Sometimes the best business inspiration comes from watching someone you love chase their dreams. In Quincy, Illinois, that's exactly what happened when Brandy Waterkotte saw her son Ross Bartlett open Roost Coffee Co. and decided to follow her own entrepreneurial calling right next door.

Adams County welcomed 47 new businesses in 2025, bringing fresh opportunities and services to the community. From nationally recognized brands like Freddy's Frozen Custard and R.P. Lumber to passionate local start-ups, the diverse mix of new ventures shows the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit thriving in the region.

"We're just happy with whatever number is out there in the number of businesses that are opening," said Madison Peters, Vice President of the Great River Economic Development Foundation, emphasizing the community's enthusiasm for supporting new business owners regardless of year-over-year comparisons.

Among these new ventures, the story of a mother and son opening neighboring businesses captures the heart of what makes small business ownership special. About a year ago, Ross Bartlett had an entirely different business idea involving golf cart and e-bike rentals near Quincy University. When insurance costs proved prohibitive, he and his friend pivoted to their shared passion for coffee. Today, Roost Coffee Co. stands proudly on N. 18th Street with half a dozen employees.

"So far so good. It's starting to stand on its feet finally," Bartlett shared, expressing the satisfaction that comes with seeing a dream become reality. While navigating price increases during the start-up phase presented challenges, Bartlett's perseverance paid off. He now enjoys the flexibility that comes with entrepreneurship, something many aspiring business owners dream about.

Watching her son's journey sparked something powerful in Waterkotte. When she noticed the empty room adjacent to Roost Coffee, inspiration struck. "It was just a little nudge from God to continue my passion in food and catering and things like that that I've already been doing," she explained.

Transforming four empty walls into Table 18 Café and Catering required installing a complete kitchen and designing the entire space herself. As her first restaurant venture, the process tested her resolve. "There's days that have been so hard and I felt like giving up, but I just kept working through it, and with the help of family and God and friends, we're there," Waterkotte said with evident pride.

Sunny's Take

What makes this story particularly special is how it demonstrates the ripple effect of courage. Ross took a leap of faith opening Roost Coffee, which inspired his mother to pursue her own culinary dreams literally next door. Now customers can enjoy expertly crafted coffee in one room and move seamlessly to panini, hot wraps, and creative comfort food combinations like philly cheesesteak mac n' cheese bowls in the next.

Both mother and son emphasize the importance of planning for aspiring entrepreneurs, while local organizations stand ready to help. The Great River Economic Development Foundation, Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce, and The District have created a comprehensive start-up guide filled with important contacts and free resources for new business owners.

As Waterkotte prepares for her soft launch, she's most excited about meeting and serving new people, the kind of genuine connection that makes small businesses the heartbeat of communities like Quincy. Together, this mother and son are proving that family support, faith, and determination can turn dreams into thriving realities, one cup of coffee and one delicious meal at a time.