In early 2019, I was looking for a way to step back into career-life without the commute to La Crosse. I always thought I would return to work in higher education, as I LOVED supporting college students of all ages get their start. Who knew the weekday job Brad and Amy Stanislowski gave me as an early-morning barista at Driftless Bike N‘ Bean would fit me so well?! For the next year I served coffe
e-lovers from far and wide and enjoyed every minute of it! I looked forward to seeing our regulars each day and delighted in stories from tourists as to what brought them to my hometown. I came to consider the Stanislowskis as an extension of my own family and was able to serve the Trempealeau community with such enthusiasm, because I felt so at-home, supported, and appreciated. I ended up leaving Driftless Bike N‘ Bean for another job in higher education before realizing I was attempting to re-open a chapter of my life meant to stay closed. It was during this time, the former property owner, Kevin Miller, made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. The larger salary I was earning afforded me the opportunity to purchase the properties now known as Driftless Bike N‘ Bean and Liberty Peak Deli. While Kevin and his wife were moving out west, he let me know they still cared about the future of Trempealeau and knew I would do right by our village as owner of these unique properties, and later as an entrepreneur myself. And so here we are, a bittersweet moment for sure, as we say good-bye to Driftless Bike N‘ Bean and Liberty Peak Deli. Brad and Amy Stanislowski, their children, and everyone who has served our community within these businesses have made an indelible, positive impact reaching far beyond Trempealeau. Thanks to these lovely humans, locals return daily and many travelers look forward to visiting our beautiful village season after season. I hope to continue on in the spirit of Driftless Bike N‘ Bean, serving our community and all of its visitors, while layering in my unique style and vision. Each step of this journey has been paved with blessings I will never take for granted. There are so many to thank, and so much to appreciate as I begin my own story on Main Street. I hope each customer will feel at home, supported, appreciated, and valued as much as I have here. My appreciation for your support will show up as genuine smiles and conversation, yummy coffee drinks, and tasty treats, while supporting local producers of all kinds. I hope you’ll enjoy our down-home atmosphere and linger a little longer as we share in something special together…down at The Station. Heffner, Owner of The Station
