Roger Hogan Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Tom Stewart Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I think it's pretty clear we rail fans don't
> care
> > about amenities when compared to
> > seeing/touching/hearing trains, especially on
> the
> > C&TS.
> >
> > But for us to get the chance to do what we want
> to
> > do, the C&TS needs to improve the amenities.
> If
> > it means that the railroad operator helps
> Stephen
> > Flowers to open a decent restaurant for the
> > evening meal that looks good, tastes good, and
> > meets the requirements of our more
> discriminating
> > spouses and the average tourist, then that's
> what
> > should happen. After all, more revenue is more
> > revenue; two meals a day for riders would
> improve
> > Stephen's bottom line, and if it's in
> partnership
> > with the operator, it also improves the
> railroad's
> > bottom line revenue.
> >
> > We've happily stayed in campgrounds, cabins,
> Vista
> > Del Rio, the Iron Horse, and a few other places
> in
> > Chama. The average/median/almost-every
> tourist
> > is looking for a name brand.
> >
> > This is where Chama falls short, and I still
> think
> > that only the operator can make it happen.
> Think
> > bigger, better, smarter and it'll work.
> Anything
> > else, and we rail fans will agonize every year
> > about whether the railroad will be back in the
> > spring.
>
>
> Hi Tom, you said:
>
> "If it means that the railroad operator helps
> Stephen Flowers to open a decent restaurant for
> the evening meal that looks good, tastes good, and
> meets the requirements of our more discriminating
> spouses"
>
> Stephen tried it and business was real good but he
> had to close cuz he couldn't hire help.
As said before, Chama has a six month season. Any restaurant or motel chain is not going to invest the money to open a facility that will only be patronized for half a year. Yes, there are the hunters and fishermen, but they do not amount to that many. ( the Unsers sold their property and went back to Albq.) I've been coming to Chama/Antonito since 1973. Back then amenities were akin to a third world country. Things have improved greatly since then. When they built the Branding Iron along with it's restaurant it was like someone put in a 5 star resort. They later dropped out of the Best Western Assoc. I've heard two stories, one was they did not meet the standards, or the assoc. fees were too high. Best Western regularly inspects/rates the members. There are a couple of new motels that have opened up. (The Branding Iron has been open for quite a number of years) Barb & Roger have done a great job in rehabing the Shamrock, check it out, Jerry.It's like their home, The Shamrock had atmosphere but it was a one star hotel. I say one star because I don't think there is a 1/2 star rating. The Branding Iron closes for the off season. Vera's has been closed for two years, the family has been unable to sell or lease it. Veras had much better Mexican food when she was located across the street. The Branding Iron restaurant is still vacant, (unless something developed in the last week) They have been unable to find an operator. Mina used to run it and now has her own place across from the High Country. Several good places to eat, High Country, Minas, Elkhorn and Fosters. ( Fosters has really improved over the last few years) Stephen has done a good job with the Osier meals. That has been a draw for the RR. People can expect a good meal there. This needs to be promoted more. One of the restaurant problems is-A core group of Chamasites work/run these places. As said, they can't get enough help.These folks move from one restaurant to another every few years. One motel clerk told my wife and I, last June, that the trailer by the Branding Iron was a great restaurant. It was grim. Probably where Jerry got poisoned.Turned out the clerk was related to the people that ran it.
Chama and Antonito are in the middle of nowhere as the average tourist sees it. Railfans know where they are, but railfans DO NOT PAY MOST OF THE BILLS. It takes regular tourists and their families riding the railroad in order for it to stay in the black, and to patronize the motels, shops and restaurants. Marketing could be the answer. How do you reach these tourists on their way to Durango or Mesa Verde? Someone or some firm has those answers. It's up to the RR powers that be to find them.
It also doesn't help if an individual stands outside his store waving a sign that says the "THE WORLD WILL END TOMORROW" so buy a bumper sticker.
There are also a couple of bed & breakfasts that are nice. You can also stay at the Chama Land & Cattle Co.if you have the $.
I forgot to mention the Chama Station Inn, it's another clean reasonable place to stay. There is the Motel and Casino in DUlce, also. Partnering up with the Tribe for advertising could be difficult.
Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 05/05/2010 10:47AM by HighCommander.
