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

Two local coffee roasters have opened a cafe in Galena.

Joy and Corey Heller opened The Wired Rabbit on April 15 at 240 N. Main St. The Hellers previously owned The Trolley Depot Coffee and Tea Co. in Galena, which they closed last year due a landlord dispute.

At the time, the couple moved the roasting operation to Cuba City, Wis., and intended to open a shop there as well, but the opportunity to again have a Galena storefront arose this winter.

“We rebranded (and) tweaked the menu,” Joy Heller said.

The original business name came from its previous location near the Galena Trolley Tours depot. Heller said moving to a different location disconnected the business from that name.

“We wanted a name we could use anywhere,” she said.

Heller said The Wired Rabbit is inspired by a British pub feel.

“It definitely has an Old World feel,” she said. “It fosters conversation. We designed it so people feel like they’re at our home and not at a business.”

The small-batch specialty coffee roasted at The Wired Rabbit is equivalent to how microbreweries or small wineries operate, Heller said. She said the cafe uses “clean ingredients,” generally preferring to add spices to beverages over manufactured flavored syrups, and partners with local beekeepers for raw honey.

“We’re not trying to mimic Starbucks,” she said. “What really makes us special is clean ingredients, really good coffee and our baristas are awesome.”

Also available at The Wired Rabbit is a limited food menu, Heller said, such as pastries, salads and paninis on sourdough bread. On the beverage side, aside from coffee, several types of tea are available.

The Wired Rabbit’s hours are 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The establishment is closed on Sundays.

Plans for a cafe in Cuba City are still in the works, however, Heller said the timeline for when one might open is unclear and depends partially on the completion of a city infrastructure project.

For more information and updates, go to tinyurl.com/thewiredrabbit.

Dubuque nursery buys tree farm

Dubuque-based Cornerstone Nursery has expanded by purchasing an area tree farm.

Cornerstone Nursey offers quality plant products and custom landscaping services, owner Jake Bohr said.

“We try to be the one-stop shop for everything landscape — trees, shrubs, perennials,” he said. “If someone wanted a tree or shrub planted, we’d do that.”

The business, located at 4101 Pennsylvania Ave., also offers come community-involved events, such as a pumpkin centerpiece class, Bohr said.

Recently, the business expanded by purchasing a tree farm at 7901 Hendricks Lane from which it had already been purchasing some of its products. There are 11,000 trees grown on the farm, Bohr said.

“The goal out there is to make it a fun place for everyone,” Bohr said. “We want the place to be more than just trees.”

Much like at the nursery, the tree farm will also be a community space, Bohr said. He said future plans include a pumpkin patch, corn maze and even live musical performances.

The tree farm, which is managed by Matt Herrig, is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment on weekends.

More information about the business is available at cornerstonenurserydbq.com.

Shullsburg craft makers open gift shop

An artsy local family has opened a brick-and-mortar shop in Shullsburg.

Emily Pedley Fecht owns Perfecht Gift Co., which opened April 4 at 127 W. Water St. in Shullsburg. A grand opening ceremony will be held Thursday, May 1.

The storefront is a means for Pedley Fecht and her family to sell their products. Previously, the family was a staple at area craft fairs and recently had a pop-up shop at another downtown Shullsburg location.

“Everything here is made by us,” Pedley Fecht said. “It’s a lot of giftable items.”

Pedley Fecht makes household products such as candles, lotions, soaps and lip balms.

“All my stuff is made with real ingredients,” she said.

Her mom, a skilled sewer, makes items such as tote bags and dresses.

Pedley Fecht’s husband, Adam Fecht, and their three children also help at the shop, making hand-

embroidered items and jewelry.

Her sister-in-law, Kayla Pedley, makes car freshies, beaded pens, keychains and wine stoppers.

“Everything we make, there’s a reason behind it — like … we wanted but we couldn’t find (something), so we decided to make it,” Pedley Fecht said.

The new storefront also will feature classroom space.

“This location offers us some space aside from the store,” Pedley Fecht said. “We have a retail space out front and a huge classroom in the back.”

Plans for future classes include wreathmaking and cooking classes, she said.

Eventually, Pedley Fecht said, the store will include items from other vendors who are family friends.

Downtown Shullsburg is an ideal store location, Pedley Fecht said. The Shullsburg native now lives in Lancaster, Wis., but has fond memories of growing up in her hometown. She said community development groups such as Advance Shullsburg help businesses such as hers thrive.

“The retail environment here is just different from other communities,” she said. “(Advance Shullsburg) is so supportive. It’s been a real positive experience. It’s fun to be home and be part of that (retail environment).”

Perfecht Gift Co. is open from noon to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, visit facebook.com/perfechtandpretty.