One of the North Thompson’s landmarks, the Rivermount Motel, Cafe, RV Park and Campground, has new owners.
Derek Graham and Melanie Erickson took over from previous owners Roy and Betty Tattersall in mid-May.
“This place has lots of potential,” the new owners say. “It’s a nice place to stay by the river, and we’ve got good food.”
Located a few kilometres north of Little Fort on Highway 5, the Rivermount has eight motel rooms to rent, 15 RV spaces, plus multiple campsites.
The cafe is conveniently located for those wanting to stop, whether for a coffee or a full meal. Its own bypass service road makes it popular with truckers.
There is a barbeque facility with its own gazebo that is used for family reunions, weddings and similar gatherings.
The couple comes to the North Thompson Valley from Vancouver Island, where Melanie managed a similar operation in Nanaimo.
A chef by trade, she looks forward to continuing to improve and expand the menu.
The cafe features steak every night, she says. In contrast to some other local restaurants, the nightly specials really are specials – not just something from the menu knocked down a dollar.
Every Friday is all-you-can-eat Spaghetti Night, with garlic toast and dessert included.
Her hobbies include photography, and she normally has a variety of her original photos for sale.
Derek continues to work as a crane operator with Highland Valley Copper but helps out at the motel during his days off.
A musician, he plays guitar, drums, piano and accordion.
He would like to get informal jam sessions going at the resort to help make up for the music sessions that were formerly held at the Little Fort Hall.
“We welcome local people to come in and check us out,” Melanie and Derek say.
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