in our pizzas. We also feature a big selection of delicious homemade desserts including brownies, cheesecake, and cookies. We pride ourselves on making seasonal specialties. Our pumpkin rolls are a big hit right now.”

The store also has a fine selection of beverages. These include the store’s own homemade lemonade, fresh iced coffee, and a variety of canned and bottled beer, wine, and soda. The store features a good selection of Michigan wines as well as other choices.

The store recently finished a renovation.

“We have more space now and an upgraded appearance,” said Josh. “The additional space allows us to feature new products, as well as salads, sandwiches, and wings.”

The Portland Party Store also has an ice cream parlor that is open from April through September.

“We obtain our ice cream from Mooville,” said Josh. “And we have a great selection of their flavors.”

Josh employs thirty-five employees. He wants people to know that his employees all work hard to provide the finest customer service.

“We take great pride in it,” said Josh.

Josh is thankful to Portland for its support of his business. He plans to keep moving forward in new and unique ways.

“I plan to be here for a long time,” he said. “Portland is a great town with great people. I am grateful for the assistance they have given to us.”

The Portland Party Store

607 E. Grand River Avenue

Portland, MI 48875

Telephone: 517-647-2400

Hours

6 am – 10 pm M – F

7 am – 10 pm Saturday

7 am – 9 pm Sunday

Photos from Portland Party Store Facebook page.