Re-Trapped

Former owner of the Bear Trap in Riverside takes control again, feels new energy in familiar venture

Margaret Weber left the Bear Trap in Riverside on Aug. 31, 2016 and wished Jolene Pavelka luck in her new venture. On Jan. 28, 2018, Weber took back ownership of the Bear Trap.

"I went into it holding the contract and knowing at some point that if something happened, I would have to come back," said Weber.

Weber, who had owned the business for eight-and-a-half years originally, went to work for Saratoga Hot Springs Resort and began enjoying a life away from the struggles of owning a business. After the New Year, however, Pavelka gave notice to Weber that she was unable to continue ownership of the restaurant and bar.

"I had almost a solid year-and-a-half off," Weber said, "The amount I learned at the resort, back end, paperwork and accounting and that type of thing. I wouldn't have been able to learn that here. So I'm able to bring that aspect and that knowledge from there to here."

Weber went into a 60/30 partnership with Russell Wilson who, along with working at Sinclair Wyoming Refining Company (SWRC), owns and runs the catering company Sawhorse Saloon. Wilson and Weber planned on renaming the restaurant after Wilson's catering company.

Wilson's financial backer, however, pulled out at the last minute and left him unable to continue the partnership.

Despite this setback, Wilson has spent every available moment helping Weber continue to renovate the building. He also assured Weber that she could still use the name Sawhorse Saloon.

"When we were going to become partners, we were going to change the name. I went back and forth on still changing it after things fell through and it didn't feel right. That's his concept. That's his catering company. I just didn't feel comfortable doing that. It wasn't fair to him," said Weber.

Wilson isn't the only one providing Weber support. Former employee Tyler Clason, who worked for Weber for four years, contacted her when he heard she was taking back ownership of the business.

"I feel very fortunate to have him, as well. He's got a lot of menu ideas, he's got a lot of drink ideas, he's got a lot of energy," said Weber, "I know, coming into this, I'm going to be working day after day after day, but there is a little bit more support at this point."

Though the name will not be changing, other changes are coming.

A major alteration to the building is the removal of the wall between the restaurant and bar. Weber had been worried the removal of the 20 foot section would cause damage to the structure. When she was assured it could be done, however, she made the decision to have it removed.

The signed and decorated dollar bills that were once pinned to the ceiling of the bar have been relocated and preserved. Opposite the pool table, the paper currency is now placed behind plexiglass. Out-of-state visitor's bills are near the top while locals are closer to the bottom. Space has also been allocated for A-Bar-A Guest Ranch and Brush Creek Ranch employees who visited the Bear Trap.

"There is a method to the madness," Weber said.

While going through the dollar bills, Weber said she found several had been signed by people who had met while working for the A-Bar-A and had since married. Instead of putting them up on the wall, she sent the dollars to them as a memento of where they met.

While WHATFest may have moved to Centennial, Weber still has plans of bringing back old favorites.

"St. Patrick's Day. We're going to have the badass St. Paddy's menu," said Weber.

Though she has returned to the Bear Trap, Weber has no plans to devote another near decade to the business.

"I don't plan to have it on the market right away, but I don't have another ten years in me. I can guarantee it," Weber said.

The re-opening of the Bear Trap will take place at 6 p.m. on March 9 and will include a buffet of new menu items including ribs, flank steak and chicken wings. Attendees will be able to listen to the musical stylings of Chris Duke, Catie Taylor and Danny Drinkwine as well as have their turn at karaoke.

"I've gotten to the point where I'm excited about this now," Weber said.

 

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