Several new local businesses show early signs of success
Phil Johnson
Reporter
Several area businesses have recently opened or made a change in management. Here’s a look at what’s new.
Panda Chinese
Restaurant
31312 Highway 2
Open 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Phone: 293-8181
Mark Shao, 34, was 17 years old when he left Fujian, China for New York City and found work as a cook in Brooklyn. Seven years later, he moved to Louisiana, where he continued cooking at a Chinese restaurant. Three months ago, he made his way to Libby to start his own buffet, which opened Sept. 3.
“Business has been busy,” Shao said. He estimates that he feeds somewhere between 100-150 customers every day.
Shao works with his wife, Sharon, and two other full-time employees. Things are going well now, but if business continues to grow he could see hiring another worker.
Bigfoot Bakery
315 E. Missoula Ave. Troy Mini Mall
Open 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday
Phone: 295-5599
Five years of dreaming took place before Brandy Benson opened her first bakery. A lifelong baker, her family hasn’t eaten a loaf of store-bought bread in 15 years. Finally, on July 4, Benson opened Bigfoot Bakery.
“Business has been good,” Benson said behind a Halloween-themed display case. “I’m making nine dozen burger buns a week for the Silver Spur. Anywhere from a half dozen to a dozen pies every week. I’m taking orders for Thanksgiving pies.”
Benson moved to Troy from the Casper, Wyo. area three years ago. She works long hours and has one other full-time employee. Her husband, Mitch, helps out when he is not working at the Troy Mine.
A full menu is in the works, but it would be hard to list everything. She bakes about 20 different kinds of cinnamon rolls.
Studio Three 10 Salon
310 E. 9th St.
Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday
Phone: 293-3836
Behind rainbow rows of nail polish, Stephine LaCoss-Scott helps a client determine which hue best fulfills her needs. Does this gold look brighter outside the bottle? Would stickers look good?
Since opening in July, LaCoss-Scott and Holly Volkenand have developed a strong list of regular customers. Volkenand offers hair, waxing and pedicure services. LaCoss-Scott does pedicures and nails.
The ladies from Libby wanted a place of their own after working together at another salon.
“We wanted something centrally located and quiet,” LaCoss-Scott said. “It’s relaxing and easy to find.”
LaCoss-Scott earned her manicurist license from Sandpoint Beauty School after 650 hours of training.
“Everyone in town has been super duper supportive,” LaCoss-Scott said. “I am almost full with regular clients. I encourage people to call for an appointment.”
Lake Creek Inn
914 E. Missoula Ave.
Check-in: 4 p.m. Check-out: 11 a.m.
Phone: 295-5775
Three months ago, Daniel and Robyn Brown made their first trip to Montana. For a year, they have agreed to manage the Lake Creek Inn while the owners are away working at a ministry in Israel. The married couple enjoys their new town, which they compare to their one-stoplight hometown of La Pine, Oregon.
“The people are so friendly here,” Robyn Brown said. “They are a lot of fun to talk with.”
Daniel Brown has been busy painting and improving the inn’s plumbing.
Five of the 14 rooms were recently remodeled. Another five are currently undergoing remodeling.
Robyn has made a career in the hospitality field, working at several locations throughout central Oregon.
The pair is the inn’s only employees. During cleaning, the couple wears customized shirts. Daniel’s says “Man Maid” and Robyn’s reads “Maid in Montana.”
Malissa’s Java Beans and Tasty Things
1449 Minnesota Ave.
Open 6 a.m.- 7 p.m. everyday
Phone: 291-1140
Opening a business is often a lesson in Murphy’s Law, but if things go as planned, Malissa Boswell hopes to open her first venture in a few weeks.
“I’m getting excited,” Boswell said. “I’ve thought about this for a couple years now.”
The bakery will sell donuts, Danishes, ice cream, coffee and light breakfasts and lunches.
Born and raised in Libby, Boswell remembers eating the donuts her stepfather, Jack Richmond, used to bake when he ran Richmond’s Bakery. Libby residents will be happy to know Richmond will be back in baking action at Tasty Things.
Boswell plans to count seven full-time employees.