A mainstay Winnemucca restaurant, Third Street Bistro, will be closing very soon.
Lori Taylor and several of her daughters have operated both the restaurant and a catering business since April of 2008. Taylor actually started working at the restaurant, then called "Country Kitchen" in December of 2007.
When she bought the business, she redecorated and changed the name to Third Street Bistro but the menu stayed substantially the same and they did catering.
"When I took over, I had done some catering in my younger years. I know you have to have more than one profit center, so I knew we needed to offer catering," Taylor said.
Taylor's three daughters have each taken a turn working with her in the restaurant and catering business.
"Amanda, my oldest daughter worked with me for a time; she stepped away to have her first son," said Lori. "My second daughter Kayla came and helped, and so did Ashley, the youngest, as she went back and forth to school."
All the daughters are married now.
Taylor said her health hasn't been good for several years, adding her family hopes less stress will help her feel better and be around to enjoy her grandchildren.
"Owning a business and keeping it going is hard; you bear such a responsibility," said Taylor. "You care about it."
Her daughters and husband were all part of the decision to close the business.
When asked why she's closing the business rather than selling it, Taylor said it's hard to promise someone they will be successful.
"People want to know why my daughters are not buying the restaurant and catering business," Tayor noted. "They know the level of commitment and the time it takes; they have young children, and they want to be there for their families."
The business has employed as many as eight people, averaging closer to five.
Among the many who've been sad to hear of the impending closure, a comment made by Shooting the West Executive Director Brenda Heintz is representative.
"I'm so sad to hear they're closing; we've had them cater events in connection with Shooting the West - the food was fabulous and Lori was fabulous to work with," said Heintz.
We've tried to do a lot for people and we've really enjoyed it," Taylor said. In addition to all the breakfasts and lunches served at the restaurant, Third Street Bistro has catered a wide variety of get-togethers including weddings, parties, funerals, rodeos, barrel racing, mine lunches and breakfasts.
"We catered MSHA trainings, in-service operations, and Christmas parties for the mines," said Taylor. "We went clear out to Hollister several times."
Third Street Bistro joined other local restaurants in donating food for Lowry High School's all night grad party for several years.
They have also handled concessions at the ball park for the last three years.
"That's been a huge privilege," said Taylor. "It's a lot of fun; the people are really fun to work with."
Taylor said how grateful her family was for the overwhelming support people have shown.
"Most people have been so understanding," she said. "We're going to miss our clientele. We really appreciate the support people have given us." There was a catch in her voice as she said, "Our last day of community service at the restaurant will be Dec. 19."[[In-content Ad]]
