The Creamery Restaurant and Inn An Extraordinary Acquisition Opportunity Vista Verde LLC PO Box 102 Downsville, WI 54735
Overview An exceptional investment opportunity has recently become available in west-central Wisconsin. Vista Verde LLC, a small consortium of experienced restoration developers, has acquired the historic Creamery Restaurant and Inn. As a result, this outstanding heritage property is available for a new prospective owner/operator. Renowned for years as a premier lodge and restaurant, The Creamery property affords a wide variety of development possibilities for those with foresight and a keen appreciation of the value this destination facility holds. The Property Located in the rural village of Downsville, Wisconsin, this idyllic property overlooks the scenic Red Cedar River Valley in the westcentral part of the state, just 10 miles south of I-94 on highway 25. The historic 1904 Downsville Cooperative Creamery building was completely rebuilt in 1984-85. The understated architectural renovation was instantly acclaimed throughout the Midwest, and remains a standard for country inns and rich hospitality. In transforming the building, the architect used an abundance of rich cherry and teak woodwork and large windows that seamlessly blend the rural vistas with the warm interiors. The result is a comfortable space, which makes nearly all who enter feel at ease. This has defined The Creamery brand since its Paul Thomas inception and continues to The Creamery s Architect this day. The main building of The Creamery complex has operated as a restaurant and inn with seating for 65 in the main dining room, along with space for an additional 30 in the lounge. During the summer months, seating for 40 is available in a screened patio area linked directly to the lounge and dining room. The lounge has a full service bar area and features a distinctive floor to ceiling brick fireplace. Incorporated into the same building is a unique 1,500 square foot-space that formerly housed a gift shop and pottery. This space, as well as the restaurant and lounge, can be accessed through the beautiful vaulted entry, but also has its own storefront entrance. A well-designed kitchen, bakeshop, service area and wine cellar all provide the facilities necessary for efficient operation. Upstairs, four elegant and spacious inn rooms overlook the wooded river valley and distant hills. Once again, rich solid cherry woodwork and large windows are found throughout. Private baths with handmade clay tiles and whirlpool tubs are found in each room, helping to provide guests with a relaxing experience in a wooded atmosphere. The adjacent Woodland Terrace building houses eight deluxe guest rooms and two community great rooms. The original landscaping is well established and gives the property a feeling of having been a part of this rural community for many years. Extensive flower gardens bring joy not only to guests, but also to appreciative village residents as they drive by.
A Brief History Opening in September 1985, The Creamery was an immediate success. Attracting a base of customers and guests from throughout the Midwest, it established itself as an epicurean and cultural center for those wishing a tranquil rural environment. With an excellent staff and superb product, the business steadily grew. By 1997, the four inn rooms were operating near capacity, and in 1998 an eight-room annex, The Woodland Terrace, was opened. While The Creamery maintained a quality product for guests, the changes in management over the years have prevented the business from realizing its great potential. Unfortunately, The Creamery ceased trading in November 2010. Vista Verde LLC purchased The Creamery in April 2011. The company is excited by the prospect of seeing this truly one-of-akind establishment achieve its fullest potential. Character From the start, The Creamery, established a brand, revered for its casual elegance, high quality and exceptional value. Guests have been depending on The Creamery for food, lodging, and an overall relaxing, rejuvenating social experience for nearly three decades. Ahead of its time in many ways, reviewers and guests alike recognized a kind of intangible ambiance that distinguished The Creamery as the sort of place you looked forward to visiting. Time and again, they returned to experience an environment that they could not easily describe, but which they valued highly. Such customer loyalty to the business exists to this day. The Creamery has been, and largely remains, the benchmark heritage hospitality property in the region. It is a brand people recognize and are eager to see restored to its former success.
Potential Markets No matter what use the investor envisions, there is a huge market close at hand. Ideally situated in a scenic rural environment, The Creamery is off the beaten track, yet accessible to millions of people within a relatively short drive. The available markets have already proven themselves numerous and varied. The Creamery is located just six miles south of Menomonie, Wisconsin, a city of 15,000 people. It is situated on the 14-mile Red Cedar State Park Trail, a recreational destination known throughout the Midwest. Eau Claire lies 25 miles to the east with a growing population of 66,000 and a strong business economy. Both cities are home to large university populations. In the wider area, the Twin Cities metropolitan area boasts a population of over three million and is just over an hour away. Rochester, Minnesota and its ever-growing Mayo medical center is a 90- minute drive. Madison, the state's cultural and legislative capitol, is just three hours away. The Twin Ports of Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin are situated two hours to the north. To help meet workforce needs, talented potential employees can be drawn from both the local population and from the University of Wisconsin-Stout s well-regarded School of Hospitality and Tourism. Investment Opportunities At present, the historic Creamery building is essentially a turnkey restaurant and inn that offers a spectacular opportunity for a rapid entry into the market. Alternatively, because of the superb quality of the existing structure, other possible uses and configurations of The Creamery are numerous and varied: deli, bakery, chocolate kitchen, candy factory, music club, gift shop, office center, special events center, wedding center, retreat center, brew pub, art gallery and any combination of these or others. Vista Verde LLC offers The Creamery for sale and welcomes all reasonable proposals and offers or inquiries from parties with serious interest in pursuing ownership. Vista Verde LLC is open to a number of possible purchase options for part or all of the property and is willing to work with prospective investors to achieve the best possible outcome for them. To arrange your viewing and an initial discussion about this unique opportunity please contact us on 715 664-8354 or by email at vistaverdepartners@gmail.com. You can also write to us at: Vista Verde LLC, PO Box 102, Downsville, WI, 54735 The Thomas Family Legacy John and David Thomas were two of the founding members The Creamery 25 years ago and are part of Vista Verde redevelopment. Here they are with their partners Kathy and Dawn who are also involved in the project.