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

A popular Jo Daviess County brewery has always been near and dear to the hearts of Roger Gates and his wife, Becky Gates.

“Highway 20 (Brewing Co.) was one of our favorite spots, we truly enjoyed going there with family and friends,” Roger Gates said.

Recently, the stars aligned for the couple to take over the Elizabeth, Ill., brewery. While the then-owners were pondering opening a new chapter in their lives, Gates — a self-proclaimed beer enthusiast, but not a brewer — did not want to take their place without having an expert on board.

“I didn’t want to buy it unless I found a very good, confident brewmaster,” Gates said.

In comes Eric Bushell — a longtime home brewer with a recent stint at an award-winning brewery downstate.

“Lo and behold, his girlfriend’s from Elizabeth,” Gates said. “They moved to Elizabeth, and he’s brewing all our beer.”

The Gates couple officially took over on Feb. 1. Other than the addition of Bushell, many things about the brewery are remaining the same, including the part-time bartending staff.

In fact, much about the building has stayed the same for over a century — the brewery is located in an 1875 Presbyterian church with steeple and all still intact.

“It’s still got the stained-glass windows in it,” Gates said.

There are about four permanent beers on tap along with five or six seasonal options at a given time. Options range from light lagers to porters and all in between. Gates said a goal for the future is to also brew seltzer.

While the brewery does not serve food, Gates said he collaborates with some downtown eateries and permits patrons to bring in outside food. The brewery also has a patio and is dog friendly, he said.

“Come over, have a cold one, relax,” he said. “Once people have tried our beer, they tend to come back.”

Highway 20 Brewing Co. is located at 113 S. Main St. in Elizabeth. Winter hours are 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, 12 to 6 p.m. Saturday and 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Gates said hours will expand as the weather gets warmer.

More information is available at www.facebook.com/hwy20brewing.

Pain clinic opens in Dubuque

A pain clinic recently opened within a Grand River Medical Group building, though it is unaffiliated with the group.

Anesthesiologist and pain medicine physician Arjun Ramesh owns and operates Precision Spine and Pain Center at 1515 Delhi St., Suite 500.

Ramesh, a Virginia native who started his career training in Chicago and Cleveland, is married to a Bernard, Iowa, native, prompting his recent relocation.

“A lot of her family live here, so we decided to move here,” he said.

Ramesh treats a wide variety of pain conditions and offers consultations, medication management and injections, among other options.

He also offers several minor procedures, like a minimally invasive spine fusion.

“You’re basically on your feet the next day,” he said. “We can get people moving quickly.”

Ramesh said he carefully examines patients, studies their medical history and conducts imaging to best understand the root of their pain issues.

“Once we know what’s going on, we try to fix it,” he said.

At the core of Ramesh’s services, he said, is an empathy for those suffering from debilitating pain.

“My goal is to get people feeling good so they can get back to their lives,” he said. “I’m really trying to get people better.”

Precision Spine and Pain Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. To find out more or book an appointment, go to precisionpaincenters.com.

Galena gift shop and clothing store merge

The owner of a downtown Galena gift shop now also owns a nearby clothing store and has temporarily merged the two businesses.

Jennifer Pickett recently took over clothing store Cotton Club, a 30-year Galena staple, from its retiring owner. Around the same time, she had to move out of the building that was home to her own business, Gabby’s Gifts.

Moving trucks, however, were unnecessary. While Pickett hopes to eventually find a new location for Gabby’s Gifts, as of last month, it moved just across the street from its original location to 112 S. Main St., the home of Cotton Club.

“I have two stores under one roof,” Pickett said.

The array of products at the store includes handbags, jewelry, perfumes and a large selection of clothing. Pickett said items come in a wide range of prices and sizes. While she emphasizes the affordability of some of her products, some of the selection is higher-end, too.

“My whole vision for the store … is a little bit of something for everyone,” she said. “I want something for everyone’s budget and everyone’s size.”

The store also has offerings targeting men, such as grooming and shaving products, as well as skincare products — something Pickett said she prides herself on, noting that many high-end skincare lines target exclusively women.

Although she said the store’s customer base generally ranges from people in their mid-20s to mid-60s, Pickett said younger adults would also find their preferred selections.

“I’ve definitely incorporated more of a younger vibe,” she said.

Gabby’s Gifts and Cotton Club is now open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week, though Pickett said she plans on extending the hours in the summer. For more information, visit facebook.com/cottonclub112 or gotitatgabbys.com.