04/08/2026
what a great post and so true
Dear Friends & Family of the 76er,
It's been a while since I wrote to you all. My heart is heavy a lot lately.... There are moments in time when you can feel a shift happening... when the rhythm of everyday life changes, and the things we once took for granted begin to feel a little more fragile.
This is one of those moments...
We all know the state of the world feels a bit in flux right now. There’s an uncertainty in the air that touches everything... including the way small, independent businesses operate day to day.
Across the country, and right here in our own community, independent restaurants are feeling the weight of a rapidly changing landscape. The cost of food continues to rise, supply chains remain unpredictable, and the margins that once allowed small businesses like ours to thrive have grown increasingly thin. What used to be manageable has, in many ways, become unsustainable.
Every day, our team walks through the doors committed to creating something meaningful. A place where you can gather, celebrate, connect, and simply enjoy a good meal made with intention. Because to us, this has always been about more than food. It’s about community.
What we offer is not just a meal... it’s an experience for your head and your heart. We do things a little differently here and that’s okay. We push the envelope. We lead with honesty. We show up as our authentic selves. We love to challenge your pallets. When you walk through our doors, you’re not just dining out... you’re being hosted in our home.
And I want to be equally honest with you... I have poured my heart and soul into this business. I’ve always believed in being transparent with our community, because YOU are part of this story. Everyone says they love The 76er, and that means everything to us. But the reality is, it is getting harder and harder to continue doing hospitality the way we believe it should be done - the way we want to do hospitality - with intention, integrity, and care in every detail.
And while we are honored to be part of your celebrations, we want you to know, we are not just a place for special occasions. We are your weekly destination for good, quality food. A place to unwind midweek, to not cook after a long day, to share a simple, thoughtful meal with people you love.
But the truth is, we cannot do this alone...
Choosing where you dine, where you gather, where you spend your dollars... it matters more now than ever. Supporting local businesses isn’t just a feel-good decision; it is a direct investment in the heartbeat of your community. It keeps doors open. It keeps people employed. It preserves the spaces where memories are made.
We are not alone in this struggle. Many of our fellow restaurant owners, friends, neighbors, people who pour everything they have into their craft are navigating the same challenges. Some have already had to close their doors, many are up for sale and more are expected by year end.
We are still here... And we want to stay... So this is our ask, our invitation:
Come sit at our table.
Join us for dinner.
Make us part of your weekly routine.
Order carryout on the nights you’d rather stay in.
Share a bottle of wine on a Wednesday.
Bring a friend. Celebrate something, or nothing at all.
We are also preparing to reopen our outdoor spaces very soon. Spaces designed for gathering, for lingering a little longer, for enjoying the season together. We cannot wait to welcome you back out there.
Every visit, every reservation, every order makes a difference.
If you’ve ever enjoyed a moment here: laughed over a glass of wine, marked a milestone, or simply found comfort in a meal, you’ve been part of what makes this place special. And we hope, now more than ever, that you’ll continue to be part of it.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting this small, women owned, local gem. We are deeply grateful.
With appreciation,
Rhienna & The 76er Team
/ This Week's Specials /
/ NOSH / BRUSSELS SPROUTS / maple syrup gastrique / 12
/ FEATURE / PORK SCHNITZEL / sage spätzle, brussels, jalapeño mustard crème / 27
/ PRODUCERS & FARMERS / conscious cup coffee roasters, holcomb hollow, Julie Ann's custard, meats by linz, tribe country farms
