Ray and Cindy Francis are looking forward to enjoying the fruits of their labor as they pass on ownership of Trixi's Antler Saloon to their son Ryan Zavarelli and his wife Tiffanie in April.
OVANDO - Trixi's Antler Saloon will venture into a new phase as co-owners Cindy and Ray Francis pass the bar and restaurant to their son Ryan Zavarelli and his wife Tiffanie April 1.
Cindy said they are excited for Ryan and Tiffanie to take over because it will allow the business to stay in the family for the third generation in a row.
The saloon has been operating in Ovando since 1960. The building was originally an old barrack from Fort Harrison that the original owner Trixi McCormick paid $1 for in the mid-20th century. McCormick, whose real name was Eithel Stokes, was a trick rider and roper who performed with the likes of Bob Hope and Gene Autry during World War II according to the Napa Valley Register.
Cindy said she met McCormick once when she was 17 after her parents purchased the bar. Cindy took it over April 1, 1997 from her father Leo Bush.
Cindy said the bar has seen a variety of guests walk through its doors including some from around the world. She said a German man stops in every few years whenever he visits Montana to fish.
"[For] people that drive Highway 200 between Great Falls and Missoula all the time, I'm amazed at how many might stop in and say, 'Oh wow, we drove past this place 1,000 times [and] we've never stopped but today we stopped,'" Cindy said. "And those people I love because they come back."
One unique incident she recalls is having a teenager launch himself into a nearby lilac bush after being encouraged by his friends to speed. To make up for the damages Ray and Cindy had him wash dishes one night.
Over the years the bar has hosted a plethora of events like dances, concerts and car shows as well as a meeting space for organizations like Bikers Against Bullies and Grizzly Riders International. The latter group stopped in the bar on their 50th anniversary in 2015 as they were heading into the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
The saloon has also had its fair share of unique guests including Nitro Circus performer Travis Pastrana as well as newly elected Montana Governor Greg Gianforte.
Media-wise, Trixi's Antler Saloon was featured in the 2013 film, "The Best Bar in America." Ray also said the "The Real Housewives of New York City" cast stopped in while they were visiting Montana, however, the segment never aired because there was too much noise.
From her years owning the saloon, Cindy learned the importance of people skills.
"You need to have a heart of service to maintain it for 24 years like we have," she said. "I've learned a lot of things [like] how to serve 75 people a sit-down prime rib dinner. ... It's hard work. It's seven days a week."
She has also learned that when it comes to running a business, all customers matter.
"Every single person that comes through Trixi's doors has a story, filled with all things human: struggle, love, laughter, heartache and best of all hope," she wrote in an email.
Cindy and Ray currently do not have any major vacation plans in place but they are looking forward to taking more spontaneous trips. In the meantime, they will assist Ryan and Tiffanie with the transition.
"We're gonna live right here in Ovando and enjoy the fruits of the country," Ray said.
The family is hosting a public retirement and welcome celebration April 18 starting at 12:30 p.m. at Trixi's, 75 Saloon Loop on Highway 200. More details are posted on the Facebook event "Trixi's Francis Retirement Zavarelli Welcome Party."
Currently the kitchen is open from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. but will stay open later in the summer. The bar is open until 9 p.m. They are also closed on Mondays until May.
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