In&Out Staff Writers

Harleys will start rolling into Anthem in greater numbers in October. That’s when Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson plans to open in its new building along the west side of I-17 at the south end of the commercial district.

The building, distinct and visible from the highway, is nearing completion. Like the flagship Cave Creek store, it’ll be run by Buddy’s two sons, Jack and Frank. “We’re going to split time between the two of us,” Frank Stubbs said.

The Anthem store will carry a full line of bikes and offer the same service and rentals.

“It’s basically a mirror image of this place [Cave Creek],” he said.

Some of the management positions have been filled by employees from the Cave Creek store and elsewhere. Several entry-level positions remain open. Between 30 and 40 people will work at the Anthem location.

The dealership landed in Anthem after the Harley-Davidson company advised Stubbs to pick something along I-17 between Carefree Highway and New River.

“We are very excited to be apart of this growing community,” Jack Stubbs said.  “The support of the community is well appreciated.” He expects the Harley store to boost other businesses. “We will have a good amount of truck drivers pulling off the highway and into the dealership.  Many of these customers would normally pass on through Anthem without exiting.  Restaurants, convenience stores and other merchants may benefit with the increased activity.”

Buddy Stubbs opened his first dealership in 1966 after retiring from motorcycle racing. He did stunt work for the 1973 film “Electra Glide in Blue,” which starred Robert Blake as a motorcycle cop in Arizona.

Frank said Buddy will show up at the Anthem store frequently. io