AMERICAN Pickers star Mike Wolfe’s “cool and interactive” antique store and fired ex-host Frank Fritz’s “tacky” shop have been revealed in photos exclusively obtained by The Sun.
Mike, 57, owns Antique Archeology in Davenport, Iowa, while Frank, 57, runs Frank Fritz Finds in Savannah, Illinois.
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In photos obtained by The Sun, Mike’s store appeared more professional and organized.
For one display, an old-school bicycle sat on a shelf with more antiques underneath.
The display also had merchandise for American Pickers fans, as one shirt read “Keep on Pickin’” and another said “Respect Rust.”
Another section has Antique Archeology mugs, hats, shot glasses and bandanas.
Other antiques seen in the store are vintage car parts, a headlight tester, signs, an antique gas pump and more.
The outside of the store has a vintage car display.
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MIKE’S REVIEWS
Customers were impressed by the antique shop, as many gave the Iowa location rave reviews.
One customer said on Google reviews: “Loved seeing the shop! They have some areas set up like you would see if you went picking in an old garage or barn. Fun souvenirs too! If only Mike would have stopped by.”
Another wrote: “Neat to visit. They do sell some of their picks. The staff were awesome! So fun and energetic and loved to share stories of what picks guests were buying. I must say the logo souvenirs are WAY overpriced.”
A third wrote on: “It was a dream to visit this place I’ve only seen on TV and it was definitely worth the trip. They have really cool antique stuff to sell and display, also a big variety of souvenirs from the show is available at the store.
“The staff is super friendly and gives you many information about the show and the store. If you like American Pickers I definitely recommend the visit.”
A fourth said: “Loved this stop! The setting was beautiful with the river views and train passing by. Didn’t get to meet Dani, Mike or Frank but still enjoyed browsing the stores as well as seeing items they purchased on the show. I highly recommend you make a stop here even if you don’t enjoy the show they have so much cool Americana!”
Mike also runs Antique Archaeology in Nashville, where he also received good reviews.
As The Sun previously reported, Mike and his estranged wife, Jodi, took out a PPP loan, which is a business loan program for relief aid during the coronavirus pandemic, for Antique Archaeology Nashville in the amount of $74,097 on April 27, 2020.
PICKING ON FRANK?
Frank’s store is located in Savannah, Illinois in the back room of a bar.
Known for going after more inexpensive finds, Frank’s store was filled with knickknacks including toy cars, clocks, lamps, antique decor and more.
The outside of Frank Fritz Finds has a lineup of motorcycles.
But fans weren’t as impressed with Frank’s shop.
One Google review read: “Save yourself from this place. It is an extremely small antique store that you need to enter through a restaurant.”
Another customer wrote on Google: “Frank. As an antique shop you should be embarrassed. Make it like Antique Archaeology. Or tell people it’s closed. Embarrassing.”
A Google review from 11 months ago said: “Nothing great about it. You need to walk back by the bar. You feel like you are walking into the kitchen area of the restaurant only to open a door to a storage room that is filled with junk with layers and layers of dust on it. Nothing is organized.
“If you wanted to buy anything that you do find you have to take it to the bar to buy. Very, very weird. I will not go there again for the antique shopping.”
Another customer commented earlier this year: “The items really aren’t that unique. Some items include cheap nascar plaque/clocks. Very tacky. It has more of a thrift store/flea market vibe and look. It looks as the items are from Antique Archaeology reject pile.
“Very dark inside, not much lighting. It definitely has a strong, musty smell, but old building and some old items. So that’s expected. It had a few cool items, but so does any thrift shop… Definitely not worth the time. Clearly not much planning went into this. It’s possible Frank doesn’t even come here.”
The Sun previously reported the business license for Frank’s company, FFF Holdings, LLC, was dissolved in December 2017.
According to the Illinois Secretary of State, the business was created in July 2010.
The business was dissolved because no annual report was filed for 2017.
Though Frank currently has no active business license, his store is still up and running.
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SHOCKING FEUD
Frank previously told The Sun that the former friends have been feuding and haven’t spoken in two years.
He said: “I haven’t talked to Mike in two years. He knew my back was messed up, but he didn’t call me up and ask how I was doing. That’s just how it is.
“The show is tilted towards him 1,000 percent. I can’t even bend that far down to show you how much.
“That’s fine. It’s like you’ve got Aerosmith and there’s Steven Tyler and he’s the front man. I found my spot, I’m second and he’s number one on the show. That’s no problem with me, maybe he does have a problem.”
FRANK’S FIRING
Frank last appeared on American Pickers during a March 2020 episode, as he took time off to recover from back surgery, which left him with 185 stitches and two rods in his spine.
During his time off the show, Frank lost 65 pounds, as he is living a healthier lifestyle and is sober from alcohol.
He told The Sun that he entered rehab for alcohol addiction in Iowa for 77 days and is 11 months sober.
Frank expressed his desire to return to the History show.
He previously told The Sun: “I would like to come back to the show. I was doing it for 11 years. I’m 100 percent recovered now and I’m ready to roll and go back on the show.”
But Mike revealed Frank was fired from the show in July.
Mike, who is now dating model Leticia Cline after his divorce, previously told The Sun: “We all do care about Frank and we want him back on the show. I would love to talk with him again, we would absolutely love to, but he just can’t get it right.
“Frank is just going through a lot personally with addictions. It’s unfortunate that he’s made decisions that have him the way he is.”
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