Biz Buzz shares business tidbits from across the tri-states. This edition highlights developments in Dubuque; Galena, Ill.; and Platteville, Wis.

A well-known local couple has assumed ownership of a fair trade gift shop in Dubuque’s Cable Car Square.

A Ripple Effect, 491 W. Fourth St., now is owned by Brad and Jen Cavanagh. The downtown store stocks a variety of fair trade items ranging from ethically sourced jewelry and decor to coffee, chocolate and more.

“We’ve always been interested in the fair trade mission … and supporting (ethically sourced) products,” Brad said. “(This) store is a great opportunity to support that mission right here in Dubuque.”

The couple are familiar faces for many area residents: Brad serves as Dubuque’s mayor, and Jen works at Crescent Community Health Center. They also live near the gift shop and have shopped at the store for over 10 years.

When former owner Patty Jackson began to express interest in retirement, the two decided it was the perfect opportunity to act on longtime dreams of becoming business owners.

The pair purchased the store’s inventory in late spring and operated the store on a “soft opening” basis over the summer. This weekend, Friday through Sunday, Sept. 27-29, will mark the official grand opening with a focus on connecting with local shoppers.

“We really want to make sure that Dubuquers know that we’re here and that we’re a place that they can come and get unique gifts,” Jen said. “I think that’s something people are looking for, but they might not know (where to find it).”

A Ripple Effect stocks fair trade items from across the globe, and visitors can see where items were sourced from using a color-coded map hanging near the store’s entrance.

Brad said he would like to leverage the store’s tourist-heavy clientele to support not only his business, but those from across the Dubuque area. The store has brochures from other local retailers, and the pair have added several new, locally-sourced products to the shelves.

“Not everyone can be at the bottom of the (Fenelon Place) Elevator,” Brad said. “Our plan is to make connections throughout Dubuque and be able to help direct (visitors) to other places they might like on Main Street, in the North End or other places like that.”

A Ripple Effect is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, though the hours might expand during the upcoming holiday season. Additional information about the store can be found online at arippleeffectshop.com.

Galena entrepreneur launches franchise

An area entrepreneur has launched his own franchise in hopes of taking his Galena-based brand nationwide.

Eric Bonnetain last month launched a nationwide franchise effort for Bread & Vine, a fast-casual bistro based at 217 S. Main St. in Galena. The bistro serves a variety of French cuisine and is best known for its wide array of fresh macaroons.

Bonnetain said he was prompted to launch the franchise after the roaring success of the Galena location and repeated pleas from customers to expand the brand.

“It seemed like every day I had a customer telling me, ‘You should open a Bread & Vine near me,’ and I’d ask where they’re from and they’d say Chicago or Miami or (somewhere else farther away),” he explained. “Then I thought, ‘Well, maybe I can.’”

Since launching the franchise, Bonnetain said he’s had over 50 interested parties reach out from 17 states ranging from Illinois neighbors Wisconsin and Missouri to farther afield markets such as Florida, Texas and Massachusetts.

He said the target market for the brand is mid- to large-sized cities looking for a fast-casual dining experience that still has an elevated feel.

“I want the brand to grow all across the country,” Bonnetain said. “If you get a restaurant in one place and then two, then people start to see the (Bread & Vine name). That’s how the word begins to spread.”

Additional information about the franchise can be found online at breadandvinerestaurants.com/franchise.

Platteville hardware store rounds out remodel

The new owners of a Platteville hardware store have rounded out a remodel to provide a “brighter, fresher space” for customers.

Hermsen’s Ace Hardware at 180 E. Main St. recently hosted a grand opening celebration in honor of the interior remodel and product line expansion that has taken place under the new owners, David and Jessica Hermsen.

“It’s just a refreshed, updated look,” said Jessica Hermsen. “It’s fun to watch customers who haven’t been in for a while walk in and just get this look of, ‘Oh my gosh’ after the updates.”

The couple also runs Hermsen’s Ace Hardware in Bloomington, which has been in David’s family for four generations. They purchased the Platteville store last winter and since have worked to make the space their own.

Those efforts included a full interior remodel that meant replacing the floors, reorganizing the store’s layout and expanding several product lines.

The store now has a dedicated backyard barbecue and grilling section, Hermsen said, as well as a selection of patio furniture. The plumbing section has been expanded, and new brands or product lines have been implemented storewide.

“We brought in some new product lines in some areas, and in others we just expanded on what (the previous owners) already had,” Hermsen said. “One thing we’ve tried to do is add in some more niche local products like items from (Dubuque-based company) Midwest Girl.”

The store remained open throughout the renovation, which Hermsen said required cooperation and understanding from staff and customers alike.

She said it helped that many of the store’s current staff members worked under prior ownership when the store operated as Heiser’s Ace Hardware and were able to help customers navigate the transition and remodel.

“It’s an updated look, but the same great faces and services that people were used to,” Hermsen said. “Platteville has been great and really supportive, so we’re excited to become a bigger part of the community.”

Hermsen’s Ace Hardware is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The store can be reached by phone at 608-348-5231.