Two new businesses in town, muddy lizards? (1/23)
Thor’s Pet Palace (Pet Store): supplies; and reptiles, in Shoppette
A new pet store is opening in the Shoppette, between Bud Depot and Dairy Bar Bakery. Co-Owner Laura Maggio was there with the construction workers back in mid-December, just after Hempsual moved out earlier in the month. In the new year, she says that people are always stopping by and peeking in to see the place, anxious to see it open. They currently have some pets in their cages in the store; as they are doing the decorating and painting. The cold weather stalled some of the work, as well as having to juggle the Holiday season at home.
It will be called “Thor’s Pet Palace,” which is the name of a pet dog. It will have small birds and reptiles for sale. There might be some bigger snakes in the future. Plus it will carry quality pet foods for all pets. She is welcome to your suggestions on popular quality foods to offer.
They hope to open later in January or in February. They had their business license at town hall back in December, and are attending to their check list, and waiting for approval. I have a feeling that there will be a line of curiosity-seekers filing into the store once the “Open” sign is displayed!
Mud Hut – Drive Up Coffee Shop, near U Pump It
One more place to get coffee in Lyons, and you may be asking how are they different than all the rest. What makes this one special is that it is a “drive through” or “drive in” business. The Mud Hut trailer/truck operation is located next to the U-Pump-It gas station on east Main Street, at 4033 Ute Highway. It opened December 22, 2022, and it’s current hours are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, closing at 3:00p.m. on weekends.
Owner Phoenie Sparks is on an exciting adventure as she has never operated a coffee shop before. She purposely looked for a business that she could get excited about. “It is my love to have a good cup of coffee that made me chose this,” said Phoenie “I believe if you have a passion and commitment to a job, you will do good. You don’t need to stay in one job forever. I am learning and do a lot of decisions based on my gut feeling. Over several months I test tasted beans from local places that were recommended to me. I ask questions when I run into a challenge, and have friends who are baristas.”
Mud Hut chose local beanery Harbinger, Longmont, to supply its Guatemala special expresso mix. Then she chose to offer a small menu of simple snacks, at reasonable prices. Initially she is offering pita pockets and five burrito flavors. Next will come gluten-free and veggie options.
“I want to have fun and not just a conveyor belt,” said Phoenie “I hope to make connections. And I love to see their pet dogs look out the window at me. If they order ‘Mud Hut Pup Cup,’ they will get a free treat for their dog.”
On November 4th, the Town Board of Trustees heard the business’s request to not have a paved parking lot, due to it being only a “drive through.” It was approved, and the requirement was waived. CDOT approved the single lane entrance and egress off of Highway 36, located next to the U Pump It gas station. They have an unpaved circular drive. It will, of course, have sewer and water connections; and they are capable of being quickly disconnected in the event of a flooding emergency.
So, we now have ten places to get our coffee in the morning, all with a little something special and unique to offer.
