More new, expanding businesses are coming to life in the La Pine-Sunriver area
(Update: Adding video, comments by agency director, business owners)
La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The La Pine and Sunriver areas are seeing more growth through the emergence of new businesses in the area, while others expand and move to new locations.
Jillian Fortner paid a visit a few days ago to speak with Sunriver-La Pine Economic Development (SLED) Executive Director Patricia Lucas and some of the new and expnding businesses in the region.
Some businesses are expanding, like the Legend Cider Company in La Pine, which is in the process of moving into a larger building.
Back in September, Legend Cider announced on Facebook that they are moving to a new location. The brewery is temporarily closed, but they are working on a new space on Bluewood Place.
"We fought to stay in La Pine," co-owner Adrianne Baumann said. "La Pine was so good to us through COVID. And honestly, you're not going to find a small town with people with bigger hearts than La Pine. There are friends, and family -- and a big part of our business."
"We've had to keep a lot of our customers in the dark, because we just simply didn't have any answers on where our next location would be for sure," Baumann added. "So we're so thrilled that we've landed here on Bluewood Place in La Pine."
The plan is to open the new Legend Cider location during the winter. La Pine residents also can look forward to new food options.
Lucas said, "A Thai restaurant is going to be opening, I'm told, in November. So we're excited about that, too. And then, when Legend Cider reopens at their new facility, they will also have food trucks, but I am not sure yet what those will be."
At the Sunriver Village, residents and visitors can check out a new lifestyle boutique, Happen. The shop has a variety of gifts, including clothing, home and kitchen decor and baby toys.
Owner Sierra Gealon said, "My mom and I started this store together at the end of July. We had always wanted to open a store together, and we saw this small space come available for rent, and we decided we'll go for it.
Village visitors also can check out the new Pet Botique and Spa, which is located next-door to Happen.
The owner says they opened this month, offering dog-grooming services, plus pet snacks and toys.
Denise Bryant, the previous owner of The Wooden Jewel, is offering certified appraisals for jewelry in Sunriver. Her new business, Db Appraisals, assesses the value of various items of jewelry, whether it's for insurance, inheritance or consignment purposes.
Lucas said she publishes a "Guide to Starting a Business," one for both La Pine and Sunriver. "So if someone wants to open a business, it shows them a step-by-step guide of who they need to talk to about what component fo the project."
