Rocque Ridge business expands to new location

Surrounded by family, friends, community members, and Chippewa and Rusk county chamber members, Rocque Ridge Guides & Outfitters officially were welcomed into their new location in Holcombe, April 1, with owner Tom Rocque cutting the ribbon, with his sister and business manager Anna Rocque (right) by his side. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

Settled into their new location at 30965 State Hwy. 27 (formerly Silver Bear), Rocque Ridge Guides & Outfitters is continuing to grow. The outdoor supply shop grew so much since they began May 1, 2021, in the original location in the Holcombe strip mall, that they wanted to invest more in their business.

Owner Tom Rocque, along with his sister/business manager Anna Rocque, supply not only hunting and fishing equipment, but also multiple varieties of plastic baits, as well as live bait, apparel and other items.

They also rent kayaks and paddle boards, and are planning to offer a shooting area in the back of the new building, with video archery.

“Whatever the community says they need, that’s what we want to provide,” said Tom.

The business goes beyond selling outdoor-related items, as Tom is a big supporter of youth projects and gives back to veterans organizations.

In their new location, Rocque Ridge’s property is located on the Chippewa and Rusk county lines, and Tom says the sale happened to work out the way it did miraculously. He first looked at the building when it went up for sale, but the sale went to someone else.

Then, recently, the building came up for sale again. Tom says he and his fiancé went by there shopping – no for sale sign – and when they came back by, it was out on the lawn. Tom called immediately and the rest played out as it needed to.

“We’re going to be able to offer so much more,” said Tom. To celebrate the larger space, Rocque Ridge held a ribbon cutting ceremony April 1, with members of the community present, along with members from the Chippewa and Rusk county chambers of commerce.

Those gathered agreed they are very glad to see the building repurposed, after the previous venture closed when the owner retired, and that they love the services Rocque Ridge offers.

“This is beyond my wildest dreams of a year ago,” said Tom.