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 This weekend the pair is hosting a three-day Grand
Opening celebration with special events on all three days.
Friday, Cox and Hoinacki accompanied by their spouses and children
stood behind the red ribbon surrounded by friends, family,
customers, local elected officials, city of Lincoln aldermen and
Logan County Board representatives, Hal Smith with U.S. Congressman
Darin LaHood’s Springfield Office, and Lincoln Mayor Seth Goodman.
Nila Smith with LDN Ribbon Cut services welcomed the group to the
cut acknowledging the wide variety of guests and officials in the
large room. It was noted that taking the plunge into business
ownership is a big investment of time, talent, and of course money.
Cox and Hoinacki were thanked for investing not only in their own
dream, but also in the downtown Lincoln area.
Hal Smith - far left
in dark suit Hal Smith spoke on behalf
of Congressman LaHood and himself also, noting that he has ties to
Logan County. He spoke about how he admired and appreciated the
efforts the new business owners are making to keep the historic
downtown area active and alive. He spoke about respecting the
historical aspects of the buildings that the coffee house occupies
and applauded the preservation efforts of not only Hoinacki and Cox,
but all the community in keeping the downtown area historically
correct.
Ashley Ried - far
right in black and pink Working with
Hoinacki and Cox during their planning stages for the new business
were Ashley Ried, Amanda Kitterman and Rachael Judd of Small Town
Social in Lincoln. The three women own and operate the business that
focuses on assisting new entrepreneurs in developing business and
marketing plans, working with the owners for promotion materials
such as press releases and social media, and in general offering
their expertise and emotional support to the endeavor.
Before the cutting ceremony Cox said that she wanted to give the
three consultants some special acknowledgement of appreciation for
all their help. Ried took a moment to say a few words on their
behalf. She said that deciding to become a new business owner was a
big step that took a lot of dedication, it was a huge investment,
and Small Town Social is “incredibly proud” of Cox and Hoinacki and
what they have accomplished. And she concluded congratulating them
and wishing them well.
Lincoln Mayor Seth
Goodman - center holding scissors Mayor
Seth Goodman spoke as well, also noting that as a business owner, he
can identify with what it takes to be a business owner. And, as the
others had, he congratulated the pair on their dedication and
conviction to flowing their dream to make it happen. He also
concluded by thanking them for investing in Lincoln and he wished
the all the best in their endeavor.
Ethan and Nicole were called on to say a few words, and Ethan spoke
first. He noted his appreciation for his family including the family
members who had been supportive through words and deeds, such as by
helping he and his wife with the kids during the early stages of the
getting the business off the ground.
Nicole took her turn to speak and started by glancing Ethan’s way
and saying “ditto.” She added to her partner’s comments saying that
this has been a very exciting time for the pair and their families,
and that she too is very thankful for all the support from the
community.
With speeches concluded there was an opportunity for posed pictures,
then the crowd in the room assisted with the cut by calling out the
long standing local tradition, “three, two, one, snip.”
The Guest House Coffee & Pastries is accurately defined by its name.
Hoinacki began a few years ago working with coffees and began
selling on the retail market with beans and ground products only at
the ALMH Market during the summer months in Lincoln.
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 Cox, who loves baking and decorating, also
started her retail side at the ALMH Market offering decadent
cupcakes that stood several inches tall and were made up of tasty
cake topped with a mountain of rich creamy frosting. She also worked
with cookies and showed her artistic abilities in her decorated and
painted cookies.
Ethan is the guru of coffee and can accurately describe the taste of
each one of the many varieties that are served at the counter, and
he leads novice customers to finding that special new favorite roast
or flavor.
 Cox has expanded her offerings in
the bakery to include a huge variety of goodies including rich
tarts, cream puffs, cheese cakes and much much more.
After the ribbon cut was concluded guests in the
house were treated to a delicious fruit topped white cake with thick
frosting and lemon cream filling.
Congratulations to the partners in all they’ve
accomplished. It is good to note that Cox and Hoinacki are young
people with young families. They are local, and have chosen to stay
in their home town community to raise their family and grow their
business. Best of Luck to them!
If you’ve not been to Guest House, this weekend would be a great
time to stop in and get acquainted. There are special activities
going on yet today and tomorrow.
[Nila Smith]
Ribbons cuts in Logan County are
offered free of charge by Lincoln Daily News. To schedule a ribbon
cut or to be added to the notification list for upcoming ribbon
cuts, please email
ribboncut@lincolndailynews.com with your request. |
