by Bea Peterson
Signs have been in the windows of Upsy Daisy and Bagels ‘N’ More on John St. in Hoosick Falls stating that the businesses are for sale. Mariea and Brian Rousseau have owned Upsy Daisy for 22 years. Howard and Sue Moxley have owned the bagel shop for seven years. Both owners say the businesses are doing well and they would be unhappy to see them close. The location of the two businesses is also ideal, they say.
For Howard and Sue, with daughters growing up and thoughts of a larger home, it’s time to move
on. “We’re still trying to recover from the fire, both financially and emotionally.” When Dougherty’s, the restaurant on the corner, burned more than two years ago, both Upsy Daisy and the bagel shop suffered severe smoke and water damage. “After the fire, we started from scratch again,” Howard said. A stove fire last year was another setback. The Village helped the couple out financially then. Howard wanted someone to take over the business. “I’m sure Mike [Church] can make a go of it,” he said. “I’m happy and surprised we’ve lasted this long.”
“It will be hard to leave. Basically, I’ll miss the people. I’m very appreciative of the whole community. They’ve been very supportive.” Howard said that when gas and oil prices first went up, business slumped for a bit but now people have made adjustments and things are running smoothly. “It’s a good spot, right in the center of town,” he said. Howard has no future career plans at the moment.
New Owner
Fortunately Bagels ‘N’ More is sold and will reopen September 8. Mike Church has purchased the business. Howard’s last day will be Saturday, August 30. The little restaurant will be closed for a week during which Mike will change the name and make some changes to the menu and interior.
Still Searching
Upsy Daisy has been for sale since December. “I’ve had a few people interested,” said Mariea. Nothing concrete has materialized to this point. Mariea has been dealing with health issues. “I don’t have the stamina I used to have,” she said. “When you have a respectable established reputation, you hold yourself to a high standard.” It’s hard to maintain the standard without the stamina.
“People in town have been tremendous. Through the fire and my illness they have been encouraging and supportive. That’s one of the reasons I just haven’t closed up.”
“The business is viable. We’re close to the funeral homes, we have a tremendous customer base, wonderful customers, a good location and our interior is gorgeous!” Mariea feels some design experience is good, but a good business sense is more essential. She would be willing to work with somebody to get things going. “If you have a passion about what you’re doing, you’ll succeed,” she said. The right person hasn’t come by yet, she added. “I owe it back to the community to make this happen. I have to be optimistic. I don’t want to see us lose any more downtown businesses.”