Biz Buzz shares business tidbits from across the tri-states. This edition highlights developments in Dubuque; Cascade, Iowa; and Cuba City, Wis.

A new food truck has opened in hopes of catering to Dubuque-area early birds.

The Hangry’er Hobo recently hit Dubuque area streets. The breakfast and lunch business is a companion to the Hangry Hobo, a Dubuque-based fast-casual food truck that launched last year.

“Everybody has been asking for breakfast, and I thought, ‘You know what, you’re right,’” said Nick Bries, who owns both trucks. “I noticed no one had really dialed in to that market, so I decided to go for it.”

The Hangry’er Hobo is meant to complement, not compete with, The Hangry Hobo, Bries said. Both menus have the same fast-casual style, but the dishes and operating hours differ.

The new truck serves a breakfast and lunch menu, Bries explained, ranging from corned beef skillets and eggs Benedict to Reubens and Philly cheesesteaks, among other offerings. All orders come with a hearty helping of sides such as breakfast potatoes or chips.

The Hangry’er Hobo will operate earlier in the day than its companion food truck and will be found at various locations around town depending on the day and time of year.

“We’ll run both trailers all winter,” Bries said. “You’ve really got to put in that time for something like this to work.”

Bries said he is excited to serve new and returning customers with the breakfast and lunch menu, adding that the inherent variety that comes with running a food truck is one of his favorite parts of the job.

He credited the original Hangry Hobo team members for their hard work that grew the truck’s popularity enough to warrant a spinoff. Several staff members from the original truck now run the Hangry’er Hobo, he said.

“I had such a great group working on the first one that I was able to move people around and get the second up and running,” he said. “I can’t wait to see what we can do by this time next year.”

For more information on the truck and its schedule, follow The Hangry’er Hobo Facebook page.

Home decor store opens in Cascade

A new home decor store has opened in Cascade just in time for the holidays.

R Home Designs recently opened at 115 First Ave. The store offers a variety of seasonal and everyday decor for different styles.

“I like to intermix the different styles, the boho and the modern and all that,” said owner Stephanie Ries. “I want to have something for everybody because not everyone likes the same things.”

Ries said she long has been passionate about decor and home design, leading to a slew of compliments from visitors to her Cascade home. Over time, the number of people asking for help with designing or decorating their own space began to add up, and the idea for R Home Designs was born.

The brick-and-mortar store opened earlier this month and stocks a variety of decorative items such as candles, vases and frames. Fall and Christmas-themed items are also available for customers’ perusal.

Ries said she also hopes she can help customers identify how best to use decor found in the store or how it could best pair with the decor they already own. If customers have a particular item at home they are looking to match, she encouraged them to bring it in while they shop.

“I’m looking forward to helping people find something they like … and that fits in their space,” Ries said. “When you get something new and find that perfect place in your home, it just makes you feel good.”

R Home Design is open from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Additional information is available online at the R Home Design Facebook and Instagram pages.

New bar opens in Cuba City

What’s in a name?

For Victoria Richter, a lot.

Richter recently opened Big R’s Bar at 122 S. Main St. in Cuba City. The business is named for Richter’s grandfather Richard and her father, Randy “Big R” Sugden, a truck driver and former supper club owner who died in 2019.

Richter’s grandfather started the Cazenovia, Wis., supper club when Richter was 6, and her father later took it over and ran the business until its 2012 sale. Since then, Richter has aspired to follow in their footsteps.

“Being able to carry on something they had so much passion for is a big part of what I’m doing now,” she said. “My family, my grandparents and my mom and dad, they’re all gone, but I know they’d be proud.”

Richter has worked in the bar and restaurant industry for years and has worked at several area establishments prior to opening Big R’s. Opening her own bar was always the goal, Richter said. It was just a matter of “right place, right time.”

The stars aligned this year when she learned about an available space along Cuba City’s Main Street. Previously filled by Coach’s Pub, the building presented a turnkey opportunity that Richter could make her own.

“Most of the remodeling and updates were already done, so there were just some minor things that we needed to do like bringing in some new furniture and decorations,” she said. “After that, we were ready to go.”

Richter said her goal is to create an “inviting and relaxing” atmosphere for both area residents and visitors to enjoy. She hosted a grand opening this month and said she already has seen visitors from as far away as Michigan, Minnesota and Missouri.

The bar is open daily and offers a menu of traditional pub fare including pizza, nachos, pretzels, quesadillas and more. Big R’s also will host community events and live music performances, Richter said, including a Halloween party on Nov. 2.

“I’m excited to see all the different people that come in as our name gets out there,” said Richter, who is a Cuba City resident. “I’m a people person. I’ve done a number of jobs over the years, and I know this is the one for me.”

Big R’s Bar opens daily at 11 a.m., with closing times dependent on the day and customer turnout. For more information on the bar and its offerings, visit the Big R’s Bar Facebook page.