Rachel Plankenhorn of the Village Hide-A-Way

From Colorado to her hometown community, Rachel Plankenhorn is proud to be a part of Vicksburg’s oldest family business

Rachel Plankenhorn’s journey to becoming a key player in her hometown of Vicksburg, Michigan, was not a straight path. After building a successful career in Colorado, she made the decision to return to her roots to carry on her family’s legacy at the Village Hide-A-Way—the oldest family-owned business in Vicksburg.

The Village Hide-A-Way, first purchased by Rachel’s grandfather Jack in 1980 and later taken over by her father Scott in 1999, has been a cornerstone of the community for decades. When Rachel returned, she brought with her years of experience managing operations at Blue River Bistro in Breckenridge and roles with The Chill Foundation and Breck Music. Her professional experiences out West and her Michigan upbringing shaped the approach she now brings to the family business.

Vicksburg itself has undergone a revitalization over the years, thanks in part to the support of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). In 2019, the Michigan Strategic Fund board approved a Transformational Brownfield Plan to support a multi-site, mixed-use redevelopment of the historic Vicksburg Paper Mill. The Mill at Vicksburg project will include hotel and residential space, incubator space for microbreweries, a beer garden, demo gardens, public green space and more, serving as a catalyst for economic activity in the region.

And through initiatives like the Public Spaces Community Places program, the MEDC has helped transform Vicksburg’s downtown area by supporting projects like the redevelopment of Oswalt Park and Liberty Lane East. These improvements have enhanced the community Rachel proudly serves and continue to create opportunities for local businesses like the Village Hide-A-Way to thrive.

 

On returning home to Michigan

I always knew I’d come back to Michigan, but my time out West was such an important part of my journey. I grew up in Three Rivers, just south of Vicksburg and my Midwestern upbringing shaped who I am today. I worked in food and beverage early on, was a three-season athlete and graduated in a class of 150. It was such a supportive environment, but I don’t think I realized how much I appreciated it until I left.

After graduating from Northwood University in Midland, Michigan, I packed my Chevy Malibu and moved to Colorado for my first job with Breck Music in Breckenridge. My time in the Rockies was incredible. I took on roles that helped me grow both personally and professionally—working for The Chill Foundation and the Town of Frisco and later transitioning back into the food and beverage industry as operations manager at Blue River Bistro. During that time, I also earned my master’s degree from the University of Denver.

But even with all those experiences, I always felt drawn back to Michigan. I knew I wanted to raise a family where my roots were and when the opportunity came to help my dad transition into retirement, my husband and I packed our bags without hesitation.

 

On building on a family legacy

The Village Hide-A-Way isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a family legacy. My grandfather Jack purchased it in 1980 and my dad took over in 1999. It’s the oldest family-owned business in Vicksburg, which is something I take so much pride in. Growing up, I spent a lot of time at the restaurant, helping my dad with small tasks like rolling silverware or washing dishes. Those early experiences shaped my understanding of hard work and gave me a deep appreciation for the community that the restaurant serves.

Now, as the third generation running the Village Hide-A-Way, I find joy in hearing customers share their memories of the early years in the tavern. My dad created a space that’s about more than just food—it’s a place where the community comes together. From Detroit Lions game days to neighborhood gatherings, the restaurant has always been a hub of fun and laughter and I’m dedicated to keeping that spirit alive.

 

On Vicksburg's Renaissance as a community reborn

Vicksburg has changed so much since I was a kid. It’s now a sought-after place to live and work, with a vibrant downtown district full of retail shops, restaurants, museums and parks. The music and arts scene here is incredible, with the Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center and the Mill at Vicksburg hosting events that you’d normally find in much larger cities.

Placemaking efforts have been key in how our community connects and it’s been exciting to see that impact. The village’s redevelopment and the introduction of the social district have created new spaces for people to gather and enjoy what Vicksburg has to offer. These improvements have had a direct impact on the Village Hide-A-Way. Our customers now have beautiful spaces where they can relax with their food and drinks and it’s made the entire downtown more vibrant and welcoming.

 

On investing in her community

One of the things I learned from my time in Colorado is how important it is to invest in the community you serve. My mentor out West, Jay Beckerman, showed me firsthand how community involvement can positively impact a business. I knew I wanted to do the same when I came back to Vicksburg.

The Village Hide-A-Way has participated in events like the Vicksburg Farmers’ Market farm-to-fork dinner, which is the market’s largest annual fundraiser. It’s been a great way for us to give back while partnering with other local restaurants and farmers. I’m also really excited to be partnering with the Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center for their upcoming gala this fall. Building these community ties is so important, not just for our business but for the entire village.

 

On looking to the future

Vicksburg is on an exciting path and I’m proud to be part of it. Since returning, I’ve joined the Planning Commission/DDA board, which has allowed me to be involved in the village’s growth and development. I truly believe that we’re only going up from here and I hope the progress we’re making will inspire other businesses to invest in this community.

As for the Village Hide-A-Way, we’ll continue to grow and adapt to the needs of our customers and the community. I’m excited to see where we’ll be in the next 10 years, but no matter what, I know we’ll always be rooted in the values my family built this business on: community, hard work and a love for Vicksburg.