CENTERBURG — Madalena Rose Himes always wanted to be an entrepreneur.
At 26 years old, Himes, also nicknamed “Rosie” by her mother, has opened a quick-stop smoothie and sandwich shop in Centerburg’s business district.
Himes celebrated the one-week opening Friday at 108 N Hartford Ave Suite E., with a Knox County Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting.
In the packed shop surrounded by family and friends, Himes thanked those supporting the store’s opening.
Rosie’s Rest Stop sells fresh packaged sandwiches, salads and made-to-order smoothies. It’s an idea sprouted by Meniere’s disease, an autoimmune disease Himes was diagnosed with when she was a child.
The ailment can cause tinnitus, dizziness and ear pressure. Himes said eating a well-balanced diet has helped her offset the disease.
It was “the driving reason for crafting Rosie’s,” Himes said. “I’ve always wanted to do this.”
What are Rosie’s Rest Stop hours?
Situated amid the Heart of Ohio bike trail, Himes said a lot of cyclists have visited her shop, wanting a quick grab a quick-and-go bite before heading back to the path.
Hours for Rosie’s Rest Stop are Wednesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For those who want a drink packed with flavor, try Rosie’s Rest Stop smoothies. Pick from fresh (never frozen) fruits along with mix-ins like lemon juice.
Himes uses sour-dough bread for her sandwiches made by Cheryl’s Bees & Bakes in Centerburg.
Though only open for a week, Himes said the amount of support she’s received has been “surreal.” She hopes to have dine-in seating options upstairs within a month.
Himes said opening up a new restaurant has been “stressful” but rewarding. She’s also part owner of a Galena ice-cream shop, Sticky Fingers.
“It’s a good type of stress,” Himes said. “It keeps me active and there’s a lot of problem solving.”