What do a wine and beer bar, bagel and bread shop, and local boutique have in common? Each recently opened in Downtown Galesburg . . . and all are owned by Knox alumni.

Kelly Fisk ’22 and her husband, Sam Fisk, opened Fisk Bier & Wine last fall, bringing a new bar and restaurant to Galesburg. The new Orange Cup Sidecar—a colorful storefront on Main Street that sells bagels, beverages, and bread—is owned and operated by Scott Baldwin ’81 and his wife, Melany, and is the latest addition to their local Orange Cup franchise. And Hilary Anderson ’00 opened Sanctuary on Seminary, a boutique offering a range of items including home goods, jewelry, and art supplies.

The Fisks are elated to join the entrepreneurial community in Galesburg and maintain their close connections to Knox. “Knox is completely intertwined in every aspect of our business,” said Kelly Fisk ’22, who also works at the College as a faculty administrative assistant. “Professors’ children and Knox graduates behind the bar. Knox students on the floor and behind the scenes during start-up. Faculty, staff, and students on the other side of the bar just about every night.”

These three alumni join Nicole Malley ’98, who opened Malley Farms, a small batch canning and specialty foods company, in 2023. She enjoys the vibrant environment for her retail space. “Seminary Street is a charming place and a wonderful showcase of local independent businesses that we just couldn’t imagine being anywhere else,” said Malley. Being close to their alma mater has its benefits including the support and community bringing in love and support. “It’s such a joy to see former classmates and students stop in the shop when they visit for Homecoming, Commencement, or other special Knox events,” Malley said.