The Chronicles Of Grant County
Bear Mountain Lodge is located near the Gila Wilderness. (The photograph was provided courtesy of Bear Mountain Lodge.)
As part of the efforts to stabilize and enhance the economy of the United States, the Federal government implemented several programs to help businesses continue their operations. One of those programs, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) Program, was created by the U S Congress to help provide funding for food-related businesses that had been affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. This program is part of the Small Business Administration (SBA).
Bear Mountain Arts LLC (Bear Mountain Lodge) received $33,423.97 in grant funding through the RRF Program. The funds were received in May of 2021.
Bear Mountain Lodge is an important part of the hospitality industry in Grant County. It is located northwest of Silver City near the Gila Wilderness and the Gila National Forest. The inn is "…a tranquil oasis on the edge of the New Mexico wilderness, the ideal choice for quiet relaxation or unforgettable adventure," according to a statement from the business. "The Lodge offers refined and restful accommodations in breathtaking surroundings, with easy access to hiking, cycling, horseback riding, bird watching, nature study and wilderness."
Café Oso Azul is the restaurant at the Bear Mountain Lodge. "We serve three meals a day to both lodgers and the public," explained Linda Brewer, co-owner of Bear Mountain Lodge. "We also hold many special events." The July menu for the restaurant includes such items as waffles and french toast, sandwiches, soups and salads, dinner entrees, side dishes, and deserts.
Businesses that received RRF Program grants are not required to repay the funding as long as monies are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023. Among those eligible expenses are ones for beverage and food products, debt service, maintenance, mortgage, payroll, rent, supplies, utilities, and other operating costs.
According to Ms. Brewer, funds provided by the RRF Program will be used to help retain seven staff members, pay for food supplies, and help design dinnerware at Café Oso Azul. Bear Mountain Lodge also anticipates creating two new permanent jobs with the funding from the RRF Program.
In addition to receiving RRF Program funding, Bear Mountain Arts (Bear Mountain Lodge) also received two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from the SBA. One loan was in the amount of $27,724 and was approved on April 7, 2020; the second loan was in the amount of $31,418 and was approved on January 22, 2021.
If PPP funds are used for specific business purposes, the SBA forgives the loans and, in essence, they become grants to the participating businesses. Among the uses allowed for monies secured through the PPP are such costs as payroll, mortgage interest, rental payments, and utility expenses.
Both loans issued to Bear Mountain Lodge were forgiven by the SBA and did not need to be paid back by the business. The PPP funds were used for wages, mortgage interest, and utilities, according to Bear Mountain Lodge. The business indicated that four jobs were created because of the PPP funds.
Bear Mountain Lodge currently has three job openings. "We need a full time cook and wait person," stated Ms. Brewer. "Both start at $10.50 per hour plus tips." She also indicated that the inn is seeking a full time housekeeper with wages starting at $10.50 per hour plus tips. In addition, Ms. Brewer said all jobs come with sick and vacation pay after three months.
If you're interested in applying for one of these jobs, please contact Bear Mountain Lodge at info@bearmountainlodge.com.
You can view additional information about Bear Mountain Lodge by visiting their website for at https://bearmountainlodge.com/.
Bear Mountain Lodge includes the Café Oso Azul. (The photograph was provided courtesy of Bear Mountain Lodge.)
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© 2021 Richard McDonough