by PAUL RAYNER

It may be a long search, but those looking to get someone to run the Silver Saddle Grill in Minto are still hopeful the right match can be made.

The eatery has been shut down since the end of August, when Darcia Wright’s resignation took effect. The restaurant board had been looking for a replacement even prior to the big date, and over the last few months that search has continued. On different occasions, they felt they were as close as possible to getting someone, but were disappointed at the last minute.

“It is a tough situation at this point,” stated board president Bill Campbell. “We have had lots of inquiries and conversations, but when it would get down to signing on the bottom line, people would get cold feet, there would be changes. I’m not sure the reason.”

Campbell said they have been advertising in the media and through the Internet, and at one point found someone who was actually looking for a restaurant, but it did not materialize.

“It is frustrating, but we’re going ahead as always.”

One of their goals was to have someone in place by the all-important Christmas season, but of course this did not occur. Campbell said the board went to the shareholders to discuss the situation and received their endorsement to continue going in their direction. He said they explained their process for looking and through involving the shareholders were able to get a couple of inquiries into the Silver Saddle.

“We got the shareholders endorsement,” Campbell stated, “they said we were on the right track. They are fully aware of our steps and attempts. We’re not just looking for someone to cook grilled cheese or Kraft Dinner. We’re trying to find the right fit.”

In fact, at present, they are still working with an individual interested, but there has not been any official commitment. As this situation is not new, those involved know things can change, but at this point, the person is still a possibility.

Financially, they are getting by, but Campbell recognizes they cannot go forever without the Silver Saddle operating. Right now, they are in the early planning stages of possibility hosting another fund-raising dinner theatre.

He knows the restaurant has been missed in Minto, and they would like to get it up and running again as soon as possible.

“The community needs it,” Campbell explained, “but you can’t force someone to do it. It is a viable business, a heck of an opportunity. You don’t have to build a building and we have some equipment. All you would do here is come and buy some inventory.”

“We did miss Christmas, and January is slower, but sometimes that is a good time to come in. Summer is coming and it would be nice to get someone in there.”