Nichole Atkins was named the 2024 Business Person of the Year by the Fayette Rotary Club.

Atkins and her husband, Ryan, own Fireside Bakes & Brews in Fayette and New Franklin.

Originally opened as a mobile business serving out of a food trailer in May 2021, the Atkins opened their first brick-and-mortar location on Church Street in Fayette in October of that year. 

In March of this year, Fireside opened a new location in downtown New Franklin. 

The popular coffee shops offer more than just great java. Menus features freshly baked scones, muffins, and cinnamon rolls, to go with espresso, mochas, and cold brew. The shop also serves Lotus Energy, a plant-based energy drink, plus chai, and smoothies.

Nichole, who grew up in rural Armstrong, has a culinary background and was once a school food service director. She completed her associate degree in culinary arts at Iowa Western and earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management at Ashford University.

When speaking about Fayette, Nichole notes how well her business has been received and how she has, in a very short time, fallen in love with Fayette and her customers.

Nichole is not only a business owner but also a resident of Fayette. Ryan teaches math at Fayette High School. Both are active members of the Fayette community and are proud owners of three loving dogs. 

The Rotary Business Person of the Year Award was established in 1984 to recognize a local business professional who exemplifies Rotary’s values and who is making a lasting contribution to the well-being of our community.