Emma and Brian Bruner are bubbling over with excitement to share the story of Fizzy Bizz, Kenosha’s go-to spot for mixed sodas and Italian sodas that really pop. Inspired by their fizz-tastic family trips out West, they’ve shaken up the local drink scene with creative combos and a menu that’s soda-lightful for all ages. In this interview, they spill the tea (or soda) on their journey, the challenges of running a small business, and their recipe for making every customer leave with a smile.
Visit Kenosha: What inspired you to start Fizzy Bizz, and how did the concept come together?
Emma and Brian: Soda businesses are very popular in the western U.S., where our families live. When visiting, we love trying their drinks and experimenting with new combinations. One summer, we realized Kenosha needed a soda shop! We started by participating in local markets. Although our first event wasn’t successful, we stuck with it and began attending the Kenosha Public Market weekly. By our second year, the business really took off. That same summer, we found a space for rent in Sweet Corner, our favorite ice cream shop, and over a year later, we’re still here!
Visit Kenosha: What drew you to specialize in mixed sodas and Italian sodas?
Emma and Brian: We fell in love with these drinks out west and wanted to share them with our community. Thankfully, they’ve been a hit!
Visit Kenosha: Why did you choose Kenosha as the home for Fizzy Bizz?
Emma and Brian: We’ve lived in Kenosha for over two decades and raised our family here. We love the community and its people.
Visit Kenosha: What was the first flavor combination you created, and is it still on the menu?
Emma and Brian: Our original creation, the "Dirty"—a mix of coconut syrup, fresh lime, and a dash of cream in Coke or Diet Coke—is still a menu staple. It’s even inspired variations like the "Fizzician," which adds pineapple and uses a Dr. Pepper base.
Visit Kenosha: How does Fizzy Bizz fit into the Kenosha community, and what role do you see your business playing?
Emma and Brian: Beyond selling drinks, we strive to create a memorable experience for everyone who visits. Our motto is “everyone leaves with a smile.” We aim to be a place where people enjoy delicious treats, connect, and brighten their day.
Visit Kenosha: You cater to non-alcohol drinkers and those in recovery. How has this shaped your business philosophy?
Emma and Brian: As non-drinkers ourselves, we wanted to offer a fun alternative for others who avoid alcohol. It’s been rewarding to help customers discover treats they can truly enjoy.
Visit Kenosha: How do you ensure your menu caters to a wide audience, from kids to seniors?
Emma and Brian: Customer feedback drives our menu. We’re always experimenting with new combinations, lemonade-based drinks, and "frescos" (water-based options). We listen to our customers and adapt to their preferences.
Visit Kenosha: Have you received memorable customer feedback?
Emma and Brian: Yes! One customer with diabetes said our sugar-free drinks gave him a "special treat" he could enjoy guilt-free. Another shared how much they appreciated having a fun, alcohol-free drink option. Moments like these reaffirm our mission.
Visit Kenosha: How do you come up with unique flavor combinations?
Emma and Brian: Many ideas come from our customers, who love to experiment with Emma. She’s always creating new mixes, and Brian serves as her taste-tester!
Visit Kenosha: Do customer suggestions shape your menu?
Emma and Brian: Absolutely! Customers often suggest tweaks or new combinations that eventually make it to the official menu.
Visit Kenosha: How do you choose toppings and mix-ins for the perfect balance?
Emma and Brian: It’s all trial and error! We experiment, learn what works, and even find inspiration from mocktail menus. Customer feedback helps refine our offerings.
Visit Kenosha: Are there seasonal or standout customer favorites?
Emma and Brian: Our "Wizard Brew" (Root Beer, caramel, vanilla, and cream) is a hit. During the holidays, we added pumpkin spice cream, and it was a huge success. People still ask for it!
Visit Kenosha: Do you have secret menu items?
Emma and Brian: Yes! We celebrate past drinks and customer favorites on a "secret menu." Look around the shop or ask—we’ll find something to make you smile!
Visit Kenosha: How did you come up with the name “Fizzy Bizz”?
Emma and Brian: We wanted a playful, fun name that captured the bubbly excitement of our drinks.
Visit Kenosha: How do you use social media to connect with customers?
Emma and Brian: Our social media queen, Jessie, creates engaging TikToks, Instagram posts, and fun announcements. Sometimes we even star in them!
Visit Kenosha: Have you collaborated with other local businesses?
Emma and Brian: Yes! We’ve participated in events like Taste of Wisconsin and Celebrate America, hosted food trucks, and worked with schools and churches. We love collaborating.
Visit Kenosha: What does a typical day at Fizzy Bizz look like?
Emma and Brian: We prep, serve drinks, and chat with customers throughout the day. Whether it’s slow or busy, we aim to make every interaction positive.
Visit Kenosha: Has DoorDash influenced your business?
Emma and Brian: Yes, it’s helped us reach new customers who often visit us in person after discovering us online.
Visit Kenosha: What challenges have you faced educating customers about your drinks?
Emma and Brian: Explaining our menu is fun, but the best part is helping each customer find their perfect drink. Their joy makes it worthwhile.
Visit Kenosha: Do you have plans to expand Fizzy Bizz?
Emma and Brian: We’re exploring new locations, especially with a drive-thru option, and collaborating with local businesses like a freeze-dried candy maker.
Visit Kenosha: What’s your vision for the next five years?
Emma and Brian: More locations, more drinks, and more fun!
Visit Kenosha: What challenges have you faced as small business owners?
Emma and Brian: Starting a unique business without a clear roadmap was tough, but we’ve relied on gut instincts and adaptability.
Visit Kenosha: Have customer preferences surprised you?
Emma and Brian: Yes! A Hulu show featuring soda shops has inspired customers to ask for specific drinks. We love seeing people discover our menu.
Visit Kenosha: Do you have a favorite drink?
Emma and Brian: Brian loves the Wizard Brew and Sweet and Sour, while Emma’s go-to is the Dirty Diet Coke (with constant tweaks!).
Visit Kenosha: What’s been the most rewarding moment since starting Fizzy Bizz?
Emma and Brian: Opening our shop and celebrating one year of business were big milestones. We’ve loved meeting so many wonderful people.
Visit Kenosha: What’s the funniest reaction you’ve had from a customer?
Emma and Brian: Once, a woman wasn’t sold on her first drink, so we made her another. Her face lit up – it was perfect for her!
Visit Kenosha: If you could collaborate on a signature drink, who or what would it be?
Emma and Brian: We’d love to work with local food, candy, or baked goods sellers—or even Mark Ruffalo (the actor was born in Kenosha) for our "Hulk" drink!
Visit Kenosha: What advice would you give your past self?
Emma and Brian: Keep going and stay open to new ideas.
Visit Kenosha: What’s one thing you want every customer to feel when they visit?
Emma and Brian: We want every customer to leave with a smile. If they don’t love their drink, we’ll make them a new one – on us!
Thanks for joining us as we popped the top on Emma and Brian Bruner’s bubbly journey with Fizzy Bizz! Their passion for mixing up soda-lightful creations and fizz-tastic community connections is truly inspiring. We hope their story quenched your thirst for inspiration – and maybe even sparked a craving to stop by Fizzy Bizz for a sip of happiness that’s soda-licious!
Visit Fizzy Bizz today!
4919 60th Street
Kenosha, WI 53144
(262) 308-4294
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