edible notables
ONE NICKEL AT A TIME
Restaurateurs support local businesses.
WRITTEN BY SUE EDMONDSON
PHOTO BY CHRIS HOLLOMAN
If anyone knows the challenges of starting a business, it’s Chris Kahl, Mike Connolly, and Zach Cage. The three longtime friends and business partners have done it four times — first with Legends Grill, followed by Sierra Tap House, Ole Bridge Pub, and The Brewer’s Cabinet, all in Reno.
In the beginning, they had the ambition, energy, and business plans, but they lacked capital.
“Banks don’t loan money to startup companies,” Kahl says. “We had to rely on family and friends to help us out.”
Paying It Forward
With four successful businesses and a fifth project underway, the trio decided it was time to help others fulfill their dreams. They created The Reno Rebuild Project, a nonprofit that gives low-interest loans to local entrepreneurs for their business ventures.
“We grew up in Reno and love it here,” Kahl says. “When the recession hit, we watched small businesses disappear. It’s been exciting to see people coming together to change that. We want to support the community by helping others achieve their goals. Ultimately, we hope that all the empty buildings will be filled again with businesses.”
Reno Rebuild started with a nickel, literally. Five cents of every sale at each of the partners’ establishments goes into the fund. The nickels added up — in less than a year, they’d raised enough for the first loan.
“People support us for supporting others,” he says.
In June 2013, the partners loaned Barrie Schuster $20,000 to help her open the Café DeLuxe in the old DeLuxe Laundry building on South Wells Avenue in Reno.
“The loan helped tremendously,” Schuster says. “It would have been much more difficult and stressful without it.”
Any payments (including the interest) made by Schuster and other loan recipients will go back into the fund.
Now other local businesses are donating to Reno Rebuild, including Western Nevada Supply Co., Allied Washoe Petroleum, and Morrey Distributing Co.
“It’s great to see that other people think it’s a worthwhile project,” Kahl says.
Applications Welcome
The criteria for a loan are simple: have a detailed business plan for an independently owned business in Reno or Sparks, use the loan for the business, and be involved in the community.
“We’re looking for cool ideas. Community connections are definitely a plus,” Kahl explains.
Schuster thinks her leadership in the revitalization of Wells Avenue and its surrounding neighborhoods may have helped her land the loan.
“They said they liked my business concept, too,” she says.
But whatever the reason, she’s grateful.
“Reno Rebuild helped me realize my dream of 20 years,” she says.
Freelance writer Sue Edmondson has written for various publications in Nevada and California. She’s happy to be part of a community that works together for its future.
