Hitch Studio has been in Downtown Brookings for nearly ten years! Wow! They have been in three locations throughout the ten years, recently moving into their new home in a beautiful office behind Jackrabbit Central. Hitch is owned by Renee Bauman, an SDSU grad, wife, and mother of two.
“Hitch Studio specializes in four divisions. First is what we’re most known for, wedding and event planning. We’re also event venue managers, wedding and event stationery creators, and I authored a wedding planning book with a checklist guide. It might surprise you that Hitch has so much going on.”
Renee described Downtown as the heartbeat of the city, describing how the more business and life you have Downtown, the better we feed each other's businesses. You can eat, be entertained, and shop all in one area. "It’s a really fun place to have a business. I leave the storefront to the retailers since we don’t need one, but still love being here because it's such a fun place to work. It’s a thriving area that my clients love exploring after our meetings."
When asked about what she loves most about owning a small business, Renee was quick to answer. She said, “I love that I get to mentor my team of 40+ employees. Many are SDSU students. I love to watch them spread their wings and grow. Being a part of their journey, impacting so many people, I love that. I take a lot of pride in the work that we do. I can seriously say I love coming to work every day.”
Renee has learned a lot over the last nine and a half years of business. "Knowing when and how to grow can be a challenge. When should I hire? Where should I focus attention? What should I budget and when? It’s a challenge since time and resources are limited."
“I’m proud to be a small business owner! Thank you to Downtown Brookings for highlighting the hardworking business owners and advocates who make Brookings a great place to live!”
Thank you to Renee and the Hitch Studio crew for their vision and commitment!
BROOKINGS CINEMA 8
On December 1st, 1988 Leo Peterson founded what is now known as the Cinema 8 in Brookings, SD. Cinema 8 is a third-generation family owned business, with current owner Dick Peterson. Dan Peterson took over the family business when his father Leo Peterson passed away. When Dick Peterson was a junior in college majoring in physical education, his father asked him if he wanted to get into the family business, which has led to the position he is in today. Leo Peterson chose Brookings to build a state theater because of the university and the community of Brookings. Cinema 8 prides themselves in providing entertainment for people of all ages when the need to take time for themselves and have fun. Cinema 8 is constantly giving back to the Brookings community and the university, because they both reciprocate the support to the cinema. Cinema 8 offers $5 Tuesdays and does promotional events during Crazy Days and around the holidays. They have even started doing private showings to allow those who want to support the cinema but do not feel comfortable using it during regular business hours.
CAFE COTEAU
A little over ten years ago, Pouran Borchardt was offered to come and work for the Children’s Museum of South Dakota in Café Coteau. Café Coteau is located inside the Atrium of the Children’s Museum of South Dakota. The café focuses on preparing fresh food with delicious flavors that you are not able to get anywhere else. During the summer months, Café Coteau grows its own vegetables and herbs. The café is open to the public and does not require admission to the museum to enjoy some of their freshly prepared entrees. Café Coteau prides themselves in customer satisfaction and building relationship with those around them. Café Coteau uses healthy and nutritious recipes to create their menu creating healthy alternative choices for breakfast and lunch. Some offer foods like omelets, pastas, soup, salads, and sandwiches. Café Coteau offers a special curbside meal “Coteau’s Table To GO!” every Thursday and the menu you for each week can be found on the calendar at prairieplay.org. Café Coteau is a unique restaurant and offering in Brookings, South Dakota that was created to satisfy nutritional needs of those in the Brookings community, while still having flavorful and delectable foods.
BROOKINGS ENGRAVING
Brookings Engraving, currently owned by Kirk Mansheim and Zach Bartels, has been providing services since 1979. In 2017, co-owners expanded and invested in their building (located on 306 Main Ave). This building upgrade has allowed for growth in the business having a larger area of work space, which in turn, contributes to having the ability to have in-house product, creating quick turn-around dates for customers. Mansheim reports that the location is ideal, because of the influx of traffic flow of Downtown Brookings. Brookings Engraving takes pride in being involved in the community and enjoys working with local individuals and businesses. Brookings Engraving currently has three full-time staff persons, with an additional few part-time staff that assist with production level. Brookings Engraving offers a variety of services, including awards and engraving, apparel, graphics, laser and fiber, printing, signs, and corporate, team, and promotional products. For any and all promotional needs, contact Brookings Engraving today.