For residents of Mossyrock, Washington, and anyone passing through, the Pioneer Bar And Grill stands as a landmark. Owned and operated by Georgia Weigant, this establishment isn’t just a business; it’s a piece of local history. Having been in her family since 1973, and under Weigant’s ownership since the 1990s, the Pioneer Bar and Grill has been a constant in a changing world. For Weigant, who started working there when it opened, it’s more than just a job – “It’s the only job I’ve ever had,” she states, reflecting a lifetime dedicated to this small-town institution.
However, like many small businesses, the Pioneer Bar and Grill has faced unprecedented challenges in recent times, particularly with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent restrictions. Weigant, with her five decades of experience at the bar and grill, admits she’s never encountered anything like this. “Never really thought about it before, not when they’re telling you where you can go, what you can do and who you can see,” she reflects on the initial shock and adjustments required due to the health crisis. Despite the difficulties, she acknowledges the silver lining of being in a close-knit community like Mossyrock, noting, “Thank God we’re in a little town where you’re not seeing it like you do in the city.”
Adapting to Change: Affordable Food in Challenging Times
The pandemic’s impact has been far-reaching, affecting everything from operating hours to menu prices. The days of $3 breakfasts, which Pioneer Bar and Grill was once known for, are gone, a casualty of rising food costs. Weigant explains the stark reality of increased expenses, “The hamburger patties for some of the burgers she makes now cost $2 just for the patty.” This surge in ingredient prices has necessitated price adjustments across the menu.
Despite these economic pressures, Pioneer Bar and Grill remains committed to offering affordable, quality meals. It’s a delicate balancing act, as Weigant explains, “I absorb the food costs all the time, just like with the beer, I absorb it a lot. You just can’t nickel and dime everybody.” Her philosophy is customer-centric, focusing on fair pricing and value. “I look at things and say, ‘Hey, do I mind paying that?’ I just try to keep my prices down,” she adds.
This commitment to value is evident in their popular menu items. The Pioneer Bar and Grill is renowned for its classic American fare, particularly its burgers, sandwiches, and homemade soups. Daily specials further enhance the affordability, with options like a deluxe burger and fries for just $5.50, and a mushroom swiss burger for $7. Seafood lovers can enjoy fish, fries, and chowder for $11.95, while a Philly cheesesteak comes in at a reasonable $7. These prices underscore Weigant’s dedication to providing accessible dining options for the community.
More Than Just a Meal: Tackle and Community Hub
Expanding beyond its role as a dining establishment, Pioneer Bar and Grill also caters to the outdoor enthusiasts and fishing community. Three years ago, Weigant opened the Run-a-Muck Mercantile, located conveniently across the street. This venture provides a valuable service, especially for the anglers drawn to the region’s renowned fishing opportunities, particularly at Riffe Lake.
Riffe Lake’s reopening to fishing in May, after pandemic-related closures, brought a welcome boost to both businesses. “With fishing opened up I was able to start selling some tackle,” Weigant notes, highlighting the synergy between the bar and grill and the mercantile. The store offers “some of the cheapest fishing tackle around,” making it a go-to destination for both locals and visitors heading to Riffe Lake, which was recently stocked with over 400,000 triploid rainbow trout.
However, the pandemic’s impact has created financial juggling acts. As Weigant describes, “Before I was robbing Peter to pay Paul, now I’m robbing Paul to pay Peter. Just trying to keep them both going.” This statement encapsulates the struggle many small business owners face in maintaining multiple ventures during economic downturns.
The Road to Recovery and Community Resilience
Despite the state entering phase two of reopening, which allowed for limited dine-in service, customer traffic hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels. “Locals haven’t been filling up the seats inside the bar and grill like Weigant had hoped,” the original article noted. Those customers who do come in often opt for takeout or outdoor seating, indicating a continued cautiousness among the public.
Staffing has also emerged as a significant challenge. Weigant points out the difficulty in hiring, stating that potential employees are “making more money on unemployment.” This situation adds to the workload on Weigant and her existing staff, requiring them to adapt and manage with fewer hands.
In the face of these multifaceted challenges, Weigant’s resilience and determination shine through. “So we’re just kind of going with the flow,” she says, adopting a pragmatic approach. “Just trying to make it all work.” Her daily routine is demanding, spending “a couple hours a day at the bar and grill and about 10 hours a day at the store,” showcasing her tireless work ethic.
Weigant’s commitment to Mossyrock extends beyond her businesses. Her ownership of local rentals provides a crucial safety net, helping to keep her businesses afloat during tough times. This income, she emphasizes, is reinvested back into her ventures, not personal luxuries. “I’m not driving a new car or anything, I’m just trying to make it all work,” she explains.
Ultimately, Georgia Weigant’s message is one of unwavering commitment to her community and her businesses. “I’m going to keep my business open,” she declares resolutely. “I’m not a quitter.” For the Pioneer Bar and Grill and Run-a-Muck Mercantile, their doors remain open, symbols of resilience and cornerstones of the Mossyrock community, inviting patrons to support a local institution that has weathered storms for decades and continues to serve with dedication and heart.
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