Residents Bid Farewell to Painted Bear Operators, Welcome New Coffee Shop Owners
Rick Langenberg
Changes are coming to Green Mountain Falls’ small, but hearty business community.
In a festive and emotional “changing of the guard” gathering and semi-retirement party, area residents on May 2 bid farewell to Mike and Margaret Frey, the owners of the popular Painted Bear shop for the last seven years.
In addition, the Freys became well-known figures in the community, with Mike serving on the planning commission and Margaret teaching art classes. Their shop also became a gathering spot for key civic leaders, area residents, families and visitors, including Mayor Todd Dixon. At times, the business hosted live acoustic music and various community events and sponsored an orphanage in Kenya.
Meanwhile, at the recent gathering, residents warmly welcomed Trent, Andrea, and Mya Chrisman as the new operators of the Wild and Kind Coffee shop.
The transformation of The Painted Bear will result in GMF’s first actual coffee shop in years, a much-needed business offering for GMF. This will save locals a trip up the hill for early-morning java and popular expresso-based staples and pastries. In addition, the shop will feature ice cream, breakfast items and unique gifts.
The Chrismans, who hail from Nebraska, fell in love with the shop after moving to Colorado Springs last year. They enjoyed frequenting Green Mountain Falls and say the Painted Bear site was an ideal fit for their family’s plans.
Besides serving as a hub for a gift shop and mini-art gallery, the business once served as a liquor store and a previous ice cream shop.
Its location next to the post office made this shop an ideal stopping point for locals and tourists.
Under its reign as The Painted Bear, the business definitely became a community hub. The new operators say they want to retain this reputation.
Initially, the Chrismans say they will concentrate on the gift shop side of the business, as they must get certain health approvals to proceed as a coffee shop. However, they are quite enthused about GMF and their new business venture. “We are very excited and really love this town,” said Andrea Chrisman, who admits they have received an extremely warm welcome.
As for the Freys, they may be retiring as business owners, but plan to stay in the community. “We are not going away,” said Margaret Frey, who also sports an illustrious career as a show horse performer.
One of the more unique qualities of their business was their involvement with an orphanage project in Africa, headed by Father Charles, who attended the recent Painted Bear farewell gathering. The Freys met Father Charles during a trip to Europe and were inspired by his effort to help many young kids in Africa. During the Painted Bear’s business’ stint in GMF, most of the proceeds went towards this orphanage project.
The business also hosted live acoustic music sessions for several summers and featured a many art classes.
Other Business Changes in GMF
GMF and the Ute Pass area are set for additional changes in its business and entertainment scene. Besides new operators for the old Painted Bear shop, new operators are expected for the old Blue Moose Tavern site in early June, according to initial reports. However, no official announcements have taken place. One report maintains that the business will operate under its former name, Pine Gables.
