Brian, Luca and Kassi Blanchette accepted a success story award from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for their store, Staple & Fancy. Contributed photo
Staple & Fancy Hometown Groceries was named a success story last week by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
It was recognized as one of the best downtown revitalization projects of 2025 at the 35th Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony held at the Grand Theater in Wausau.
“We were truly honored to be recognized,” said Kassi Blanchette, who with her husband Brian opened the store in September. “Our partnership with the city of Mineral Point and WEDC has been instrumental to our success, and we’re so grateful for that support.
“Brian, our son Luca, and I had the chance to attend the awards ceremony-and, as it turns out, it fell exactly on our six-month anniversary, which made it even more special,” Blanchette said.
“In that short time, we’ve surpassed 10,000 transactions, grown our team to eight employees, and are now supporting 30-plus local producers. We feel incredibly grateful for the encouragement and support we’ve received and are excited to continue serving our community,” she said.
WEDC chose Staple & Fancy as the best small community revitalization success story.
The store is in renovated and restored space that formerly housed a medical clinic on High Street.
WEDC said it also “restored a grocery store to the community after a four-year absence.”
Staple & Fancy’s recognition was one of more than 15 statewide made by the WEDC.