Kicks & Grins was first opened in Winston-Salem, NC , in 1995 by Terry Snyder, a banking software executive and life-long resident of the state of North Carolina .  Its original intent was to be a visual expression of his love and passion for his home state and serve as a living memorial for his mother and father, and in honor of his daughter, Meredith.  The store was purposed to be a retail source promoting the people, places, products and pride of the great state of North Carolina .  His second store, located in the historic Dilworth area of Charlotte, NC , opened in July of 2008.

Born in Winston-Salem, NC , in 1954, and living his school years in Charlotte, NC , Terry has always had a deep appreciation for family and the beauty and variety of interests to be found in North Carolina .  Recalling early family vacations, often taken within the borders of the state, and citing his many years of business travel as well, Terry longed for a chance to express his passion for his home state, and he did so in opening each of the Kicks & Grins stores.  Terry claims to have met “Mother Nature” first hand during his college years at Western Carolina University in Cullowee, NC . An avid sports participant (baseball, golf, running, etc.) and outdoorsman (hunting and fishing), Terry has always enjoyed the natural beauty and resources of his home state. 

The name “Kicks & Grins” comes from a phrase coined by Terry’s father, Ira F. Snyder, Sr.  When asked by friends and family members as to how his son Terry was spending his time, talents and money, Mr. Snyder would often respond with “…for kicks and grins.”  As previously stated, it was for Mr. Snyder and his wife Ruby that Terry opened his first store in their memory. 

The Charlotte/Dilworth store also has many personal memories for Terry.  For one, it is located in the same location (shopping center) where his in-laws, Gordon and Miriam Eldridge, operated their family business, Avondale Pharmacy, for decades.  It was here that Terry met his wife-to-be, the Eldridge’s youngest daughter, Dawn.  Terry and Dawn have one daughter, Meredith, who was married to Brent Walser in June, 2008.   The store was also opened to honor Meredith, the rightful pride and joy of the Snyder family.

The area of the new store location is also important to Terry in that he is very familiar with the area, having partnered with a friend of his youth, Mike Kelly, to own and operate Snyder & Kelly Realtors,   Terry attended Sedgefield Jr. High School and Myers Park High School , adding to his familiarity with the area.  Terry continues to have many friends and business associates living with this popular area.

If you are fortunate enough to meet Terry on your visit to the store, you will find yourself making a new friend.   He is an honest, hard-working, dependable and loyal person who values his friends…both old and new! 

Our Business

Kicks & Grins seeks to serve the needs of those who desire to purchase products related to the state of North Carolina.  Nearly all products carried in our store represent the people, places, and pride of North Carolina or are made here.  Quality products, fair pricing, and friendly service await those who enter Kicks & Grins. 

Who We Are

The primary staff of Kicks & Grins consists of Terry Snyder, the owner, and his brother Francis.  Both Terry and Francis are life-long residents of the state of North Carolina, and both are very familiar with the Charlotte area, especially the Dilworth community...where they grew up.  Come in and visit and begin a relationship with the friendly staff of Kicks & Grins...you won't regret having done so!