No industry like it

The Creston Ramada and Ricky's All Day Grill opened in Creston last year with successes for the business and the community alike

by Kristen Mitchell — July 06, 2013

Two women stand in front of a Ricky's All Day Grill at the entrance.

1 of 3Melody Totten (left) and Kerry Hobbs enjoy their positions as managers for AB-BC Recreation and Resources Ltd. — Kristen Mitchell photo

A comfortable looking bed stands in front of a window. In the corner is a jacuzzi tub. Tones are browns and whites.

2 of 3The bedroom of the executive suite holds promise of a comfortable stay in the Creston Valley. — Photo courtesy Creston Ramada

A tile floor has a compass design, there is a front desk, a paneled roof, a red chair, and other amenities.

3 of 3The lobby of the Creston Ramada is crisp and welcoming. — Kristen Mitchell photo

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Five years ago the site of the Creston Ramada Hotel and Ricky’s All Day Grill was just an empty property in the agricultural land reserve. Then AB-BC Recreation and Resources Ltd. stepped up and purchased the land, working closely with the town to make the accommodation resource a reality. The businesses have now been serving customers for over a year.

“I’m looking forward to the growth of the community as a whole in tourism development,” said Kerry Hobbs. She came on board as hotel manager, moving to the area when the hotel opened. She also serves as vice-president for the Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce.

“I think prior to this there wasn’t too much emphasis on (tourism)," Hobbs said. "Now they’ve got a hub for all of that and they can take on larger groups. It opens the entire community to bringing in new things . . . I think there’s so much opportunity for growth here. It’s just a matter of time.”

In addition to the hotel and restaurant, AB-BC Recreation and Resources Ltd. also provides a U-Haul office and Practicar vehicle rentals. Franchises such as Ramada and Ricky’s are relatively new to Creston. Hobbs believes that they provide an option for travellers or investors that might otherwise choose not to stay or invest in the community.

“I want (to attract) the people that have been staying outside of the community and pull them in, because that’s going to bring business to the community,” said Hobbs. “We want new business that will be vibrant for the whole community.”

With a conference room, computers and printer, comfortable rooms and a complimentary breakfast, the Creston Ramada has already attracted a number of events. The Creston Valley is located in between the East and West Kootenay, making it an excellent option for many organizations. Hobbs looks forward to the continued challenge of promoting Creston as an amazing area, and the Ramada as a great resource.

Ricky’s All Day Grill, located right next to the Creston Ramada, has been a popular new option on the Creston restaurant scene. Manager Melody Totten has a long background in restaurants and management and said that, although running a restaurant is always a challenge, it’s been interesting to learn to operate a franchise. The relaxing lounge is offering live music on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer. The restaurant also caters for events at the hotel.

It’s been a busy year for AB-BC Recreation and Resources Ltd. in Creston. With plenty of room for growth, experienced management and a focus on promoting the Creston Valley, the town can look forward to a continued positive relationship. After all, involve talented people who believe in what they’re doing, and things get done.

“I don’t think there’s an industry like this—you’re doing something to please people,” said Hobbs. “If they’re on vacation, or even if they’re on business, you’re there. We have a lot of corporate clients on first name terms with all the staff. When you’ve got guests coming through that have never been to the area you’re a tour guide. You’re sending them to all the different things we’ve got to offer, and it makes people happy. I think it’s a really happy business to be involved in.”