After a mutual friend introduced the Rose Garden couple to original owners Nancy and Ted Biagini on March 1, the Pyers purchased the store. Buying the store satisfies a longtime dream of the couple of being proprietors.

"We're very excited about it," Ernie says. "It's a big thing for us. Something we always wanted to do was run a business of our own."

Margie says they were particularly drawn to the furniture and accessory store because of its relaxed environment.

"We wanted to get into a business where people are happy to walk in and do business with us," she says.

The Pyers added that they were discriminating about where they wanted to conduct their first business venture.

"We didn't want to attach ourselves to just anything," Ernie says. "It took something special to make it worth our while."

And Casa Casa was a perfect match.

"We came across this store and it had a presence," he says. "It was something we wanted to be a part of."

In addition to its reputation for quality merchandise and friendly customer service, Casa Casa has established itself as part of the community, the Pyers say.

"It's a Willow Glen fixture," Margie notes.

Because the community is familiar with Casa Casa's style, the Pyers emphasize that they have no plans to change the format of the store. The Biaginis' daughter, Meg Yeargain, will continue to purchase merchandise for the store.

"She has been the buyer for several years," Margie says, "and that will help us keep the style of Casa Casa."

The Pyers look forward to maintaining the store's solid reputation in the Willow Glen community.

"We are proud and honored to take over Nancy's legacy," Ernie says. "She has created a special store."

Casa Casa is located at 1355 Lincoln Ave. For more information, call 408. 298.2272.