Juniper Bar + Market + Bistro

Juniper Bar + Market + Bistro began as Juniper Events, Cody’s only full-time professional wedding and event planning service, operated by Michele Prevost.  She started from her home, later renting a small house a block off of Sheridan Avenue downtown.  As Michele’s clients kept asking for hard-to-find wines and spirits, she opened a retail store in the bohemian (i.e. “low-rent”) 2AB corridor. The 2007 move took advantage of an available county liquor license.

Juniper focused on fine wines, premium spirits and craft beers.  Though the business had a loyal clientele, it was a bit “out of the way”.

Michele became acquainted with the SBDC in 2006 when she attended business roundtables and took a couple of local classes.  The Market Research Center assisted with some industry trend reports as well as other marketing ideas.  In early 2013, she began planning a move back downtown, possibly adding other services.

Michele contacted Bruce Morse to learn more about specific funding options.  By summer 2014, Juniper moved back to downtown Cody and has expanded into a full bar and small-plate restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating.  This new location allows for an expanded retail inventory and the opportunity for walk-in and tourist traffic.

“Bruce helped me learn about the many options for financing our building purchase which empowered me to competitively shop for a small-business loan from a local lender with a low, 10-year fixed rate.”  Prevost said.  “This is great for long-term planning, and in stabilizing my largest monthly fixed cost.”

As a result of the move and expansion, the business now employs 4 full-time people and another 4-5 part-time folks.