Paxton’s Corner Coop - Memorable and Nostalgic
Baking began as a hobby in 2005 for Stephanie Paxton as her one-year-old son was about to celebrate his birthday. She baked from home in their renovated school house for friends and relatives. Stephanie’s baking and the rural lifestyle led them to raising chickens-twelve of them in 2012.
2014 was the year I became acquainted with the Paxton’s. I was researching who had purchased the building on the corner of U.S. Hwy 6 and IL Highway 78 in Annawan, IL. I learned of their dream, they pondered how to grow Brett’s love of chickens and Stephanie’s love of baking into a business. The first step was taken in 2013 to register Paxton Poultry to raise eggs and sell them locally. Meanwhile, Stephanie’s dream was to open a cupcake business and when an Annawan building was put up for auction, they were the highest bidder and their dream was soon to become a reality.
Together with family, they renovated the building purchased in 2014 and opened Paxton’s Corner Coop, July 2, 2015. Specializing in cupcakes, hand-dipped ice cream cones and sundaes, and selling organic, fresh eggs. Both Stephanie and Brett left their corporate worlds and became small business owners. Their perseverance was rewarded and together they had the best of both worlds.
The best-laid plans have a way of changing in the world of business. They recently downsized Paxton’s Poultry to 500 hens and plan together with their children and a few employees to grow Paxton Coop. Both Brett and Stephanie knew the locals would enjoy Paxton’s Coop; however, they never dreamed it would become a destination, but it has. From the minute the doors were opened, Paxton’s Coop has been a success.
Greeted by two roosters north or south, you can’t miss the Coop! The local favorites are the cupcakes and
hand-dipped ice cream. Interstate travelers’ interest is the organic eggs. Stephanie says they will purchase a hand-dipped ice cream cone and cupcakes to go. “Once a customer, always a customer,” Stephanie smiles and adds, “Now I receive calls as customers travel for preorders, eggs, cupcakes, and to see if their favorite ice cream flavor is in stock.” Cupcakes, ice cream, and farm fresh eggs are their specialty along with plenty of smiles. The Paxton Corner Coop experience is memorable for the young and nostalgic for the older generation. It’s a cute little shop worth a road trip for sure!
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