Behind the Counter: This Granby Business Will Make You Laugh

A French fry gets lost in a haunted fish tank. 

That may not be a true story, but it is the premise of Granby-based Free Lunch Comics' "first exclusive digital comic," according to Matt Ryan, co-owner and Granby native.

The local comics company recently released "Chip n' Fish" and a photo of the cover is included in the above gallery.

Granby native Matt Ryan, 41, runs Free Lunch with business partner Steve Kanaras. Ryan is a cartoonist and Kanaras does the writing. Rachael Meyer does graphic design work for Free Lunch and Oliver Davis is the label's comics retailer.

Their production studio in Granby also is an "art center where classes, workshops and special events are held," according to Free Lunch's website.

Ryan has received various awards from the Comic Book Artists Guild and was elected as leader of the Comic Book Artists Guild and Granby Artists Association.

He and Kanaras have also posted some of their Free Lunch Comics on Patch. Kanaras has done freelance writing for Patch, as well.

Patch asked Ryan to tell his about his business of laughs and here's what he had to say.

Q&A

Patch: When did your business open?

Ryan: "We opened our Granby location April 2009, but Free Lunch has been around since April 1998."

Patch: What services do you offer at your company?

Ryan: "Freelance art, writing, graphic design studio, educational lecture series about comics, offer classes in art and writing, sell comics and Magic the Gathering and host Magic tournaments."

Patch: Why did you decide to open in Granby and what made you interested in your field?

Ryan: "Three out of four of us live in Granby, and the location is good in the Granby Commons. I have always loved to draw, and I love working with kids, hunting for work, and I like the payoff of a happy customer."

Patch: "Do you have a business mantra you live by?"

Ryan: "If you can, or if you believe you can't... You're right."

Patch: Can you tell us about your business background?

Ryan: "I had a 'fake' job at an insurance company, where I learned a lot of things that I apply to my everyday business routine. I have never owned anything other than the Free Lunch label."

Patch: Finish the sentence. When I'm not working I'm...

Ryan: "...I spending time with my family - doing anything."

BUSINESS INFORMATION

Hours: By appointment, Monday night jams are open to the public from 6 to 8:30 p.m. weekly.
Address: Granby Commons, 518 Salmon Brook St., Granby
Phone: (860)305-6621
Website: www.freelunchcomics.com
Email: mryan@freelunchcomics.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Lunch-Studios