08/02/2026
This is a little outside my comfort zone because I’m not one to toot my own horn—but expressing my gratitude is long overdue.
Last winter, while we were getting River Horse Market ready to open, I entered the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission’s nine-county Business Plan Competition, figuring, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
After placing fifth in the written competition, I was invited to the live pitch competition in La Crosse (think Shark Tank). I drove down the river road with butterflies in my stomach and left convinced I’d done just okay—though Zach insisted otherwise!
So I was genuinely surprised and honored to learn that River Horse Market earned 3rd place.
The prize money is certainly appreciated, but what means even more is knowing they believed in our vision: a market and deli serving wholesome, from-scratch food, offering plenty of options for those with dietary restrictions, celebrating the place I was fortunate to grow up, and giving locals and travelers one more reason to stop in Maiden Rock.
Thank you to the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission for believing in our idea, and thank you to every person who has walked through our doors since we opened. Your support, encouragement, and conversations have meant more than you know. Zach and I are incredibly grateful, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon. ❤️
