|
 E-mail Story Print Friendly
Biz GM Sued Over Impala Fix |
Monday, February 23, 2009
New owners take over Stray Dog
By Andy Stiny
For the Journal
TAOS SKI VALLEY — The Harter family has dispensed the last of its signature New Mexican food, chile rellenos and margaritas from the base of Taos Ski Valley after 20 years.
Tim's Stray Dog Cantina has been sold and is under the new ownership four Santa Feans with restaurant experience, including two with backgrounds at Santa Fe's Coyote Café. They plan to keep the good food coming.
One thing that sealed the deal was the ski area allowing snowboarding for a first full season this year after a trial period in 2008, said new co-owner Marcus Aragon, who said he is "super excited" about the new venture.
"It's already been a great start to the year," he said "... We probably wouldn't have been able to go ahead if the snowboarding had not gone through, and the snow has been incredible. It's gonna be a lot of fun." Aragon, 28, is a snowboarder.
The purchase price for the Stray Dog — the new shorter name — was close to the listed price of $500,000, said Aragon, and it included the business and liquor license.
Todd and Summer Harter have owned and run the restaurant for about 10 years, since about the time Todd's brother and the restaurant's namesake and co-founder died in an avalanche while backcountry skiing beyond Taos Ski Valley boundaries in 1996.
"(Selling the restaurant) is something we have been trying to do ... it's been in the family for 20 years, so it will be sad," said Todd Harter. "It's mixed feelings for sure."
Selling the eatery has been in the works for a couple of years, and it was all part of a plan he and his wife had to move to Austin, where Summer has family.
Harter, 45, said he plans to work in the construction industry.
The Stray Dog, which employs 20 to 25 people during the winter and a few less in the summer, is known for its original ingredients and its red and green chile dishes.
"We do a little bit of everything, but that's our signature," Harter said.
Except for closing for part of spring after ski season, the restaurant is open year-round.
The new owners plan few immediate changes, but they intend to bring back breakfast, which was dropped a few years ago.
"We'll see what kind of changes (are needed) after reopening after spring," Aragon said. "Right now, we're just looking forward to having a lot of fun."
Aragon identified his Santa Fe partners as Tori Mendes, a part owner of the Coyote Café; Rachele Griego; and Rick Trujillo.
You also can send comments via our comment form
|
|
