Whether they are looking to check out the summer’s hottest blockbusters or just wanting to re-watch some nostalgic favorites from their childhood, for many people, there is little that beats renting a few movies from the store and curling up on the couch to enjoy them, with their family and a bowl of popcorn at their side.

Dowagiac’s newest business is looking to offer local residents one half of that magic equation: and so much more, too.

Earlier this month, Niles’ Kim and Brandon Dutton and their son, Colton, opened the doors to their new family venture, Northside Movies and More, located inside the former Strength Beyond gym at 105 Sheldon St. The family plans to celebrate with a grand opening celebration from noon to 11 p.m. Saturday.

The video rental store offers Blu-rays and DVDs of the newest movies and TV shows, as well as an extensive archive of older films for people rent. The business is also looking to add video game rentals in the near future.

As the name of the store implies, though, the Dutton family are looking to offer more than just a place for people to rent a few flicks. They also are looking to tanning services in the near future, and are partnering with a local computer repairman to offer his technology services to guests.

The Niles family — who, prior to starting Northside, raised and bred blue-and-gold macaws, a type of parrot native to South America — has spent the last several months rebuilding the former gym after the building’s owner began leasing them the space in July.

“I’ve always wanted to run a business with my family,” Kim said. “So, when the opportunity to rent this space became available, I decided to take it and run with it.”

The matriarch said that the type of business they wanted to operate was never in doubt, given her husband’s and son’s love of film.

“They are huge movie buffs,” she said. “They have probably seen every movie we have at this place.”

The building, which has been closed since Strength Beyond closed its doors in 2013, was in rough shape when the family began working on it, Kim said. The problem was so bad that raccoons had taken up residency inside the space, she said.

However, through weeks of repairs and installation of new fixtures and furnishings, the business owners have made the building “sparkle again,” Kim said.

In addition to their side of the business, the Duttons will be sharing space with Dowagiac’s Will Shepard, owner of Will’s Computer Sales & Service. On his side of the business, the local man will be offering computer repair, virus removal and maintenance services to customers, and will be selling new and used laptop and desktop computers.

Shepard said the new space, which should be complete in the next few weeks, will give him a chance to showcase some of the custom-built machines he has for sale. He has been in business for more than a year, previously operating out of his home.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity that Kim and the building owner have given me,” Shepard said. “I’ve been waiting for a chance like this for a while now.”

In the meantime, customers have been flocking to the video rental portion of the business, Kim said. People in particular enjoy the free bags of fresh popcorn that the staff hand them as soon as they walk in, which they may snack on while they browse through the store’s selection.

“Dowagiac is such a nice place,” Kim said. “I have yet to run into anyone who has acted rude or crude to us. I just love the people here.”

The owners will be hosting a port-a-pit dinner during Saturday’s grand opening ceremony. For $6, customers may enjoy a plate of pulled pork or pulled chicken, along their choice of two side dishes, which include roasted potatoes, potato salad, coleslaw or green beans. Proceeds from the dinner will be used to help pay for the installation of new insulation for the building.

Northside Movies and More is open from 3 to 7 p.m. on Monday, 3 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. For more information, people may call (269) 782-9781 or may visit the business’ Facebook page, facebook.com/pg/NorthsideMoviesAndMore.