Fort Worth Chopper Supply Co. is more than a place, it is an experience, it is inspiring! It was the goal of owners Jim Harper, and Kenny Kirk, both respected craftsmen in their own fields, to create something that broke the mold, something so out of the box that it might be mistaken for several other things, but at the end of the day, it would undeniably be a very unique, multi purpose, shop. The idea sparked as they purchased a large lot of vintage aftermarket, and oem parts together, they knew it would be a ton of work, and a huge risk, but shared the same desire to create something that neither one had seen, or been a part of before, a retail space, that could be more than just that.
With the parts secured, and the idea roughly sketched out, it was time to find the right space. They agreed that the location had to be just right, it had to be somewhere that had some soul. The typical storefront, strip center, or cheap storage facilities that are often the most economical, and safest plays, wouldn't work for this, it had to be special, it had to be the right canvas. The search turned up several locations that were viable, it's not hard to find cool spots in Fort Worth, but it was the little, dilapidated tattoo shop at the top of the hill in the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards that really stole their hearts. It was pretty far gone, which meant more work, and far to small, which meant they would have to be more selective, but they knew that with their backgrounds in construction, and the fixtures they salvaged from the parts haul, it could be something special.
With the location secured, construction began. Once the demo was underway it was apparent that there was no going back. This idea, this dream, had legs now and was off and running. The space was gutted to nothing but a shell, and everything was completely and intentionally redone, from the lighting to the plumbing, every detail thought out, and dwelled on. It had to be just right, it had to be a space that "spoke" to people, but it also had to open. So, the fine line between insanity, and creativity was walked for the next few months, and on May the 16th of 2015 the doors were opened for the very first time.
Since opening the space has hosted several events, and parties, supporting others work, and helping the community grow in a healthy way, all the while operating as a select retail space that has not only access to thousands of parts new and used, but also a desire to support small business in the motorcycle community, actively searching for the best possible alternative to the mass produced parts available to the general public. This is by no means limited to parts, just as our lives are not limited to one aspect. Art, Music, Clothing, Tools, Inspiration, Encouragement, and Help are all available.
Follow @choppersupplyco on Instagram for updates on the Chopper Supply Co. Family.
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