A retired couple looking for a new challenge have taken over the reigns at M&M Meat Shops.

Sheila and John Stishenko took over the franchise on February 28 and they're fielding questions from friends about what brought them back to work.

"They ask, 'Why couldn't you just stay retired?' We were too bored - we were looking for something," said Sheila.

When previous owner Mike Kaufman decided to sell the store, the Stishenkos noticed a classified ad announcing the franchise was for sale. The couple sent off an application to M&M head office in Toronto last August, went through the interview process and were accepted in mid December.

The Stishenkos said they chose the M&M franchise for its family attitude.

"This is a long-term thing for our kids," said Sheila. "Our kids are both married and we have grandkids. This is a franchise where they focus on family. It's not long hours - it's more of a family atmosphere. So they eventually will step in and help run it."

And the franchise doesn't crowd the market, they said - the closest sister stores are in Castlegar and Lethbridge.

"M&M is very particular about how many stores they have and they look after their franchisees," said Sheila.

After hearing they were successful in their bid to buy the store, John and Sheila spent two weeks training in Kitchener then nine days in a training store in Calgary.

By the time, March 1 rolled around, the Stishenkos were ready to open the doors - a year to the day after Sheila retired from her clerk position at East Kootenay Regional Hospital.

Since stepping behind the counter three weeks ago, John and Sheila have signed up 67 new members to the store.

"We're pretty happy with that," said John.

Customers who visit in the afternoons might be lucky enough to sample some of the delicious ready-made meals on offer at the store.

John and Sheila, meanwhile, are slowing working their way through the catalogue - just so they can be experts in their products, of course.

"He likes any kind of food," said Sheila of her husband.

"Sweets is my favourite. It's just because my wife says I'm not sweet enough," joked John.