Pizzeria plants
permanent
roots
The Pie Zans Pizzeria family has found a new home at 800 W. Tomichi. At the head of the table are Janice and Todd Houle, alongside their son Sage, who’ve been owners since 2012. The restaurant previously lived on North Main for 23 years.
When the Houles noticed the available real estate on the west side of town, they saw an opportunity that couldn’t be passed up.
“It’s all about the local business buying local real estate,” Todd explained. “Trying to prevent mom-and-pop shops from getting pushed out.”
The Houles split duties around the restaurant —Janice running the front of the house, Todd directing the back and Sage managing the bar.
After months of renovations to the building that previously housed Pizza Hut, Pie Zans is now fully operational. In the last month the kitchen was running on one oven. They’re now firing on all cylinders with typical wait times.
The menu has stayed the same, but you can expect some new items to come. The most recent addition is their beer tap system and expanded liquor selection.
Family and community is the main focus of the Houles’ business strategy.
“We want our restaurant to be a place where the locals can eat,” Todd said. “We’re here to support the community that continues to support us. We are thankful for the people of the Gunnison Valley.”
“You can expect the same great food, just in a new location,” explained Janice. “We’re excited to unveil our plan for the downstairs and a patio for the summer.”
Pie Zans can be contacted at 970.641.5255.
Buckel wine
wins
international
award
With a growing Colorado presence in the wine industry, Colorado wineries as well as Colorado grapes are receiving national recognition.
Buckel Family Wine, headquartered in Gunnison, was awarded a gold medal for their 2016 Chardonnay in the 2019 Sunset Magazine’s International Wine Competition.
The wine was made from Chardonnay grapes grown in Palisade by grower Black Bear Orchards. The competition also awarded other Colorado wineries with medals, although the grapes were sourced from outside of the state.
Buckel Family Wine was founded in 2017 by winemaker Joe Buckel and his wife Shamai. They have been getting their wines into the hands of restaurants and liquor stores throughout Colorado with rave reviews.
The winery uses 100 percent Colorado sourced grapes from Palisade, Hotchkiss and Cortez vineyards. They produce the wines in Gunnison, with a tasting room slated to open in February at 1018 Hwy. 135, Unit B.
Buckel wines are handmade in an old world natural style, with the red wine being unfined and unfiltered. Classical winemaking techniques are used, with minimal intervention, and no sugars or additives.
“Our 2016 Chardonnay is created in a Burgundian style with grapes sourced from vines planted in the 1970s in Palisade, said Joe Buckel. “It is an expressive Chardonnay with a richness on the palate finishing with focused acidity.”
GS&L closing
CB branch
Gunnison Savings & Loan (GS&L) is closing their Crested Butte branch and, in the process, refocusing its efforts in helping local residents get into home ownership.
GS&L President Craig Bryant cited changes in the banking industry — particularly with the increase of online functionality — as well as rising costs with operating the Crested Butte location for the closure, which will take effect April 3.
GS&L purchased the building at 501 Elk Ave., formerly Angelo’s Pizza, in 2001. At its peak, the Crested Butte branch employed six people.
Currently, two GS&L employees are based full time in Crested Butte, and Bryant said both have been offered to retain their positions, only in Gunnison.
Further, GS&L stated in a letter sent to members about a month ago stating that the reorganization presents an opportunity to “refocus … on affordable housing financing” — which was the core mission when the association was established in 1911.
Bryant explained one new program GS&L is launching aimed at first-time homebuyers of modest means. It’s a low down payment option, requiring 10 down payment versus the more customary 20 percent, that also avoids the costly private mortgage insurance.
“We haven’t tried this before,” he said. “It’s aimed at people who are established, have jobs, and are looking to finally acquire a home facing this high cost market that they’re in.”
GS&L will continue to explore opportunities to increase its online services and other ways of making doing business convenient.
Bryant said the association has not yet decided what to do with the building it owns in Crested Butte.
Chamber board expects bright
future
The Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed new members and held an annual board retreat. Picture here: (Front row, l-r) Aj Mani, EconoLodge & Gunnison Real Estate and Rentals; Dr. James Harriss, Western Colorado University; Boe Freeburn, ex-officio with City of Gunnison; Jennifer Kermode, Gunnison Valley Regional Housing Authority; Dani Crist, Rocky Mountain Rose; Paula Swenson, IC Connex and PS Consulting; Erica Rasmussen Holiday Inn Express. (Back row, l-r) Craig Beebe, ex-officio with Western Colorado University; Josh Young, TAVA Real Estate; Ken Henry, Community Banks of Colorado; Roland Mason, ex-officio Gunnison County; Darcie Perkins, ex-officio ICELab; Wendy Boardman, Fullmer’s Ace Hardware.
(If you have an item for Business Cents, please contact Chris Dickey at 970.641.1414 or publisher@gunnisontimes.com.)
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