Business flourishes downtown

The scent of coffee hangs heavy in the air as barista Lauren Lee fills an order for an iced latte at Coal Train Coffee Wednesday morning. Light coming in from a window facing Castle Rock illuminates the inside of the coffee shop, showcasing the stainless steel appliances. Everything looks new.

Located in the Tomahawk Hotel, in the corner space facing Flaming Gorge Way, the coffee shop's owner, Denise Webster thinks is the perfect spot for her business. Originally, her aim was to establish Coal Train Coffee in the Green River Depot, continuing the theme she started when she opened the Rock Springs branch of Coal Train Coffee at the Rock Springs Depot. The ongoing and slow-moving renovation work at the Green River Depot meant she would have to wait several years to do that.

It was a conversation Webster had with Councilwoman Sherry Bushman that put her in touch with Marty Carollo, one of the partners in GRoWYO, LLC, a group that purchased the Tomahawk Hotel building. After conversations with Carollo, she decided to establish her coffee shop in the Tomahawk.

So far, Webster says the community has been very welcoming, as have local business owners and employees at nearby shops and employees at the nearby Sweetwater County Courthouse.

Webster, a resident of Farson, has enjoyed learning the history of the building and hearing personal stories from customers about shopping at the stores that used to be in the building.

"It's just neat to learn about a new community," Webster said.

For someone who wanted to facilitate meetings and gatherings and originally intended to name her coffee shop Gathering Grounds, opening in Green River has already proven to be a great decision for Webster.

A number of store spaces that were vacant have recently been filled with local businesses establishing themselves to serve Green River's residents. Among the new businesses are Green River Bullion and Coins, which specializes in coins and precious metals and Serenity One Sanctuary, a previously existing business which had grown and moved to its current location on E. Flaming Gorge Way. Another coffee shop, Grace House, opened its location on W. Flaming Gorge Way last week as well.

Jennie Melvin, administrator for the city's Urban Renewal Agency and Main Street organization, said it's hard for Main Street and the URA to receive full credit for the number of businesses that have moved into the area, but said the programs and events they host does being foot traffic to the downtown area.

The biggest contributor she sees is the success of the Red White Buffalo, an artisan shop specializing in Wyoming-sourced goods that moved into the Tomahawk Hotel last year. Melvin said the business has achieved something that has benefitted the downtown area as it attracts customers from Rock Springs. She does say a 2019 artist showcase Main Street hosted at the Tomahawk Hotel did plant the seed for Red White Buffalo moving into the building.

The Red White Buffalo, owned by Barry and Bonnie Tippy, has become a prominent downtown business since opening.

The Red White Buffalo, owned by Barry and Bonnie Tippy, has become a prominent downtown business since opening last year.

The Green River Chamber of Commerce recently named it its 2021 Outstanding Business, citing its growth, its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the local events hosted by the business when it announced the award.

Barry said the number of people interested in selling their wares through Red White Buffalo continues to grow, with products from 84 different people and companies available at the Green River store and 75 at their second shop in Lander.

More recently, the business has grown to include the Tomahawk Tavern, a small bar within Red White Buffalo selling Wyoming-sourced spirits, wines and beer.

Tony Niemic, a partner with the Tippys in establishing the Tomahawk Tavern, said the response has been great so far.

"It's a good niche market," he said. "We've always got on order coming in."

Niemic said they plan to expand their offerings with additional products and focus on some of the higher-end products Wyoming distilleries and wineries are making.

Both Bonnie and Barry believe the success of their businesses has inspired others to follow through and open a business downtown.

"It's showing other people that you can take that chance and provide something for Green River," Barry said. "I think people would rather spend their money locally."

For Webster, the commitment Carollo has shown in helping her start her coffee shop in Green River. A significant amount of renovations were needed before the coffee shop could open.

"Hats off to Marty Carollo, he just wants businesses to succeed," she said. "We're all in this together.