New Businesses Open Doors

When we support local businesses, we strengthen our communities

Talking with new business owners ranks highly on the list of uplifting conversations. People who are realizing dreams and putting passions to work express an abundance of genuine enthusiasm and creative energy. Hearing them speak about it acts like an injection of vitamin C or pure adrenaline.  

Each May, the Peninsula Pulse compiles a list of new businesses that have opened since the previous May. The number and variety are astonishing. People ranging in age from their 20s through their 80s, with plans unfolding over months or years, finally acted during the past year.

The pandemic may have prodded their leap. Some acted out of necessity; others emerged from the pandemic with a clearer understanding of their priorities. Whether they express it as carpe diem or seize the day or live in the moment, all these people have moved forward in a way that enriches our lives with a variety of new services, products and experiences.

That doesn’t mean these people are blinded to the risks and uncertainties of business ownership. We can only imagine what thoughts plague their minds when they lay their heads down each night. If it were easy, more people would do it.  

That’s where we come in, all of us. We list these new business owners in hopes that they may have a service, product or experience you value. We give you a more in-depth sampling of a few, knowing the same experience applies to many. We do this to encourage you to check them out. When we support local businesses, we make our communities stronger. 

As for business owners, if we’ve missed listing your business, please let us know, and we’ll include it in a future issue. 

2021 NEW BUSINESSES

BAILEYS HARBOR

Chives Food Truck Court, 8041 Hwy 57
Serving lunch and dinner, with a full outdoor bar.

DCBC Eats, 8099 Hwy 57
Located in the former Bearded Heart location next to Door County Brewing Co., the barbecue shack opened earlier this week to serve takeout barbecue and sandwiches.

Door County Surf Shop, 8093 Hwy 57, Unit C
Located between Good Leaf Greenhouse and Jackalope, the shop offers everything you need to surf both the swell and the cement of Door County. 

EVO Botanicals, evobotanicals.com
Luxurious skincare and whole-body wellness products with wholesome, sustainable botanical combinations and the benefits of cannabidiol.

Good Leaf Greenhouse, 8093 Hwy 57
Located behind Bearded Heart Coffee Shop, the store bills itself as everything you’ll need to grow your own home jungle with an abundant selection of houseplants and supplies. Also offering a curated selection of local and unusual CBD products.

Luke Collins Photography – Gallery & Studio, 8024 Hwy 57
Luke Collins’ work has had an online presence, but now he’s opened a brick-and-mortar studio gallery featuring examples of his favorite prints – including metal, acrylic, matted and mounted prints – and a full photography studio.

MAX at Maxwelton Braes, 7670 Hwy 57
A casual atmosphere for kicking back and quenching your thirst, complete with an expansive outdoor patio, firepit and yard games to entertain the whole crew.  

EGG HARBOR

Door County Arts Guild Gallery, 6709 Hwy 42
Fine art and world décor featuring major award-winning artists.

Golden Acupuncture, 7818 Hwy 42
Now available at Door County Massage, Golden Acupuncture provides acupuncture services through evidence-based practice and traditional theories.

Golf ’n More In-Door, 4614 Harbor School Road
The indoor golf venue’s TruGolf simulation suites feature perfectly replicated courses, high-tech graphics and fluid ball movement that deliver precision play at its finest to golfers of all experience levels. The cost is by the hour, and packages are available. 

Jimmy’s, 7730 Hwy 42
James “JJ” Johnson, owner of JJ’s La Puerta, is bringing back the gas-station look to what was a Shell gas station during the 1980s. It is home to his newest venture: popcorn and gelato.

ELLISON BAY

Crosswinds Interior Design, crosswindsdesign.com
Residential interior-design services, from design consultation, furniture and lighting selection, seasonal design and more to full-service design.

Door Stop Furniture, 12033 Hwy 42
Offering a diverse selection of eclectic, reasonably priced furniture.

Henriksen’s Fish House, 12055 Hwy 42
Featuring fresh, boneless whitefish fillets; and introducing small-batch in-house products that feature the “special spice” Whitefish Spread – made with cream and goat cheese – along with other delicacies and a variety of seafood. Also the proud home of Gemma Lou’s Door County Furbaby Treats.

The Vault Door County, 12046 Hwy 42
Gourmet popcorn, freshly made soft-serve ice cream and yogurt, specialty baked treats and candy.

EPHRAIM

Bad Moravian, 3055 Church St.
The craft beer room’s name is a nod to Ephraim’s settlers, Norwegian Moravians who were responsible for the alcohol ban in the village that lasted until a few years ago. Bad Moravian serves up a variety of packaged beer from all over the United States and beyond.

The Great Outdoors, 9932 Water St. (Hwy 42)
Apparel, gifts, artwork, and tabletop and home décor highlight the love of camps, woods, hiking, birds, wildlife, wildflowers, boating, starry nights, and state and local outdoor places. 

Sunset Harbor Grill, 10018 N. Water St.
Located above the Ephraim Shores Resort, this restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

FISH CREEK

Bayside Coffee, Bayside Shops (behind the Bayside Tavern, 4160 Main St.)
The owners of the Bayside Tavern are serving up daily brews and waterfront views.

Cana Cove Surf Company, 3899 Hwy 42
This surf shop features locally shaped surfboards, paddleboards and fins designed for fresh water, plus locally designed and screen-printed clothing and accessories.

DC Chocolate Design, Top of the Hill Shops, 9431 Spring Road
DC Chocolate Design specializes in small-batch, handmade truffles, bars and molded chocolates.

Door County Cherry Hut, 8813 Hwy 42
Playing homage to the building’s original inhabitant, Ray’s Cherry Hut, this new beer and wine garden from Bridge Up Brewing Co.’s Trent Snyder also offers canned jams and jellies, pies, a deli and a makers’ market.

The Ginger House, The Settlement Shops, 9114 Hwy 42
A picnic and wine boutique featuring themed picnic baskets with an eclectic mix of international goods and flavors.

Loft, 4170 Main St.
Housed in the former Juniper’s Gin Joint and iconic C&C Supper Club location. From Wisconsin cheese curds to Korean wings, and hearty burgers to sizzling ribs, Loft features a diverse menu that’s sure to have something for every appetite.

Sara’s Artisan Gelato, 4192 Main St.
Choosing Fish Creek for its second store location, Sara’s Artisan Gelato features handcrafted gelato using traditional Italian techniques, Wisconsin milk and high-quality ingredients.

Seven Monkey Imports, Top of the Hill Shops, 9431 Spring Road
Browse a wide array of folk art and home décor created by some of the most talented artisans in Latin America. Wall art, sculptures, pottery, handbags, toys, jewelry boxes and more.

Seven Sisters Resale Boutique, 4191 Main St.
Offering selective fashion for savvy shoppers in the form of preloved, brand-name clothing at 50-70% off retail prices.

Shiny Moon Cafe, 4164 Main St.
Angie McMahon’s new cafe resides in the longtime Mr. Helsinki’s location above the Fish Creek Market. It serves breakfast and lunch with a full-service coffee bar, beer and wine. Vegan and vegetarian options are available.

Untch Designs, UntchDesigns.com
An online gallery and store featuring artist Barb Untch’s original photography and artistic brushstrokes combined with digital design.

SISTER BAY

Blackbird Bake Shop, 2570 Cty Q
Owned by professionally trained baker and pastry chef Sara Unkefer, the new venture specializes in custom cakes and cupcakes made to order using high-quality ingredients and seasonal flavors.

The Dörr Hotel, 2329 Mill Road
Opening this month, the Dörr Hotel blends sleek, contemporary design with the heritage and spirit of Door County.

Glō Door County, 2340 Mill Road
The new medispa and cosmeceutical and retail store features professional-grade skincare options selected by owner and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kristina Kleven. Glō also offers personalized consultations and a variety of skincare treatments and therapies.

Little Vegas, 10566 Country Walk Dr., #32
Gaming, cigars and beer. Opening in July in the Country Walk Shops in the former location of Tea Thyme.

Skål, 10698 N. Bay Shore Dr.
The latest store from the Al Johnson’s Restaurant team will feature Scandinavian-influenced design products, beachwear, home goods, Stabbur-branded products and Swedish food items.

Twelve Eleven Wine Bar, 10339 N. Hwy 57
Twelve Eleven and Thyme Cuisine are collaborating in a full-service restaurant to offer indoor and outdoor dining, private events, a wine bar and a provisions shop.  

STURGEON BAY

Caplan Studios Vault, 108 S. Madison Ave.
The original photographic works of Laura and Mike Caplan, showcasing fine-art prints, frame-worthy cards and other photography gifts. 

Cherry Cove Assisted Living and Memory Care, 1704 Georgia St.
This new assisted-living and memory-care facility offers a variety of services and amenities designed to enhance residents’ sense of independence and encourage a lifestyle full of meaning and purpose.

Daydream Properties, 611 Jefferson St.
The former church building now houses the new location of realtor Heather Weasler’s real estate company, Daydream Properties. The space will also be available for events.

DENN, 2050 Cty DK
Built from old shipping containers and reclaimed materials, DENN showcases a wide variety of handcrafted goods and art created by Midwestern artists.

Door County Courier, doorcountycourier.com
Door County Courier launched in February to provide residents with access to more goods and services, and businesses and individuals with a quick, cost-effective delivery option. 

Door County Designs, 137 N. 4th Ave.
Door County Designs offers furniture brought back to life, Dixie Belle paint, Prima transfers and lots of crafty creations. Open for furniture-refinishing workshops, paint projects and paint parties. 

Door County Dragonfly Bed and Breakfast, 111 S. 7th Ave.
Once run as the Reynolds House, new owners Lauren and Matt Huston have revamped and reopened the bed-and-breakfast on South 7th Avenue and Nebraska Street.

GFL Environmental, 1509 Division Road
With operations across Canada and the United States, GFL Environemntal’s new Sturgeon Bay location offers solid and liquid waste management and infrastructure development.

Purple Bird Studios, Park Place Mall, 41 N. 3rd Ave.
The new makers’ market features a diverse mix of work from Door County and Midwestern creators.

SŌMI Gallery, 45 S. 3rd Ave.
A contemporary fine-art gallery featuring a collection of glass work and oil paintings by Jeremy Popelka, Stephanie Trenchard and Karen Hertz-Sumicht.

Sterling Mercantile Farm Market and Garden Center, 6414 Emerald Dr.
This creative farm market and garden center offers annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees and market gifts.

Two Bridges Studio and Gallery, 22 S. 3rd Ave.
This collaboration of artists Julia Redwine and Dale Vanden Houten is open by appointment only. Also available for commissions and shows.

NEW LOCATIONS OR NAMES

EGG HARBOR

Drink Wisconsinbly, 7784 Egg Harbor Road
This Wisconsin-lifestyle-themed retailer offers apparel, drinkware, gifts and more following its relocation from Sister Bay to Egg Harbor.

Emerson Chiropractic and Wellness, 4614 Harbor School Road
Previously located in Juddville, Dr. Tucker Emerson and Dr. Anne Emerson have relocated their practice to Egg Harbor.

EPHRAIM

The Simple Solution Resale Shop, 10331 N. Water St.
Previously located in Sister Bay, The Simple Solution has relocated its consignment and resale shop and estate-sale services to a new location in north Ephraim.

SISTER BAY

Blossoms Flower House, 10566 Country Walk Dr., #34
Blossoms Flower House, previously located in Ephraim, has moved to the Country Walk Shops in the former location of Eklipse Hair & Nail Studio.

Britta Salon, 2613 S. Bay Shore Dr., #2
The Aveda concept salon has relocated from its former home in Ephraim to Sister Bay. 

City Sailor, 10678 N. Bay Shore Dr.
Home to trendy fashions and unusual gifts, the City Sailor boutique opened its second Door County location in March. The original location is in Fish Creek. 

Thyme Restaurant & Catering, 10339 Hwy 57

STURGEON BAY

Bliss at the Marketplace, 58 N. 3rd Ave.
An innovative collaboration of quality retailers and businesses that complement one another and hold common values in a department-store setting.

Get Real Cafe, 43 S. Madison Ave.

Lola May’s, in Bliss at the Marketplace, 58 N. 3rd Ave.
The new location continues to treat shoppers to stylish and carefully curated clothing, handbags, jewelry and home accents.

Monti at the Marketplace, in Bliss at the Marketplace, 58 N. 3rd Ave.
Monticello on Jefferson’s pop-up boutique is now permanent, boasting a fun line of unusual clothing, fresh accessories and nifty gifts.

Peninsula Stone, 2600 Idlewild Road
Now open at its new Sturgeon Bay location, Peninsula Stone features a variety of natural landscape and stone products to enhance landscaping project.

Reclaimed Jewelry, 24 N. 3rd Ave.

Shear Style Plus, in Bliss at the Marketplace, 58 N. 3rd Ave.
Relocating from Institute, Shear Style Plus is a full-service salon specializing in contemporary, classic and razor cuts, as well as colors,  highlighting, balayage and perms. The team of seven stylists works with owner Kelly McDougall-Smith and her 30-plus years of industry experience.

Third Coast Financial Consultants, 160 S. Madison Ave.
The Christian-based financial-consulting firm has added a fourth location in Sturgeon Bay to its existing offices in Sheboygan, Green Bay and Oostburg.

Within Things, 242 Michigan St., Suite B3 (Fairfield Building)

NEW OWNERS

ELLISON BAY

Last Stop, 12018 Hwy 42
New owners Don and Rose Polcen will take over the full-featured auto shop, Chicago dogs and Filler Up Deli.

EPHRAIM

Czarnuska Soup, 9922 Water St., Unit 7 (Shorewood Shops)
Same name. Same recipes. Same location. New owners. Ben and Laura McMahon continue to ladle up the popular soups at “CZ.”

FISH CREEK

Fish Creek Market, 4164 Main St.
Owners Steven and Cristina Jones continue the family-run general store that has spanned more than 125 years of continuous operation in the same location. Carrying a modern array of local goods, gifts, supplies, artisanal foods and grocery essentials, plus a diverse inventory of wine, beer and fine spirits.

SISTER BAY

Sub Express at the Sister Bay Mobil, 2579 S. Bay Shore Dr.
Nick and Anna Nistor took the helm of the restaurant with gas pumps last winter and offer daily lunch specials, subs, pizza, soups, breakfast and coffee.