By Harley Nefe
After meeting at App State in 2019 by both being enrolled in the Fermentation Sciences program, Dean Reed of Newland and Willie Olson of Sugar Grove are embarking on a new adventure of bringing quality, tasty ciders to the High Country.
Owners, veterans, and cider makers Reed and Olson began being business partners of The Mountain Boomer after realizing that they not only enjoyed each other’s company, but worked well together since completing countless classes, group projects, and brew days.
“We graduated last May, and we decided we wanted to try to make cider,” Reed said. “We lucked into this place and decided to open a restaurant first, and our goal is to add on our own ciders.”
Located at 1600 Jonas Ridge Hwy in Newland in the building that was formally the beloved staple of Christa’s Country Corner, The Mountain Boomer offers appetizers, sandwiches, smoked plates, desserts including ice cream, and a variety of drinks – local beers, wine, and ciders.
“It was my 15-year-plan to do a cidery; I’m in the process of planting an orchard, and I just got my farm ID,” Olson explained. “And Dean came to me and was like, ‘If you want to, we can go into it now.’”
Olson continued, “The past year Dean was looking for a spot, and finally he came to me, and said, ‘It’s not even on the market yet, but I found the perfect location.’”
Now, The Mountain Boomer can be spotted by a six-foot-tall wood carved red squirrel standing out front. When customers enter the building, they are welcomed into an open and inviting atmosphere that showcases what the High Country has to offer.
“We want to highlight what we think is neat about the High Country,” Reed said. “Things like walking through the forest and looking up through the trees.”
Between two large murals, which were painted by Olson, that depict different mountain landscapes and artistic skylight panels across the ceiling, guests are transported into nature’s beauty.
Olson described the restaurant’s environment: “It’s like you’re going over to somebody’s house and just hanging out – have a couple of beers, eat a good sandwich, listen to live music – Just the community part alone is awesome, watching everyone talk to each other and having a good time.”
Locals and tourists alike are invited to come out and see what The Mountain Boomer is all about. Hours of operation are Monday and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed Wednesday and Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 a.m., and Sunday from 12-6 p.m. For more information about The Mountain Boomer, please visit the website at https://www.themountainboomer.com/ or follow the business on Facebook and Instagram at The Mountain Boomer.
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