New businesses moved into Montezuma County in 2016 or announced plans to move there in 2017.
While construction on a new Osprey Packs headquarters in Cortez is still underway, several smaller businesses have opened up shop, including a wool and leather shop in Dolores and an art gallery in Mancos. Other businesses have changed locations, like Main Street Emporium, or expanded their inventory. Here are some of The Journal’s top stories on new business this year.
This summer, the Cortez City Council approved a rezoning of three properties on Market Street to allow the city’s third microbrewery to open up shop there. WildEdge Brewing Collective began remodeling the space in August to make way for a brewery and taproom. It is set to open in 2017.
Breezy Obletz moved her gift and clothing shop, formerly known as The Corner Store, to Main Street in November. The shop, which got its original name from its former location on the corner of Elm and Main Streets, sells a variety of gifts, clothes, jewelry, home decor and other items, and the new location also includes a salon and spa.
Keith Kessler and Anna Marie Osuna opened Red Tail Creations on Dec. 1 in the nearly 100-year-old JJ Harris Bank building on Central Ave. The couple ran a shop in Dolores previously, before they left town to travel four years ago, Their new location sells hand-crafted wool clothing, made by Osuna, and custom wood and leather products by Kessler.
Another new business in Dolores is The Yoga House, run by certified yoga instructor Alana Connelly. Her newly remodeled studio, also located on Central Avenue, teaches traditional and aerial yoga for people of all skill and fitness levels.
The quilting company, located on Main Street, celebrated its five-year anniversary in April by opening a yarn shop. It’s the latest in a series of expansions by the business, which started out as a quilting shop and went on to add sewing machines and fibers to its inventory.
FAD Gallery held its opening ceremony in Mancos on April 30. The gallery’s name stands for “Furniture, Art and Design,” and it specializes in three-dimensional art like pottery, jewelry and, yes, furniture. Owner Collette Webster has already hosted several openings for visiting artists, along with other events, throughout the year.
The last in a long line of new Dolores businesses comes from Mancos. Chavolito’s, an authentic Mexican restaurant that had already gained a following in Mancos, opened a new location in Dolores in June. In addition to its traditional Mexican fare, the restaurant also has authentic decor, with some of its furniture imported from Guadalajara.
Brittny Weir opened a new aromatherapy store on Main Street in April. Eclectic Aromas LLC sells essential oils and their accessories, and offers detoxification foot baths and free consultations.
