Biz Buzz shares business tidbits from across the tri-states. This edition highlights recent developments in Dubuque and Maquoketa, Iowa.

A local breakfast spot has found a second life with the opening of a new Dubuque coffee shop.

Daily Grind recently opened at 1646 Asbury Road next to the Dog House Lounge. The shop offers a variety of coffee drinks and other beverages, as well as grab-and-go pastries and a signature breakfast pizza.

“We want to be a one-stop breakfast place for people,” said owner Dusty Rogers. “We have the mochas, the lattes and all the normal stuff, but we also have a really nice breakfast pizza and all these different pastries and things.”

The coffee shop held a soft opening over the weekend for friends and family, and Monday marked its first official day of business. The shop fills the space formerly home to Donut Boy, a longtime area doughnut business that closed in 2023.

Rogers, who also owns Dog House Lounge, said the closure left the building with a glaring entrepreneurial gap. He utilized some of the space to expand the Dog House, but there was still plenty of room for another business.

“I have 17 employees at the Dog House and four children, and all of them had their own idea for what should go in (that space),” Rogers recalled. “We put our heads together, … and we eventually said we were going to open a coffee shop.”

In some ways, the space was already set up for such an endeavor. Area residents were accustomed to stopping by the building for breakfast, Rogers said, and it already had some of the necessary equipment and display cases.

The rest of the renovations were completed by an in-house maintenance crew, and it wasn’t long before Daily Grind took shape.

The shop now has five employees, all of whom Rogers said have prior experience working at other area coffee shops or cafes. The crew will keep the shop running seven days a week with a focus on quick, easy service.

“One of the things you’ll notice is that all of our people are going to greet you with open arms,” he said. “I’ve always loved bringing a smile to people’s faces, and coffee is one of the things that can do that.”

Daily Grind is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for in-house or carry-out orders. Breakfast pizza is available daily through 11 a.m. and can be ordered ahead of time by calling 563-207-8676.

Maquoketa hair salon changes hands

A Maquoketa hair salon is ringing in the new year under new ownership.

Stylist Anna Hardison recently acquired Strands Hair Studio at 107 S. Main St. The downtown salon offers a variety of hair care services for men and women and previously was owned by Abby McMahon.

“I was nervous about taking the leap at first, but it’s been a lot smoother than I ever would have expected,” Hardison said. “Now, I’m just looking forward to seeing the salon grow.”

Hardison said McMahon approached her last year about the prospect of selling the Maquoketa business. Hardison agreed, and she worked at the salon for a few months before officially taking it over in December.

She has since hired additional stylists and brought on a nail technician to broaden Strands Hair Studio’s services. The salon already offers a variety of cut and color services for women, as well as barbering services for men.

She also is in the process of redesigning the salon with a “cozy, boho” style, which she said will take place in phases as she becomes more accustomed to the space.

“I’m changing things up a little bit at a time,” she said. “I want something really warm and welcoming where the clients can feel comfortable, but where the stylists feel comfortable, too.”

Strands Hair Studio is open daily for appointments. For more information or to book an appointment, call 563-655-4224 or visit facebook.com/strandshair.

Dubuque gains new healthy hangout

A new beverage bar has opened in Dubuque with a focus on offering healthy drinks in a family-friendly environment.

Feldman Nutrition recently opened its doors in suite 4 of 4867 Asbury Road, across the road from Asbury Plaza. The Herbalife-affiliated business sells a variety of teas, shakes and other nutritional beverages for customers of all ages.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing all the new faces and greeting the customers every day,” said owner Amber Feldman. “When you’re working behind the counter, people really open up to you. It makes you feel good.”

Feldman runs the beverage business with her husband, Michael, with encouragement from their seven children. She spent the past two years working at another local nutrition club before deciding to open one of her own.

She said the teas, shakes and other beverages sold at the club helped her tremendously in her own health journey and that inspired her to use her knowledge of the products to help others reach their own fitness goals.

As such, there is a large focus on customer education at Feldman Nutrition, where staff are readily available to help customers understand the club’s varied menu and which products will best help them achieve their individual goals.

“Any time someone comes in the door, the first question is, ‘What are you looking for?’” Feldman said. “If they’re about to go weightlifting, (my recommendation) will be different than if they’re doing cardio or just looking for a little boost.”

Feldman Nutrition is equipped for carry-out or sit-down orders, Feldman said, and the space has been designed with comfort in mind. The bubblegum pink walls and olive green accents create a welcoming atmosphere, and a cozy gray couch invites customers to stop and stay a while.

Feldman stressed that the space is open to all ages, noting that the club has a variety of caffeine-free beverages on its kids menu.

“I am big on family, so I want this to be a true friends and family (environment),” she said. “I have a little toy box area, and kids are always welcome.”

Feldman Nutrition is open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information and seasonal specials, visit the Feldman Nutrition Facebook page or call 563-542-0599.