Shop small this Saturday in downtown Newton! This Saturday's spotlight is on Bridgehouse Coffee and Jan's Yarn Barn.
Bridgehouse Coffee
Bridgehouse opened at the beginning of 2013 out of a need that Brock Patterson saw in the community. The need wasn't just about bringing specialty drinks to the market, although we are happy to provide that as well. He believed that having another place for people to gather and connect was vital to growing and maintaining a healthy community. Over the last (almost) 8 years we have been proud to provide quality service and products to the people in this community. We have served people on their best days and their worst days, and everything in between. Whether our customers are here for a cup of energy or comfort, we try to make everyone feel at home and welcomed each day. This has not been easy to do with our inside remaining closed and a drive-up line that has to move fast, but we have done our best to maintain the same spirit of service in the midst of many unknowns, ever-changing rules, and very limited interaction times with customers.
What is your advice for other local small business entrepreneurs?
- Find the positives in adapting. Business is all about adapting in normal circumstances, and during a global pandemic, it is even more needed. Use this as an opportunity to problem-solve and create better systems that you may not have ever gotten around to previously. Utilize your employees' particular skills and find ways to make it clear that your product and/or services are undeniably unique to you; remember that collaborating doesn't minimize that.
- Be kind. In the midst of all the craziness, don't forget to look outside of your circumstances and be kind to your fellow businesses and customers. A legacy of kindness is worth striving for and we believe strongly in every businesses' ability to build bridges in their community.
What are your hopes/dreams/goals for 2021?
- We hope to continue providing a small amount of normalcy in the midst of drastic changes and as always our goal is to continue adjusting our service and menu to meet the needs and wants of our customers. And to be honest, that feels like a good enough goal to start 2021!
- We will be offering Jaarsmas Donut Holes until they run out and offering double points on our rewards cards on all purchases made that day.
Jan's Yarn Barn
My business was started with a friend who decided not to continue and we just went on from there.
What is your advice for other local small business entrepreneurs?
- My advice would be if it takes a lot of hard work but if you’re willing to work at it you’ll get there.
What are your hopes/dreams/goals for 2021?
- In 2021 we are hoping to expand our lines and get our class is going again after Covid.
- We will offer a 10% discount on Saturday.