So, all that know Jim, know that starting the Morris Burner Hotel/Hostel in Reno was not a planned adventure, but the result of wanting to do something good for the amazing Burning Man community he is a part of. Gibson’s Roadhouse not is completely different from that, it was not planned. His hard working Nephew was having a hard time purchasing his first home, and managed to talk Jim into selling him a condo he had in the Bay Area. This property was done as a 1031 real estate exchange.
Half of the people living in Gardnerville know Suzy, she has been an important and integral part of Raley’s for nearly 20 years and is loved by everyone! She LOVES to cook, entertain, and make people happy, and she is one of the hardest working people you will ever meet. This project is perfect for her to get to feel the highs and lows of being a business owner...
The property itself consists of the Restaurant/Bar, several apartments in 2 other buildings, a stand alone 2 bedroom house used for storage, and 6 large offices above the restaurant. The original property was developed in 1896 as the “Ritchford”, Restaurant and Hotel, and the rear of the property they has stables! The property has seen many many changes and owners, over the years, and now we are the stewards of this beautiful spot.
Although Suzy loves to cook, neither of us are interested in running or managing a “real” restaurant, but we love people, and we want to do something fun for our wonderful town of Gardnerville. The previous restaurant Rancho Grande shut down 5 years ago and the place as been vacant and it is such a great spot. We want to do something good for the town, but enjoy ourselves too.
The bar is done in steampunk simply because it is one of the most fun, unique, eclectic, and fun looks and it is just plain fun. We have a small stage, a decent sound system, and we love music! Acoustic, DJ, small bands, Comedy, Karaoke, whatever people want. We are open to almost anything.
Our plan is to develop the side lot on the south end of the property back to the parking lot into a fun and welcoming outside patio. If we can, we would love to put in some big BBQ’s and let people bring and cook their own food. We need to understand the health and safety codes, but we believe this would be a great way for people to mingle and share. Love your feedback.
We are hoping to set the kitchen up as “commercial” with full health and safety blessing, but not just for us, but as an easily accessible “commissary” kitchen for people who need to do food prep in that environment. We have already been approached by a guy that has been fine tuning his spicy “rub” and wants to try selling it, and this could be perfect. Another wants to do pastries to be sold. Home made salsa is perfect, and of course, Suzy’s homemade Kim-Chi could be packages safely to be sold. Lots of possibilities.
Our goal to turn the upstairs offices into very nice guest rooms, a bed and breakfast approach for short term guests. It is such a great location, and with the front door leading to the street people who stay can walk to multiple restaurants and bars, shopping, and never drive!
Private events, like weddings, company parties, fundraisers, and so many things are something we really want to do. Because they are shared, as in people will be helping to put their events on, it is a great fit. As an example, steampunk themed wedding for 50 - 100 guests would be such fun. The wedding party could have the 3 guest rooms upstairs to stay in, or for getting ready with the brides party having access to lots of space to be crazy. The downstairs, all of it, can be set up any way the bride and groom want. Food can be from a caterer and a wedding planner can organize the affair. The Historian Inn is a half block walk for extra guests. Other fun events, like a bachelor or bachelorette party could use the upstairs if they choose, or simply use the bar and restaurant for their guests. Company Christmas parties, off-site training setting up two meeting rooms and still having the eating area in the center, lots of possibilities.
Training classes or seminars, art classes, wine parings, food tasting and cooking, and letting non-profits have a space for meeting at little or no cost. We want to be part of this wonderful community.
Well that’s enough for now. We look forward to your input, and hope to become a fun new spot to be enjoyed by the town.
