New inn, restaurant and pub aims to be Westport community hub

WESTPORT | After 40 years of working in higher education, Peter Burns retired last year. But not for long. Soon after, he found a historic building that needed tending to. He saw the potential for an inn, restaurant and pub and got started right away. In late February, he will open The Gables Inn and Mountain Dog Restaurant and Pub. Originally from New Hampshire, Burns worked at Paul Smith's and his wife, Kim Downs-Burns, who works at Middlebury College in Vermont, were looking for a place in Westport because it is halfway between the two schools. They also have some family connections to the area. The building was previously a bed-and-breakfast, All Tucked Inn, but has been vacant for about six years. The previous owners planned to tear it down until Keith Hoffnagle bought the building and leased it to Burns. "We thought, it's too old and it's been here too long, they can't chop it down," Hoffnagle said. Although chairs for the dining area are still being built, the walls are already decorated with paintings of dogs. The Bernese Mountain Dog on the Mountain Dog Restaurant and Pub sign is Burns' own dog, Shelagh. The first floor of the building will be used for the Mountain Dog Restaurant and Pub. It will seat about 30 people in the dining area and 12 at the bar. He is also building a 22 ft. by 14 ft. deck in the front of the restaurant. It will have a view of Lake Champlain and add an additional 30 seats to the restaurant. Upstairs there will be eight rooms, each with its own bathroom. Burns believes one of the keys to the business's success will be staying open year-round. "There are great places here in the summer but in the winter it gets kind of lonely," Burns said. He is also excited about its proximity to Lake Champlain and local attractions. For example, a stage directly across the street from the establishment has free concerts on Thursdays and free movies on Fridays, all summer long. He also plans to collaborate with the Heritage House next door. "I want a real down-to-earth community vibe," Burns said. "Everybody's welcome. No agendas, just good food, home cooking at reasonable prices." He has already received encouragement from the Westport community and booking inquiries from all over. "I hope people stop in a couple of times a week for a breakfast sandwich, come back later in the week for dinner or lunch, or stop by for a beer after work," Burns said. "I have always liked small gathering spots; every community needs one." Burns is still looking for employees for most positions. He said he is open and flexible to people who want to work part-time, plugging in a few hours a few days a week. "I think it'll be a fun place to work, we'll work hard play hard, and get the job done," Burns said. For more information, contact pete@mountaindogpub.com.

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New inn, restaurant and pub aims to be Westport community hub

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