Entrepreneur finds new business in old house

If good location, prior business experience and a whole lot of enthusiasm is the recipe for business success, then the Gingko Tree Inn and Riverbluff Bistro in Mt. Pleasant should do pretty well.

This bed and breakfast and bistro combination, which opened its doors last October, is owned by Jean Prout. Prout is an enthusiastic entrepreneur, who has owned and operated the Centennial House banquet facility in the city for the last 20 years.

The renovated home-turned-business overlooks the Chippewa River. It was originally built for a doctor back in 1902. The stately home was designed by the 20th Century Design architectural firm, the same firm that designed the Borden Building, Mountain Town Station and other buildings in downtown Mt. Pleasant. At the time Prout bought it, it was in the hands of the Economic Development Corporation.

"Everybody says this house has solid bones," says Prout.

It took eleven months to restore the old house. Six Victorian-era guest rooms rent for $210 per night, which includes wine and hors d'oeuvres. Four dining rooms allow for a large customer base for dining, as does a basement room, called the Cherry Room, used for banquets and private parties.

"It's nice to be able to dine and socialize downstairs, then spend the night in one of the rooms," says Prout.

Fundraisers held at the inn have helped local charities while attracting new customers to the bistro and B & B. One fundraiser tallied more than $3,000 and drew in a lot of first-time customers, according to Prout. Another way she has attracted new business is to barter advertising with local businesses and by giving away certificates for free night stays.

The fact that this establishment is located on an expansive riverfront is one thing that sets the Ginkgo Tree Inn and Riverbluff Bistro apart from other inns and restaurants in the area. The fine dining in the bistro is another, with the crepes, sandwiches, salads and eight different desserts all prepared by classically trained chef Bradley Holly.

To add to the ambience, people can drink their favorite beverage from Prout's collection of Johnson Brothers tea cups.

"People say 'Wow, that's like Grandma's set,' when they drink from the tea cups," says Prout. "It feels a little like they're going home."

This new bed and breakfast and bistro, which serves breakfast, lunch and supper, is perhaps a welcome respite for this sprawling city of chain stores and motels. It's located just north of the old downtown and across the street from the county courthouse.

"The location is perfect," says Prout, who was delighted to find out you can see the river from the rooms.

The only challenge for the business has come not from red tape and regulations, but from a small kitchen. Prout says they're planning on adding on to the kitchen this summer.

The Gingko Tree Inn and Riverbluff Bistro is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday is reserved for private parties. It is located at 309 N. Main Street in Mt. Pleasant; look for the old gingko tree in the yard--the namesake for the inn.

Neil Moran is a freelance writer/copywriter. Read more of his articles here.