Rodney Torrence
Heber Springs, AR (USA)
Role(s):
Founder/Owner/Principal
H.O.P.E. LLC.
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Startup
Location:
Heber Springs
Industry:
Hospitality
Year Founded:
2009
Number Employees:
1-10 people
Description:
The long term goal of Our Slice of Heaven Restaurant and Inn, “Heaven”, is to become a home for weary travelers to rest and relax in an atmosphere of peace, joy, and harmony. The historic nature of the building and its unique location in one of the most beautiful places on Earth are keys to its success. We intend on “Heaven” being the choice of people from all over to come and get married in the garden in our backyard with the view of the picturesque mountain in the background. We also intend on catering to motorcycle enthusiasts as Heber Springs has incredible motorcycle rides leading from the town in all four directions with the most breathtaking scenery for riding imaginable. We intend on breathing new life into the inn and also into the town, with the people that will come and stay with us and hold concerts and revivals in Spring Park directly across the street from “Heaven”, thus causing Heber Springs to become a great beacon of light in a darkened world. This will in turn bring more revenue to our town as more travelers hear about “Heaven”. The business is currently fully operational running as a fine dining restaurant and inn with a complete staff to see to the needs of the customers and travelers, and has been since its reopening in July 2009 as the Anderson House Inn. After we take possession of the inn and a brief period of time to do some minor renovations to expand the kitchen and create a living quarters for our family as well as adding landscaping improvements, we will be ready to increase the income of “Heaven” by utilizing our advanced knowledge of the internet and technology to advertise and reach people.
Our Slice of Heaven Restaurant and Inn will be wholly owned by the non-profit organization H.O.P.E. LLC. Our family will reside full-time in “Heaven” and with the help of the staff operate the restaurant and bed & breakfast.
Our Slice of Heaven Restaurant and Inn (currently Anderson House Inn) has a storied history that dates back to the early 1880’s. Max Frauenthal, one of the founding fathers of the community that grew up to be Heber Springs and one of the primary reasons that Heber Springs turned into such a popular vacation destination originally used part of today’s Our Slice of Heaven Restaurant and Inn as his home. The building has gone through several renovations through the years. The room that currently houses the dining room was used as a theatre for live performances after its construction in 1915. In 1957 the travel lodge portion of the building was added which will be converted into 2 suites and private living quarters for our family.
“Heaven” will have 7 inviting guest rooms that feature period antiques, quilts, queen size beds and private baths. We will also renovate four of the existing rooms into 2 suites that will be suited for either honeymoon or business complete with whirlpool bathtubs for two and king size beds as well as all the amenities for happy couples or business travelers. “Heaven” is a wonderful place to spend a relaxing weekend enjoying the mountains, Greers Ferry Lake, or fishing on the Little Red River. “Heaven” has the character and feel of a turn of the century inn coupled with the amenities that you expect in a modern hotel.
In the winter, our guests relax by our beautiful stone fireplace in “Heaven’s” great room. In the summer, our guests can relax on our front porch which overlooks Spring Park. Spring Park is an ideal place for walking, jogging, picnics or just enjoying the weather. The nearby lake and river offer an abundance of activities for those who choose to fill their days with outdoor adventure. Spring Park will also become a place for concerts and revivals which will bring more revenue to Heber Springs.
We will be removing the liquor license and the bar and converting that space into a laundry room. Our restaurant will maintain its quality while also accommodating locals to good home cooking as well as a fine dining experience. Our restaurant will be open to the public serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as pastries, cookies, and cakes. Our business will eventually expand to include catering for local businesses and functions.
As “Heaven” continues to grow and flourish we will hold weddings in our garden gazebo during the Spring and Summer months and hold them in our great room during the Fall and Winter months. We will also convert the current utility/laundry room to a Game Hall with a billiards table and dart board with sodas and refreshments available for guests as well as locals.
Our parlor is a perfect location for meetings (bible studies, bridge clubs, book clubs, and various groups and organizations). Our great room and dining rooms are perfect for formal and informal gatherings (i.e. wedding receptions, office parties, Christmas parties, etc.)
The mission of Our Slice of Heaven Restaurant & Inn is to help guests find most what they are looking for when it comes to relaxation and rejuvenation in an atmosphere of joy, peace, and harmony.