Thriving Thistle: Market, Wellness Center, and Bistro

Thriving Thistle: Market, Wellness Center, and Bistro A 'locWhole' hub that serves thru nourishment, healing and connection✨
815.594.2080 Bistro & Market
815.858.0490 Wellness Center
(1)

We are a 'locWhole' hub that serves our community thru
nourishment, healing and connection✨

Gas station, coffee shop, breakfast and lunch, ice cream,
Gym, yoga, massage, chiropractic, counseling

Eight years ago, this dream was just an idea waiting to grow. Today, looking back at where we started and where we stand...
11/26/2025

Eight years ago, this dream was just an idea waiting to grow. Today, looking back at where we started and where we stand, our hearts are full.

What began as a simple vision quickly became something far greater than we ever imagined. This place became a home, a gathering spot, and a reflection of the love and support we felt from all of you. After eight unforgettable years, we are passing the keys on to the next family.

Over the years, we have:
• watched our children grow up within these walls
• poured countless hours into perfecting recipes and creating new memories
• worked side by side with a devoted team who became our extended family
• shared life’s biggest milestones with you like births, weddings, graduations, retirements, and deaths.
• been lifted by the warmth, encouragement, and loyalty of an extraordinary community

None of this would have been possible without you. Your support has shaped every chapter of this story, and we are deeply grateful for the way you’ve held us up, cheered us on, and welcomed us into your lives.

As we close our chapter and pass the torch, we do so with full hearts. It is an honor to hand the next chapter over to the Saunders Family. We wish them inspiration, success, and the same steady support that carried us all these years.

Thank you for being part of our beginning, our growth, and our journey. Because of you, this dream has become a legacy.gsnt

This is what 8 years looks like.After eight unforgettable years, we are passing the keys on to the next family. We never...
11/26/2025

This is what 8 years looks like.

After eight unforgettable years, we are passing the keys on to the next family. We never imagined that a simple sketch on a cocktail napkin would grow into something so meaningful.

What we believed would be a gift to the community became, in the end, a gift of community to us. It has truly been a dream come true.

In these eight years we have:
• watched our two children grow
• perfected family recipes and created new favorites
• worked alongside an extraordinary, passionate team who became like family
• shared in graduations, retirements, new careers, new babies, weddings, and the hardest goodbyes
• been lifted and supported by a remarkable community

We could not have lived this dream without you. Your love, encouragement, and unwavering support have shaped every step of this journey. From showing up on our very first day to standing with us through every season, you have given us more than we could ever express. We are endlessly grateful for this incredible community and for our families who have supported us so wholeheartedly. Our hope is that this place continues to thrive, grow, and remain a special gathering spot for everyone who walks through its doors.

It is with deep appreciation and heartfelt gratitude that we pass the keys to the Saunders Family. We wish them nothing but success, joy, and fulfillment as they begin this next chapter. May the community embrace them with the same warmth and support you’ve shown us.

"We rise by lifting others, and we grow by letting others rise." 💜

We're a little over a week away from the big night at Thriving Thistle! Our Holiday Open House will have cocktails, mock...
11/25/2025

We're a little over a week away from the big night at Thriving Thistle! Our Holiday Open House will have cocktails, mocktails, appetizers, prizes, and all the festive cheer you need to get in the Christmas spirit. We can't wait to see you there. 🎄

⛄ December 4th, 5-7PM at Thriving Thistle
Event link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C334Scd3U/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The bistro will be taking a short pause over Thanksgiving. We’ll be using this downtime to refresh our space, make excit...
11/24/2025

The bistro will be taking a short pause over Thanksgiving. We’ll be using this downtime to refresh our space, make exciting updates, and come back ready to serve you our very best!

Thanksgiving cooking is already hectic enough, leave the baking to us! Thriving Thistle has pies available for order and...
11/20/2025

Thanksgiving cooking is already hectic enough, leave the baking to us! Thriving Thistle has pies available for order and ready to sweeten up your Thanksgiving feast. 🥧

Call and place your order: 815.594.2080

Heading to a holiday gathering? Show your host a little appreciation with something from our retail section in our marke...
11/18/2025

Heading to a holiday gathering? Show your host a little appreciation with something from our retail section in our market. From bottles of wine, sweet treats, candles, and more, we’ve got the perfect gift to thank your special people. 🍷

Slow and fulfilling mornings start at Thriving Thistle. Take a moment to yourself and prioritize filling your cup by sto...
11/17/2025

Slow and fulfilling mornings start at Thriving Thistle. Take a moment to yourself and prioritize filling your cup by stopping into our market & bistro- literally and figuratively. ;)

11/14/2025

Just a friendly reminder—this Sunday is our final Sunday brunch of the season! 💜 Please call to reserve your spot.

Cozy season calls for dessert! For those who’d rather skip the baking, we’ve got plenty of sweet treats ready to go in o...
11/13/2025

Cozy season calls for dessert! For those who’d rather skip the baking, we’ve got plenty of sweet treats ready to go in our market. Paired with a Thriving Thistle coffee makes for the perfect afternoon treat.

Reminder, Thriving Thistle is taking pie orders! Contact us to order yours for Thanksgiving 🥧

The bistro will be taking a break over Thanksgiving to reset for the seasons ahead. We’re using this downtime to make a ...
11/11/2025

The bistro will be taking a break over Thanksgiving to reset for the seasons ahead. We’re using this downtime to make a few updates and bring new flavors to your table. Thank you for your patience and support while we work behind the scenes to bring your our best yet.

Please note that pies are also still available for order this Thanksgiving! Call us to place your order 🥧

The last brunch of the season is happening Sunday November, 16th. The perfect chance for quality food, coffee, and connection with your family. We can't wait to welcome you at our table.

It's time to spread holiday cheer with your friends and family! For the month of November, each referral you bring to Th...
11/10/2025

It's time to spread holiday cheer with your friends and family! For the month of November, each referral you bring to Thriving Thistle earns you an entry into our Holiday Raffle! Prizes include services, classes, and a Thriving Thistle membership. Wrap up the gift of wellness this holiday season. 🎁

Holiday Open House!
December 4th
5 - 7PM
Thriving Thistle
*Must be present at Open House to win*

RSVP to the event here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A1rPyTsoh/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Address

300 W. Hickory Street
Apple River, IL
61001

Opening Hours

Monday 5am - 8pm
Tuesday 5am - 8pm
Wednesday 5am - 8pm
Thursday 5am - 8pm
Friday 5am - 8pm
Saturday 6am - 8pm
Sunday 6am - 8pm

Telephone

(815) 594-2080

Website

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Thriving Thistle: Market, Bistro, and Wellness Center

Devoted to family, community, and living a life they love, Geoff & Liz Stocks brought Thriving Thistle Market to Apple River. This adventure all started with a desire to be a family in a town they love. Like most families that live in small towns, Geoff and Liz worked away from home, and spent so much precious time on the road. They recognized a need in the community for a place to get fuel, simple things a gallon of milk, and something delicious to eat. When they saw an old, run-down, abandoned gas station that previously operated as the hub of the community, they chose to take a chance on their community and bring the business back to life.

Geoff was born and raised in Apple River, Illinois. He follows in a long line of community-minded family members. Liz is a Doctor of Chiropractic and is passionate about health and living well. This combination is what brought Thriving Thistle Market to fruition. They love their community and want to see it THRIVE. Their appreciation and honor of the community is illustrated by the naming of menu items after community members of the past.

The Thistle itself represents life in a small town: the roots are deep to provide stability, gather nutrients, and contains healing properties; and the stem, though winding, challenging and thorny at times, leads you to a beautiful, abundant, and enjoyable flower at the top. The Thistle is an analogy for life.

Like Geoff and Liz Stocks, the Thistle’s roots are difficult to uproot from their community. The Thistle is a symbol representing wholesome food and heart-filled connections. They intend to be an active part of the community for countless years to come. It is with great pleasure and honor that they continue to create a THRIVING legacy the ancestors of Apple River would be proud of.