A closer look at six Chatham-Kent businesses and organizations — from a restored 1930 movie palace to a family-run muffler shop — each profiled from real, published details in 100CK's directory.
These six Chatham-Kent businesses and organizations were chosen for the range of industries, histories, and communities they represent — this is an editorial feature, not a paid placement or a ranking. Every detail below comes from each business's own published information.
Capitol Theatre — Downtown Chatham's 1930 Movie Palace
The Capitol Theatre at 238 King Street West opened in 1930 as a movie palace and has since been restored into a 1,210-seat performance venue. Operated by Chatham-Kent Arts + Culture, it now stages more than 100 concerts, live theatre, comedy, and film screenings a year, sharing a box office with the nearby Kiwanis Theatre.
Retro Suites Hotel — A Boutique Hotel Across Eight Historic Buildings
Retro Suites, at 2 King St. W in historic downtown Chatham, opened in 2002 under local owners Rob and Cathy Myers. It has grown from four suites to 45 individually themed guest suites and seven long-term apartments spread across eight architecturally distinct buildings.
Carmine Homes — A Second-Generation Family Building Company
Carmine Homes, based at 40 Richmond Street in Chatham, is a family-owned renovation and building company with roots going back to the 1970s, now run by its second generation. The company handles full kitchen, bathroom, and basement renovations, additions, and custom new home builds.
The Mufflerman — Exhaust and Repair on Keil Drive Since 1975
The Mufflerman, at 39 Keil Drive South, has operated in Chatham since 1975 as a local outpost of an Ontario chain founded in 1964. Alongside its namesake exhaust and muffler work, the shop handles brakes, tires, and general maintenance.
Realty House Inc. — A Locally Owned Brokerage With Two Offices
Realty House Inc., based at 220 Wellington Street West in downtown Chatham with a second office in Wallaceburg, is a locally owned, full-service real estate brokerage handling residential, commercial, farm, and investment properties across Chatham-Kent.
Kendrick Funeral Home — A Family Group's Chatham Location
Kendrick Funeral Home, operating locally as Chatham Funeral Home — A Life Celebration Centre at 4 Victoria Avenue, is part of a family-owned group with additional locations in Kingsville and Wheatley. Jamie and Dave Kendrick took over the Chatham and Wheatley properties, formerly Denning Funeral Homes, in September 2020.
Know a Chatham-Kent business with a story worth telling? Nominate them for 100CK, or browse the full directory to explore more.
