The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

Inspired by the desire to return to small town life and to work for themselves, not for someone else, Laura and Bryce Weinheimer decided to take the leap of business ownership. However, when the Mint Bar in Chinook came up for sale, that leap transpired in slow motion. Given all of the legal aspects regarding licensing transfers and closings and navigating the barriers with various forms required by the state, the process towards owning their own business took nearly ten months. The pair joked that their April 1 open date will be a fun opportunity for celebration down the road.

Both grew up in small towns. Laura graduated from Simms High School in 2002, and Bryce graduated from Chinook High School in 2008. Since that time, their lives have been about collecting experiences. On that journey, Bryce has explored various paths, including teaching, business management, and maintenance. While living in Great Falls, he most recently served as Maintenance Assistant for The Ivy, an assisted living, nursing home, and retirement facility where he worked for nearly two years.

All of this experience will contribute to his efforts in maintaining the Lohman Building property that includes the Mint Bar and several rentals. When his needs exceed his proficiency base and he requires a mentor, Bryce plans to consult with his sister Ashley Weinheimer and his brother-in-law Anthony WindyBoy, who are co-owners of Boxcars Restaurant and Lounge in Havre.

"It will be good to have a support system in Ashley and Anthony. Whenever we encounter a challenge, it is likely they will have a story or a strategy to share with us about finding a resolution," Bryce commented.

Laura has worked various jobs, as well, including as a wireless sales consultant, as a service industry manager of a bar and casino, and as a Director of Social Services and Assistant Administrator at Genesis HealthCare. In April 2020, she accepted a position as a rehabilitation social worker with Benefis Health System in Great Falls. She is currently completing an internship in order to earn a master's degree in social work. In September, she will officially be a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Until then, the road between Great Falls and Chinook will grow familiar.

Eight years ago, these two lives intersected, and in June 2018, the couple married. The Weinheimers have two children: Harlo (3) and Raija (2).

"We want to raise our family in a small town, and we want to help revitalize the community," Laura stated. "Managing time will be tricky, but the end is near, and I know I get to look forward to the new beginnings once school is over in September. The ten weeks during which I will be working three 12-hour shifts in the ER for my internship, while also completing school homework, working at my job, and making time for my family and me will be especially interesting."

Among those new beginnings will be the opportunity to build their own legacy. Although the Weinheimers agree that filling the shoes left by Jill and Don Leo, who retired at the end of March after having owned the Mint for 24 years, will be a challenge, they expressed excitement about this opportunity and hope to expand on the legacy the Leos built.

"Although we hope to keep the same patrons in place, we plan to eventually renovate the 1910 dance hall area upstairs to create a venue for graduations, weddings, and other social events-kind of a community gathering place. While that's down the road, in the future, that's our vision and intention," Laura reported.

A lover of old buildings, Laura admitted that it was that space which sold her on the venture. "But first, we need to figure out the transition into our new lives," she said. "It'll be about priorities, time, and funds."

When asked what about owning a business has most surprised them, the Weinheimers agreed that the customers and employees "have been amazing." Once they got past the logistics of licensing and other state requirements and after all of the accounts were aligned, they have found their bartenders and the people of Chinook to be "more than pleasant."

Even though business ownership involves risk and the couple admitted to being initially terrified, they described their current state as one resembling a wild fantasy. "Owning my own business has always been a dream, but I didn't think it would actually happen. Where we landed together is pretty extraordinary. Sure, there's risk, but if you believe in what you do, then you're bound to reach what you aspire to be," Laura concluded.

In sharing advice for others seeking business ownership, Bryce added, "Having a plan and thinking things through is certainly important, but in the end, you have to take that leap. You can't tip toe into it; you have to just do it."

When they aren't renovating, maintaining, and otherwise conducting day-to-day business, the couple will look for someone interested in making use of the space next door, which at one time was occupied by the Stockman Bar.

"That might make a nice location for a restaurant or a supper club," Bryce suggested.

In addition to their work with the Lohman Building, the couple bought a house in Chinook, one they describe as a "fixer-upper." They speculate that between their two children and all of their other obligations, there won't be much spare time for pursing leisure. But, they seemed content by those prospects, trusting that "it'll all work out."