The Outpost, with its new old-west facade and an interior which pays homage to the heritage of the area, is unique in the region. Besides serving great home-cooked meals the business is designed to serve as a much needed community center where visitors can linger to read a book, play cards or just sit by the corner fireplace during colder months and look out the large picture window to enjoy a sunset. This main dining area seats thirty five. Along the north wall is a small grocery and gift area.

The Rosewood Room is part of The Outpost. It is a charming, formal, private dining and meeting room in the rear of the facility with seating for twelve guests.

Ideally, Bill Hosko envisions The Outpost becoming a member owned co-operative. An attractive, affordable opportunity to help four to five individuals become self-employed.

1. Initial sales and feedback from customers over the first sixty days was very favorable and supportive.
2. To serve customers optimally The Outpost was open seven days a week; Monday thru Saturday 7am to 7pm and Sundays 7am to 3pm.
3. The 1500 square foot property is energy efficient. It features electric heat, central air, updated or new electrical and all new plumbing.
4. The monthly operating costs are very affordable.
5. A permanent full-time Outpost Co-operative membership is $8,000. A permanent part time membership is $4,000. Minimally, two fulltime or two part-time Co-op members will needed for the Cafe to reopen.
6. Co-op members will receive 100% of the net income each month for the first six months and 85% each month there after.
7. Co-op members will have no monthly mortgage payments. The property is debt free.
8. Once the Co-op is fully staffed a board will be selected and the rights to the property will transfer from Bill Hosko to The Outpost Co-operative.
9. A Performa balance sheet and income statement will be provided to prescreened interested parties.
10. A digital video of the facility and the community is available to those individuals as well.

Successful members of this co-operative:

1. Enjoy cooking and serving food, or have a strong desire to learn about food preparation and food service.
2. Have good work ethics and organizational skills, and an understanding of self-employment responsibilities.
3. Enjoy working with others as part of a team and working with the public.
4. Possess good communication skills and community mindedness.
5. Will live in relative close proximity to Opheim. Attractive and affordable housing for rent or sale is available in town and surrounding area.

Two lots adjoin the property to the north, this will allow for a future expansion of the facility if the Outpost Co-op members desire. The possibilities are to create a larger grocery area, a barber–stylist shop, a north Valley County Museum or perhaps a separate café area with pool table, etc.

The Visitor Center, which is next to the Outpost, will be gifted to the Co-op. Inside its charming interior wall mounted maps are marked with pins representing the homes of visitors. All corners of this continent and points around the world are represented.

There is also a guest book with hundreds of signatures, souvenir maps and many tourism brochures as well. Additional plans for the lot include: a homesteader’s house, a one room school-playhouse for children, swings, picnic tables and a windmill. All will be gifted to the Co-op.
This advertisement is in place only after Bill ensured the local Montana population had the first opportunity to see and inquire about this business opportunity. While several individuals did express interest, they were more comfortable in working as employees. Bill declined these offers, being he specifically did not wish to create this business so that he could become an employer. His is gallery and art business take up much of his time and his goal was to help the community by creating a unique and financially sound cafe, and to create affordable self-employment opportunities. For no other reason than he enjoys helping others.

The Outpost Co-operative in summary is a sound business because:

1. Feedback from hundreds of local and long distance customers over those first 60 days was highly supportive. The Outpost’s reputation was steadily growing.
2. This property inside and out has been extensively renovated and updated.
3. The costs of running the establishment are very affordable.
4. The Co-op investment is affordable. There will be no monthly mortgage payment.
5. The Outpost has great curb appeal in the region. It will become a destination attraction.

On September 2nd Bill returned to his Saint Paul business. The Outpost will reopen after no less than two Co-op business partners are located. While ideally Bill would like to see The Outpost remain a locally owned co-operative, or a co-operative owned by new homesteaders to the area, the property is available for direct sale.

If you are looking for a new adventure, a great change of scenery and the chance to become your own boss in a secure, welcoming and unique community, contact Bill Hosko at 651-222-4767.