Bear Trap celebrates No. 7

"It's weird because I've never held a job this long," jokes Margaret Weber when asked how it feels to mark her seventh year as owner operator of the Bear Trap Cafe and Bar. Under Weber's ownership, the Bear Trap will be celebrating its "copper anniversary" from 7-9 p.m. on Friday with musical guest Screen Door Porch.

Weber estimates that over the course of seven years, she has re-invested around $200,000 in improvements and repairs back into the restaurant and bar. "I could actually make a pretty good living from this place if I'd just stop putting money back into it," Weber said of her penchant for remodeling and upgrades. "If I'm going to spend as much time as I spend here, I want it to be a place I can be proud of."

When asked if she could go back in time seven years and give herself any piece of advice, Weber is quick to answer, "The biggest thing would be trying to find help in a small town like this that will stick with you through thick and thin. Especially when the winters are so slow and the summers are so busy." Weber has also learned that when owning a business in the Platte Valley, time is of the essence when headhunting for new employees. "When new people come into town I try to snatch them up as quickly as possible."

As a thank you to her customers, Weber will also hold a "dinner-raffle" on Friday night. One lucky person who buys a dinner during the celebration will win one meal a week for a year.

If you miss dinner on Friday, raffle tickets can still be purchased at the Bear Trap Cafe and Bar for $5.