06/03/2026
As Bob & Lou’s approaches its six year anniversary, I’ve been reflecting on how much life has changed since we first opened our doors.
When Bob & Lou’s began, Austin and I were just dating. Since then, we’ve gotten engaged, married, bought our first home, added a dog to the family, moved again, welcomed our daughter Harlow, and continued growing Bob & Lou’s along the way.
What started as a dream has become such a big part of our family’s story.
This past year has been one of the most transformative seasons of my life. Becoming Harlow’s mom has been the greatest joy I’ve ever known. This week she started daycare, and while I knew the day was coming, it still brought all the emotions fellow parents know so well.
For the last eight months, I’ve been learning how to balance motherhood, marriage, family, and business ownership. There were moments when family needed more of me than the business did, and for the first time in nearly six years, I had to learn that not every season requires you to give 100% to your business. Sometimes the most important work is happening at home.
Lately, though, I’ve started to feel a spark returning. Not because I love my family any less, but because I’m finding my footing in this new chapter and feeling excited to dream again.
And what a time to be dreaming.
Over the past month, you’ve shown up in incredible ways. Our new canned drinks have sold out at 3 of our last 4 farmers markets, and every time something like that happens, I’m reminded that we have the most supportive community anyone could ask for.
Dubuque, you never cease to amaze me.
To everyone who stops in for a coffee, grabs a canned drink, tells a friend about us, shares a post, or chooses to support local… thank you. We see you, and we are endlessly grateful.
As Harlow starts daycare and I reclaim a little more space to focus on Bob & Lou’s, I’m feeling excited about what’s next. We’re always dreaming, always searching for opportunities, and always looking toward the next chapter.
Thank you for supporting a small business for nearly six years. Thank you for supporting our family. Thank you for believing in Bob & Lou’s.
The best is still ahead.
—Sarah