St. Croix Stories
St. Croix Stories aims to highlight the people and places that make the riverside town of Hudson, Wisconsin (and the St. Croix Valley) unique. Hear from local business owners, leaders, and others who contribute to this community in a variety of ways. Whether you're a longtime St. Croix Valley resident or someone simply interested in learning more about what this area has to offer, this podcast is for you.
St. Croix Stories
Stephanie Johnson, The Garage Bikes + Brews
Is The Garage Bikes and Brews a bike shop first, or a brewery first? If you ask co-owner Stephanie Johnson, the answer is: both. Stephanie is a River Falls native who married a fellow River Falls native, Matt. The duo co-own The Garage, which opened in 2020 and is set to celebrate its fifth anniversary. The space offers a unique vibe where visitors can enjoy a beer — brewed by Stephanie and Matt's son Ellis — while also watching bikes get fixed behind the bar.
On this episode of St. Croix Stories, Stephanie shares more about how a wrist injury eventually fueled her passion for cycling as an adult, which ultimately became a family business. She also talks about the challenges of opening The Garage during the pandemic, discusses the music scene hosted at The Garage, and shares her favorite places to ride her bike in the St. Croix Valley.
The Garage is also participating in the Bluegrass, Bourbon & Brews Festival in River Falls as a host venue, and will be hosting many other musical acts throughout the summer. You can find a full list of events here.
Follow St. Croix Stories on Facebook and Instagram, and hear all episodes at stcroixstories.com.
