Forward Janesville was proud to celebrate the official Ribbon Cutting for Great Harvest Bread Co. in downtown Janesville — a milestone that represents not only the opening of a new business, but years of commitment to investing in the heart of our community.
Located as part of The Blocks on the Rock development alongside Bodacious Shops, Great Harvest is the latest chapter in a vision championed by local investors and community leaders Quint and Rishy Studer, who were recognized earlier this year with Forward Janesville's Lifetime Achievement Award for their extraordinary contributions to Janesville.
During the celebration, Quint Studer reflected on the journey that brought the project to life, sharing that downtown revitalization is rarely an overnight success.
WATCH QUINT'S REMARKS AND THE RIBBON CUTTING VIDEO ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA HERE
"We've been down here almost 10 years," Studer told those gathered. "The first seven years were brutal. I was ready to give up."
Instead, he credited Rishy for encouraging them to keep going, and to give the project "one more shot." That decision led to the hiring of Jen Kingsbury, whose leadership helped transform Bodacious Shops into one of downtown Janesville's most popular destinations.
"That one more shot was Jen," Studer said. "Then that led to even more, because of Jen's success and the staff."
That success ultimately laid the groundwork for bringing Great Harvest to Janesville.
The Studers discovered the bakery while visiting another Wisconsin community and were drawn to its commitment to fresh, all-natural ingredients. After purchasing the downtown building and investing heavily into its renovation, they saw an opportunity to expand the momentum already building on the block.
For Studer, however, the investment has always been about much more than adding another storefront.
"It's all about vibrancy," he said, explaining that thriving downtowns encourage people to explore, gather and spend time together. Every occupied storefront, every destination and every local business help create the kind of environment that makes a community stronger.
Studer also spoke about the importance of creating places where talented people want to live and build their futures.
"It comes down to: The cities that keep their talent home will win," he said. "What do young people want? They want a cool downtown."
That philosophy closely aligns with Forward Janesville's mission of strengthening the local economy through business investment, placemaking and community partnerships. A vibrant downtown isn't simply about attracting visitors—it's about creating a community where businesses thrive, employees want to work and families choose to put down roots.
Today, The Blocks on the Rock — including Bodacious Shops and Great Harvest — employs more than 60 people, creating opportunities for local residents while continuing to add energy and activity to downtown Janesville.
Studer also recognized the partnerships that helped make the vision possible, thanking Greg Hughes and others who shared a commitment to downtown revitalization and demonstrating the importance of collaboration in community development.
Forward Janesville congratulates Great Harvest, Quint and Rishy Studer, Jen Kingsbury and the entire team on this exciting milestone. We are grateful for their continued investment in downtown Janesville and for their belief that creating vibrant places helps create stronger communities.
We encourage the community to stop downtown, welcome Great Harvest and continue supporting the local businesses that are helping shape Janesville's future—one investment, one storefront and one gathering place at a time.