Three years ago, Monty Miller purchased a distressed property on Commercial Street in Salem, Oregon and turned it from sketchy to a shining star in the community.
Investing a lot of hard work and dollars, Miller has brought the Half-Penny Bar & Grill in South Salem to life, making it a popular place for families during the day and for many, the central stop on the way home seven nights a week. Now he wants to use the restaurant as a catalyst for doing GOOD.
“I have been in this community for a long time,” said Miller, who believes in giving back to his community. “I have met incredible people, and I want to continue my community involvement.”
Miller’s goal is to increase his involvement with such organizations as the Boys and Girls Club.
“I am involved with the Boys and Girls Club at the ground stages,” Miller said. “I am just a little guy in the big circle of the Boys and Girls Club, but I think it’s an amazing organization. It is well supported and the cause is for the greatest: boys and girls and displaced families.”
Bands, food specials and charity events top the list of things to do at the Half Penny.
“We had a fundraiser for the Turtle Ridge Wildlife Center a while back,” Miller said. “They said it was one of the most successful fundraisers they have had!”
Proceeds from the event were used to pay the Center’s electric bills and for medication for the animals, he said.
“I have a heart for animals,” Miller added. “Turtle Ridge is really out to protect and take care of them.”
Miller has been in the bar business for 25 years.
“Being a bar owner really shows you what you are capable of doing,” Miller said. “I know the bar business, and I enjoy being able to work as long and as hard as I want. Because I own it, I can give people what they want without a corporate format.”
Opening up the restaurant to families wasn’t always Miller’s plan, he said.
“It was worked out fantastically!” he added.
Miller loves that the restaurant provides a place for parents to stop by with their kids for a hamburger after a Little League game or other event.
“And then they can come back the next time for a date night,” he said
For Miller, hospitality is king.
“It’s old-school restaurant hospitality,” he said. “We are here for you, not the opposite. Every day I sit and listen to people, and I try to the best my capacity to fill the need right here and now.”
Nightly food specials along with bands and sports offerings bring in the regulars. On the weekends, the parking lot fills with families wanting a hearty breakfast before heading off for a fun-filled day.
Miller credits a huge part of the restaurant’s popularity to his nine staff members.
“Each one of my employees has their own style, and they are an extension of me,” he said. “It’s all about the customer.”
Miller feels good about turning a property around and bringing good food and fun to his customers. He plans refocus his efforts to what he can improve and what he can contribute to next.
“I have a good vehicle here with the Half Penny,” Miller said. “I’m ready to turn my attention to what else we can do.”
For Miller, turning a property around and bringing something to the community feels good. Soon he plans to refocus his efforts to what he can improve or contribute to next. “I have a good vehicle here with The Half Penny. I am ready to turn my attention to what else we can do.”
Take advantage of Restaurant Week and support Half Penny Bar and Grill
http://www.salemrestaurantweek.com/restaurant/190/The-Half-Penny-Bar-and-Grill
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I’m very glad to hear this! I love going to the Half Penny and now even more so.