New Burlington Store, Consumer Cellular store opens, Batteries Plus closures, and more Quad-Cities business news

Burlington Store opens in Moline

The Burlington Store in River Place Center opens in Moline.

Burlington Store, 770 42nd Avenue Drive, completes the development of the space of the former Hy-Vee that closed in January 2022. The retailer joins Five Below, Aldi and Ulta Beauty at John Deere Road and Seventh Street.

The Burlington Store in River Place Center in Moline opened on Friday, March 6.

Consumer Cellular store opens in Davenport

Customers can now get in-person service at the first-ever Consumer Cellular store in Iowa. Consumer Cellular is located in the Elmore Market Place shopping center at 4259 Elmore Ave. in Davenport, next to Fleet Feet Davenport.

The new Davenport Consumer Cellular store is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. The Davenport location phone number is 563-216-4338.

Consumer Cellular customers can sign up for service, get friendly in-person tech help and much more. At the new Davenport store they have devices to choose from, including phones, tablets, smartwatches, accessories and more. Visit consumercellular.com/store-locator/9902 to check current inventory.

Batteries Plus permanently closed in East Moline and Davenport

Batteries Plus, a one-stop for batteries, bulbs, repairs and more, is permanently closed in the Quad-Cities.

Batteries Plus was located at 300 Avenue of the Cities in East Moline, and 901 E. Kimberly Road, Old Town Mall, in Davenport. 

A sign is posted on the entrance door saying, "Sorry we are now permanently closed. We sincerely thank you for your loyalty and support through the years. It has been our pleasure serving you."

“The East Moline, and Davenport locations were independently owned and operated and have permanently closed," Batteries Plus spokesperson said in a statement. "While we understand this may be disappointing for local customers, Batteries Plus remains committed to supporting them during this transition. Our official policy is to always take care of our customers. All valid warranties will be honored, and customers with warranty questions or open service matters can contact our Customer Care team at customercare@batteriesplus.com for prompt assistance.” 

Alchemist Art Studio opens in downtown Rock Island

Grace DeVrieze, a 24-year-old tattoo artist, is opening her own studio, Alchemist Art Studio, in downtown Rock Island, 1623 Second Ave. 

Alchemists Art Studio held a special ribbon-cutting ceremony and an open house on March 6-7. 

DeVrieze not only embraces her artistic journey but also creates a hub for creativity and connection in Rock Island, according to a news release. She started the process to open just under a year ago, working with the Development Association of Rock Island.

“DARI has been thrilled to partner with Grace over the past year as she transformed a spark of an idea into a full-fledged business. Grace radiates entrepreneurial drive, and watching her vision take shape has been nothing short of inspiring. Coaching her through the business-planning process has been a privilege, and we couldn’t be more excited to help her officially launch her business right here in Rock Island. Big things are ahead for Grace— and we’re proud to be part of her journey,” said Liz Murray Tallman, DARI's vice president.

DeVrieze announced the news in a Facebook post in February.

"I have a big announcement! Today is my first day working at my own studio. I want to thank my friends and family for all the help they’ve given me. I also want to acknowledge that I would not be where I am right now without all the support from my clients & Penny Lane. It’s sad that I won’t be tattooing next to my favorite people everyday anymore, but here’s to new beginnings," the post read.

DeVrieze's artwork can be seen on her Ink By Grace Facebook page and inkby grace Instagram page.

The studio is by appointment only, including quotes, with a $60 minimum and $120 hourly.

Appointments can be scheduled for 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. Visit alchemiststudio.net to schedule an appointment, or call or text 309-220-8599. Email address is bookinginfo@alchemiststudio.net.

Anna Mae's Swedish Bakery & Cafe to expand baker offerings

Beginning in March, Anna Mae's Swedish Bakery & Cafe is shifting its focus to baked goods. The bakery and cafe is located at 503 10th Ave. W. in Milan.

Anna Mae's announced the changes on their Facebook page to their valued customers on Wednesday, Feb. 25.

"As with any business, ongoing evaluation and refinement are essential to our success. When I envisioned this business, my primary goal was to focus on baked goods. However, with the purchase of a larger building, I felt the need to expand and offer more food items. While the food has been well-received, it hasn't performed as strongly as our bakery items and drinks in terms of profitability," the post read.

Beginning in March, they will be discontinuing many food items such as pancakes, sandwiches and salads. The kitchen space, the post said, is limited by cooking equipment and they are working on making room for more bakery equipment and space for their bakers, allowing them to expand their bakery offerings and provide a wider variety.

They will still plan to offer a few food items such as avocado toast, breakfast burritos and add several new additions such as quiche, smoothies, waffle skewers, and more.

All the drinks, ice cream, and acai bowls will remain on the menu. 

The bakery and cafe is open at 5:30-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Business phone number is 309-317-4464. 

Follow Anna Mae's Facebook page for updates.