Posted by Mark Pedersen on Fri, Feb 03, 2012 @ 09:59 AM
While perusing the Wicked Local news site - the Somerville version, of course - I came across an interesting video clip about celebrity endorsements. I just got back from Savannah, GA, so the mention of Paula Deen gave me a chuckle, seeing that I ate at her (fried-filled) restaurant. The clip highlights how we Americans are being herded like sheep!
We're just Somerville auto repair guys - and that's how we like it! You won't see any celebrity endorsements here. We've got better than that - a great crew of locals spreading the word about Mike's!
What do you think about these endorsements? Are these people sleazy, or just smart enough to take the money and run?
Posted by Mark Pedersen on Fri, Dec 30, 2011 @ 01:20 PM
It's almost New Year's! The start of a new year means something different to everyone. Often it invokes feelings of joy and optimism. Here in Somerville, New Year's Day carries a special meaning. For on that day we celebrate one our local treasures: the Grand Union flag.
Many of you may know that our beloved Grand Union flag - our nations's first flag - was raised
by George Washington on Prospect Hill, on January 1, 1776. But did you know that it is still celebrated by those who love our city most?
In fact, since she took helm at the Historical Preservation Commission, Brandon Wilson has worked to return the "grandness" of celebrating the Grand Union flag. A major celebration is prepared for New Year's Day, with a procession starting at City Hall, and finishing at Prospect Hill.
What a great opportunity to experience a profound piece of history, right here in Somerville! We often forget what we have right here, in our own backyard. The first shot fired during the American Revolution may have occurred in Lexington, but the battle lines were drawn here in Somerville, with the raising of the Grand Union flag.
At our Somerville auto repair shop, we look up and see the Grand Union flag every day, waving proudly, as if it's wathcing over us.
What are you doing New Year's Day? Why not get out and see the procession? Stop by Prospect Hill, and think about what the new year means to you. And how if it wasn't for George Washington and the Grand Union flag, it might mean something entirely different.
Posted by Mark Pedersen on Wed, Nov 23, 2011 @ 02:07 PM
Life here in Union Square can be a little hectic, to say the least. The place we call home is basically the crossroads of Somerville and Cambridge. You would think this would mean that things are always moving slowly. But that's not the case....
The truth is Union Square is akin to a runway! Cars fly through this place like it's the autobahn, and have no regard for who or what is in their way.
This culminated in tragedy this past week. A 55 year-old Somerville woman was struck and nearly killed, right in the heart of the Square.
An investigation is in process, but regardless of the outcome, this incident should give us all pause. And we should demand that something be done in Union Square!
How much longer are we going to allow this traffic situation to exist? What if this woman had died? Would we make ourselves heard then?
This isn't about who is at fault. It's about a situation that has been allowed to worsen over the years, without consequence. Somebody needs to take a stand.
Today, we take a stand! We demand that our elected officials do something, before we really do lose a member of our community.
Are we in this alone? Drop us a comment and tell us if you're on-board!
Posted by Mark Pedersen on Fri, Nov 04, 2011 @ 09:26 AM
We're pretty psyched to share our big news with everyone - we've just added a killer rewards program! It's a pretty big deal when it comes to Boston auto repair.
We thought long and hard about how to get the new program going. Not only what to offer,
but more importantly, how to structure it so that it actually works. We want to reward our customers for referring us, and we don't want it to be a hassle.
So, what did we come up with? Put it all online. Make it clickable, and they will come! (We hope, anyway.) Now, it couldn't be easier to tell your friends about Mike's and get rewarded for it.
Okay - we'll get to the point. We've setup a new referral site for our current customers to go to when they want to refer a friend to Mike's. At the site you'll get your own personalized link, allowing you to share the Mike's love in a multitude of ways - social media, email - it's up to you.
And, the good stuff? Yeah, we're getting to that.... Refer your friend to Mike's and he or she will receive a FREE oil change! In return, you will receive a $25.00 gift card to Mike's!
Yes, we know - way too easy!
Seriously, we hope everyone will use and enjoy the new rewards program. Besides being nearly effortless to use, the best part is that both you and your friend get rewarded. It just doesn't get better than that!
So, check-out the site, or scan the QR code in the graphic above. Spread the word about Mike's and start piling up your rewards!
Posted by Mark Pedersen on Wed, Aug 10, 2011 @ 02:09 PM
Something sweet is on the move here in the 'Ville. According to the Web site, The Feast, local favorite Redbones is hopping the tracks to Cambridge where it will open a rib stand.
Fear not, Davis Square faithful, the original Redbones will remain!
The new spot will be in Kendall Square at 300 Aethaneum Street. The 
rib stand will feature a much smaller (but still delicious) menu and will be solely take-out, with the exception of a few outside seats.
Redbones will make a great addition to Kendall Square - now all of the techies and VCs can get some down-home grub too!
We would like to congratulate Redbones, including co-owner Rob Gregory (who so graciously supports many local fundraising initiatives). Nothing is better than seeing a fellow locally owned, independent business flourish!
So, when in need of Cambridge auto repair, don't forget to swing by the rib shack on your way to Mike's.
And oh yeah - don't forget to save a rib for Mike!
What's your favorite dish at Redbones? Leave us some tips we won't find on Foursquare!
Posted by Mark Pedersen on Wed, Jul 20, 2011 @ 03:20 PM
There's something exciting going on here in Union Square. At our Somerville auto repair shop we have a new neighbor. And we're psyched that it's another food spot!
Owner, Jose Garcia (of Blue Fin fame) has setup shop right next to us, with his new restaurant Ebi Sushi. That's right - come in for an oil change and grab a volcano roll next door for lunch. That's just too easy!
Jose told our friends at the Somerville Arts Council that he had been looking for a spot for a while. He realized that he had many customers from Union Square - but there was no sushi here. Well, the bells went off and the rest is history....
Ebi Sushi is more than just sushi. The restaurant offers a wide variety of Japanese cuisine, from tempura, to teriyaki, to noodle soups - there's something for everyone at Ebi.
And with a 4.5 star rating on Yelp, I have a feeling that Jose isn't going anywhere any time soon.
So, the next time you're in for service, or just making your way through Union, stop by Ebi Sushi and say, hello! Let's show Jose that he picked the right spot!
Posted by Mark Pedersen on Wed, Jun 15, 2011 @ 12:48 PM
Did you make it to Union Square this past Saturday? We were there in full force for SomerFun - courtesy of Somerville Local First and Somerville Arts Council. It was definitely a little rough with the November-like weather - cold, rainy, and well - yuck! But we Somerville auto repair guys know how to have a good
time!
We huddled under a big tent next to our friends from Groundwork Somerville - oh, so kind of them! The turnout may have been low, but it was still filled with great, local people.
We showed up with gifts for everyone! We had some sleek gift cards made that entitle the recipient to $10 off of our green oil change. And yes, they were quite a hit!
It was great to see the dedication of all the local businesses and friends of Somerville. That's what makes our community great!
And though, at the end of the day we were a little tired - and wet - all was well when we raised our glasses at the Independent.
See you next year, at what will hopefully be a warm and sunny SomerFun!
Posted by Mark Pedersen on Fri, Apr 22, 2011 @ 09:30 AM
It's time to celebrate Boston - it's Earth Day! If you're familiar with us then you know it's kind of always Earth Day around here. We believe in Boston sustainable auto repair - and we make it happen.
Besides our in-house sustainability initiatives, we've got the 
Boston green oil change. And what better day than today to show that baby off! In honor of Earth Day, we're giving away 20 green oil changes!
What's the catch? None - we're just Boston auto repair guys who like to show the planet a little love too!
We're throwing this green party online - the first 10 people to retweet our Earth Day tweet,and the first 10 people to comment on our Earth Day Facebook status - will all receive FREE green oil changes!
So, what are you waiting for? Check us out on Twtter or Facebook and get your FREE green oil change!
And, oh yeah - Happy Earth Day!
Winners will be notified. By appointment only. Not redeemable for cash. Includes oil filter and up to 5 quarts of EcoPower oil.
Posted by Mark Pedersen on Fri, Mar 25, 2011 @ 12:51 PM
In case you haven't heard - tonight is Groundwork Somerville's Greening the City Gala. If you follow us, then you know we're not just about Somerville car repair, and you've read about Groundwork and how much we support them. Well, tonight is your chance to support them too!
The Gala will be held at the Arts at the Armory on Highland 
Avenue. You can still buy tickets at the door (until they run out - which shouldn't take long). In fact, they're only $40.00!
And what do you get for your hearty investment? Firstly - a rockin' time! We're talking live music from the Go-Flo Casuals, the Soulful Souls, and the Tony the Bookie Orchestra! Combine that with delicious organic wine and some of Boston's best beer, courtesy of Pretty Things and Cambridge Brewing Company. Do you still have to think about it?
For those that another reason besides a party, you can feel good that your hard-earned money is supporting a local organization that is truly making a difference in our community. It's not too often that you get to have a rockin' time and feel like you're giving back. Now that's a good night's sleep!
So, what are you waiting for? Call your friends and make it a plan! Then come find us tonight at the Armory - we can all toast to Groundwork!
See you there!
Posted by Mark Pedersen on Fri, Feb 18, 2011 @ 12:27 PM
Winter can be boring. What's a city dweller to do? Our friends at the Somerville Journal wrote a blog post yesterday about urban skiing coming to Somerville. What is urban skiing? It's basically where skiing meets skateboarding. No, I'm not kidding. You strap-on some skis, find a hill, and the city landscape becomes your terrain park.
The crew from Stept Productions made the trek from Colorado to the 'Villle to hit the some rails over by the high school.
We Somerville car repair guys find Stept to be thoroughly entertaining - but a bit on the crazy side. In fact, one of the Stept mad men - Tom Warnick - broke his tibia while tearing it up somewhere around the Hub.
We'll let you know when Stept releases the footage that was taken around Somerville. Until then, check-out their video from last year's Boston-area excursion. And oh yeah - don't try this at home!
Did you see the Stept crew around town? Drop us a comment and give us the scoop!