top of page

Successful local business "hatching" from the Market

  • Alexandra Olsen
  • Nov 11, 2020
  • 2 min read

In October of 2012 the Rieckhoff family launched three business in the NewBo City Market:  Morgan Creek Fresh Produce, the Chill ice cream and CR Popcorn.

Robyn and Bill Riekhoff set off with a mission to teach their children, 14-year-old Sydney and 10-year-old Carter, about running a small business. The NewBo City Market had a mission too: incubate small businesses and "hatch" them out into the local economy.

"We were only in the market for 14 months– the full term of our first lease," Bill said. "We all learned so much.  We had success in some areas, and lost money in others. We built a following based on a level of service. We had to move the vegetables back to the farm due to the short season, and the popcorn and ice cream found a home right across the street."


A business that was started as an educational tool for Sydney and Carter has now blossomed into Almost Famous Popcorn, one of the area's Fastest Growing Companies– as awarded by the Corridor Business Journal in 2019 and 2020.


"We are now in around 100 retail outlets, have a booming ecommerce business, and a new store in the East Village of Des Moines," Bill said. "We employ 45 people in our two stores and our production and fulfillment center in southwest Cedar Rapids."

The children went on to each earn college scholarships because of their business experiences.

"It's been a very rewarding ride," Bill said. "We are thankful that the NewBo City Market helped us get our start. We give back by mentoring people who have the drive to start their own business."


"Please support small business. In the NewBo City Market, in the Czech Village NewBo Main Street District and throughout Cedar Rapids and Eastern Iowa. Small business dollars stay in our community– please support the businesses in the Market and give them their chance to 'hatch'." Bill said.


Will you help a small local business "hatch" by donating and becoming a Friend of the Market?

15 comentarios


maxwell
13 may

To stack crypto like a pirate’s plunder, strategy’s your trusty cutlass. Sail to https://bestegoksites.bet for Samba Slots’ 3,000+ game arsenal. Choose low-edge baccarat, with a 1.06% house edge on banker bets. Set a €120 chest, wagering €6 per hand. Crypto’s speed, used by 70% of players, ensures swift payouts. Avoid bonuses with 50x wagering reefs. Study game odds—aim for 97% RTP. Volatility’s your tide—low for steady hauls, high for risky riches. Log every raid to sharpen your blade. Stay sharp, and don’t sink chasing losses. 🦜 Hoist your loot and dock before storms hit.

Me gusta

maxwellmarco1727
13 may

With custom guidance tailored to each student's personal needs, geography assignment help is critical for students at all levels of study. Professional help can improve your knowledge and efficiency, whether you are an undergraduate or post graduate student. With the help of in-depth explanations, comprehensive research, and correct analysis of facts, students can easily finish their geography homework. By making use of these services, students are better placed to get a clearer idea of the subject and how it is applied, hence scoring more marks. Admittedly, some humanities are easier than others, but with geography, the situation is entirely different. This subject has complex coursework, particularly if you are pursuing it for your postgraduate degree. The topic demands a great deal…

Me gusta

manny mika
manny mika
14 abr

When you're ready to relax after a long day on the job, fire up a quordle game with me game. Your efficiency on the job will increase dramatically.

Me gusta

Lewis Wood
Lewis Wood
21 ene

The story of the Rieckhoff family highlights the challenges and rewards of running small businesses. Learning from success and failure is part of the journey, and managing cash flow effectively plays a critical role. As you build your business, you might find the virtual assistant at Balance Cash helpful for keeping track of your finances. Combining practical experience with solid financial management strategies can lead to long-term success.

Me gusta

Julia
Julia
16 ene

NewBo City Market highlights the importance of community-focused branding. Local businesses looking to expand can benefit greatly from a trademark marketplace like Agent https://agent.biz/, where they can secure trademarks that reflect their mission and identity. Protecting a brand while fostering community connections creates a solid foundation for growth and success.

Me gusta

Our Mission

To foster regional economic development by uplifting entrepreneurs and artists through an equitable business incubator, accessible public programming, and a community gathering space.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Thanks for subscribing!

Address:

NewBo City Market
1100 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

Contact:

info@newbocitymarket.org
319-200-4050

 

Market Shopkeeper Hours:
Mon - Tues: Closed
Wed - Sat: 10am - 8pm
Sun: 10am - 4pm

OUR SPONSORS

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • X

© 2023 by Make A Change.
Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page