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

A new food truck has hit the streets of Galena, serving up a menu full of authentic Mexican cuisine.

Pulido’s Tacos held its soft opening last month and since has hosted several lunch events each week in and around Galena. The truck is run by Mario and Teresa Pulido, of Galena, and their son Irving Pulido and his wife, Shalene, with occasional help from other family members.

“The whole family is in on this,” said Shalene Pulido. “It was a dream of (Mario’s), and we all sort of pitched in to make it happen.”

The Pulido’s menu includes tacos, tortas, quesadillas and more. Mario and Teresa both emigrated from Mexico over 20 years ago, and their dishes are made using family recipes passed down for generations.

The tacos have been the most popular order so far, which the truck serves in both traditional street and American styles.

“Our original street style is that true, Mexican style that just comes with cilantro and some onions, where the American version has all those (toppings) people have come to expect, like the shredded lettuce and sour cream,” Shalene said.

The truck has been busy since its first outing.

“That’s what’s most surprising, just the amount of support and how many people want to come out and enjoy true, traditional Mexican food,” she said. “It’s really become a full-fledged operation (in just a few weeks).”

Pulido’s Tacos plans to expand into Iowa and Wisconsin, as well, and offers catering services by request.

The truck’s schedule is posted each week on the Pulido’s Tacos Facebook page with a list of times and locations. The food truck also can be contacted by email at pulidostacos@gmail.com or by phone at 815-281-1871.

Pet boarding facility coming to Darlington

A new pet boarding and day care facility is set to open later this month in Darlington.

Bones & Belly Rubs is set to open Oct. 30 at 11532 Wisconsin 23 and will accept both cats and dogs for boarding and dogs only for day care. The operation will be run by Kris and Scott Lindholm, of Darlington.

“My wife and I have a real passion for animals, … and we’ve always wanted to provide a service for the community,” Scott Lindholm said. “We have four dogs at home, so this seemed like a good fit.”

Bones & Belly Rubs will operate both as a boarding facility for longer-term stays and a day care for people looking to drop off their pets while at work. It will include both indoor and outdoor play areas.

Lindholm said day care can be beneficial for owners who leave their pets alone at home each day for extended periods of time to go to work.

“A lot of times, the owner gets home tired from work and ready for bed, and their pet is all excited and ready to go,” he said. “(Day care) puts the two more on the same level at the end of the day.”

Bones & Belly Rubs will have 10 boarding kennels initially with plans to expand, with grooming also in the future plans.

A registration link is open and can be completed online at bonesandbellyrubs.com. The business also can be contacted at its Facebook page or at the ‘Howl-O-Ween Pawty’ open house event scheduled at the facility from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 28.

Bellevue bookstore celebrates 25 years

Owner Sheila Hargrave, of Bellevue, opened The BookWorm Bookstore & More in 1998, equipped with a love of books and no retail experience to her name.

She had just gone through a divorce, and she was looking to prove to herself and others that everything would be OK. She knew opening a business was a risk, but she pushed herself to take the leap and opened the Bellevue storefront.

This month, the bookstore is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

“I really can’t believe it’s been that long. It just blows my mind,” Hargrave reflected. “Every year, it has grown and continues to grow, … and there’s no sign of stopping.”

Located at 110 S. Riverview St., The BookWorm is stacked floor to ceiling with a variety of books, puzzles, games and more. The store is open seven days a week, many of which Hargrave works herself along with her Boston terrier, Brodie.

She said the store attracts a wide variety of customers from the tri-state area and beyond. She has regulars, but she also gets a number of tourists from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois.

She said people enjoy the personable feel of the shop, as well as the opportunity to support a small, local business.

“It sounds cliche, but so many people walk in the door as customers and leave as friends,” Hargrave said. “This year, I found out I inspired someone who was a customer for several years to open their own independent bookstore in Minnesota, which is pretty awesome.”

Over the years, Hargrave has worked to keep up to date on what sorts of books, products and services will be popular with customers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she shifted for a time to curbside pickup.

But while the inventory has changed and some disruptions have occurred, she said the business model has stayed more or less the same: find and connect with other book lovers.

“I love the feeling of handing someone their book. It’s such a thrill,” she said. “… My long-range hopes are that someone else will come along and say that’s their dream, too, and then I can sit back and watch them take this even further.”

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, The BookWorm is hosting an author meet-and-greet and book signing with Heather Gudenkauf from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at Great River Gallery, 307 S. Riverview St.

Questions about that event or about The BookWorm can be directed to the store at 563-872-4802. The store is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.