Bunek's Hardware was established in 1944 by Emil and Martha Bunek and still resides in its current location in Lake Leelanau.  Emil along with his sons, helped expand and build the hardware store and its services into a successful business that locals and visitors have come to love. The business was run by Emil until 1974 when his sons took over the operation.

In 1994 Buneks Hardware celebrated 50 years of being in business!

In 1986, the eldest of Emil's sons John, along with his wife Marge, took over ownership of the business and operations. Keeping in family tradition, John and Marge's daughter Carol became the third legacy of the Bunek Hardware crew to follow in the footsteps of Emil Bunek.

Today, John Bunek (now semi-retired) and his wife have passed the Bunek Hardware legacy onto his daughter Carol (Bunek) Stowe, and her husband Steve. Although the reins have been passed, John and Steve keep the heating, plumbing, and electrical work going while Carol and sister Christine keep the store stocked while offering an infinite vault of knowledge.