An ex-auto worker who now owns a business in downtown Oxford is reaching out to her Big Three brothers and sisters with a special offer.
Now through March 1, any active, laid off or retired Big Three employee can receive $5 off any purchase of $20 or more at Fatty’s Pizzeria when they show their United Auto Workers membership card or plant identification badge.
‘Times are tough right now. I’d really like to help them out,? said Jeanine Schrader, who’s owned the 40 N. Washington St. pizzeria since October 2008.
Schrader worked on the Chrysler assembly line for 15 years starting out at Mound Road Engine (closed in 2002) and ending at Warren Truck Assembly.
In between, she worked at the Mack Avenue Engine Complex and Sterling Heights Assembly.
In October, Schrader took a buy-out and used the money to purchase Fatty’s.
‘I wasn’t looking for a pizzeria, but when I found out this was for sale, I had to have it,? she said. ‘This was the only pizza place that I would go to in Oxford.?
Given the challenges and uncertainties facing Detroit’s auto companies and workers in the midst of this global recession, Schrader, who’s lived in Oxford for 15 years, decided it was a good time to offer them a helping hand.
‘It’s my way of giving back to them because alot of them are indefinitely laid off right now,? she said.’People still like to eat out yet they can’t afford a lot. Pizza’s not a high-priced item and it can feed a whole family.?