QUINCY (WGEM) – Officials with the Great River Economic Development Foundation, Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce, and The District are reporting that Adams County saw 47 new businesses open in 2025.<\/p>\n
This number is a decrease by about 20 businesses from 2024.<\/p>\n
GREDF Vice President Madison Peters said despite the decrease, she\u2019s still happy with the number.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe number does fluctuate, but we do not have a goal, we\u2019re just happy with whatever number is out there in the number of businesses that are opening,\u201d Peters told WGEM News.<\/p>\n
2025 saw a bit of a mixed bag in the businesses that opened. Nationally known brands like Freddy\u2019s Frozen Custard and R.P. Lumber came to Quincy, but small start-up businesses also represented the economy.<\/p>\n
Mother-son business neighbors<\/p>\n
About a year ago, Ross Bartlett and a friend came up with the idea of opening a rental shop for golf carts and e-bikes near Quincy University. Once made aware of the insurance cost, they pivoted. <\/p>\n
Instead, the two came up with something centered around coffee, which they both enjoy. Today, Bartlett owns and operates Roost Coffee Co. on N. 18th Street. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo far so good. It\u2019s starting to stand on its feet finally,\u201d Bartlett said.<\/p>\n
Bartlett has about a half-dozen employees. He said he most enjoys the flexibility of being an entrepreneur, but it didn\u2019t come without its challenges.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe kind of jumped into it when a lot of price increases were going on, so really that was our biggest concern about if it\u2019d ever take off the way we thought it would,\u201d Bartlett said.<\/p>\n
In the next room over, literally, is a new business that\u2019s about to soft launch.<\/p>\n
Bartlett\u2019s mother, Brandy Waterkotte, is opening Table 18 Caf\u00e9 and Catering. Waterkotte said she drew the inspiration from her son\u2019s business.<\/p>\n
When she saw the room next door to Roost Coffee was empty, she formed a vision.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was just a little nudge from God to continue my passion in food and catering and things like that that I\u2019ve already been doing,\u201d Waterkotte said.<\/p>\n
Waterkotte said the space was essentially just four walls when she moved in. Having to install a complete kitchen and complete the design herself.<\/p>\n
This is the first restaurant she\u2019s owned.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s days that have been so hard and I felt like giving up, but I just kept working through it, and with the help of family and God and friends, we\u2019re there,\u201d Waterkotte said.<\/p>\n
She plans on serving panini, hot wraps, and having daily hot deals for things like philly cheesesteak mac n\u2019 cheese bowls and loaded potatoes. <\/p>\n
She most looks forward to meeting and serving new people. <\/p>\n
Both Waterkotte and Bartlett suggest that anyone aspiring to open a business one day to plan ahead as much as possible.<\/p>\n
Peters also suggests using the business start-up guide that was formed by GREDF, the QACC, and The District.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt walks you through the process of opening a business,\u201d Peters said. \u201cIt also has important community contacts and free resources available to you as a business owner.\u201d<\/p>\n
Peters said to contact GREDF or the chamber to get a start-up guide. <\/p>\n