New Owner at Lingonberry Llama
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Former Lingonberry Llama co-owner John Cleveland shakes hands with new owner Debi Muchow-Buol. "John is a great mentor," said Muchow-Buol, who worked as the Activities Manager when Cleveland opened Lingonberry Llama in October of 2018. "He was always encouraging and there to guide us; and I'm sure that will continue."
"Today was page 1 of my new book in life!" – Debi Muchow-Buol
As we celebrated the new year 2020, Debi Muchow-Buol celebrated a new business adventure as the owner of Lingonberry Llama.
"What started as a casual conversation between owner John Cleveland and myself, turned into an exciting business venture for me," said Muchow-Buol, former Lingonberry Llama Activities Manager and Barista, who also is one of the organizers of Beautify Downtown Belleville Committee. "I love to see downtown Belleville grow and if I can be a part of that, I'm all for it."
Muchow-Buol moved to Belleville when her daughter was three-years-old, and has worked in several local businesses during the 26 years that she has called Belleville home, including Lori's Styling Studio, Helping Hands daycare, and Belleville Chiropractic and Wellness Center, S.C. She also provided in-home daycare at Crackerbox Palace for 11 years. In addition, Muchow-Buol enjoys collaborating with friends Susan Reily and Tammy Bois making handmade jewelry that they sell their business, Gypsy Sisters 3.
"I blame my parents for my entrepreneur spirit and experiences in the restaurant business while they owned The Country Inn in Evansville when I was growing up," laughed Muchow-Buol. "Those experiences will help me to continue to grow Lingonberry Llama as a successful business along with other small business resources."
Muchow-Buol said that village staff has been amazingly helpful and that she is working with staff at the Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation, who provide business and financial education along with access to fair capital and other financial products.
A couple of projects that Muchow-Buol sees in the future of the business is making it handicap accessible and providing a backyard seating area.
"I plan on hosting similar events, maybe expanding the menu with gluten free items, more sandwiches and soups, and I'm planning to feature local products like Rhoda's Mustard and support other local businesses," added Muchow-Buol. "Lingonberry Llama will be the same, but different. I want to build off of what John, Scarlet, and Madeline started."
She thinks about expanding pizza night to include more artisan pizzas, making as many homemade items as possible, adding a retail area, and possibly adding some herbal teas, and hopes that the Clevelands will be guest baristas from time to time.
Muchow-Buol describes Lingonberry Llama's as Belleville's happy place where community magic happens.
Janice Dunkley, who served as General Manager of Lingonberry Llama, plans to continue helping one or two days a week and also is planning to return to school.
John and Scarlet thank the members of the Belleville community for being so welcoming and thank their employees, "who are the reason that the Llama is a reflection of all that you brought to it. We wish you, and all of our wonderful customers the best in 2020. Thank you."
New hours for Lingonberry Llama are: Sunday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Monday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
