Goal:

$400,000 fundraising goal This can be a combination of donations and building shares Donations of any amount are welcomed! Up to 200 shares of ownership of the building are being offered at $2000 per share.

Allocation of funds:

$300,000 purchase price, which includes all kitchen equipment, furniture, dishes/pots/pans etc.

$100,000 (not required for this venture to move forward) for:
-Closing costs
-Contingencies Building repairs, including roof and exterior wall repairs, minor plumbing updates, minor interior repairs (required to bring the building back up to code) and others
-Replacing the wood stove in the main dining area Startup costs

Business structure:

Shareholders and operating group (cooks, staff etc.) will split profits initially. However, as the business grows and becomes more profitable, our goal will be to allocate a portion (ideally 1/3) of profits to a community improvement fund centered around local food production/distribution, water conservation, and the arts.

The purchasing entity of the physical building and included equipment is Water at the Blue Earth LLC, and the title will be held by "Members of Water at the Blue Earth LLC." Andy Hackbarth is the member manager of Water at the Blue Earth LLC, meaning he will act as building manager and facilitator.

Shareholders will never be required to provide additional funds - i.e. this is a one-time buy in. The property taxes, utilities and other costs will be covered by the diner operating group. In the event that the operating structure changes or the building needs to be sold or transferred, shareholders will receive one vote per share. Other than that, shareholders will be considered silent partners.

The operating group will throw an annual party for donors and shareholders. Shareholders will be given VIP access. As an additional perk, shareholders will be given the opportunity to reserve rooms, retreat spaces, concert\event tickets etc. at the Saguache Hotel in advance of the general public. We anticipate hosting events and having rooms available in the hotel beginning in 2027.

We are beginning this venture very simply, and sustainably:
Step 1 - Purchase the building and make necessary improvements to get the building up to health code
Step 2- Begin with single day events scheduled in advance
Step 3- Operate a fully-functioning breakfast/lunch eatery and coffee shop/bookstore open 7 days a week. We've held multiple meetings and discussions with this community, and this has been the unifying vision/desire for this very special space!

It's important to note - the above outlined plan is simply a jumping-off point. Business models, personnel etc. may change, and if/when this is the case, shareholders and donors will be included in those decisions. The goal is to have a functioning building that is owned free and clear so that we may focus efforts on job creation, providing quality local food and re-building community in a downtown district that has struggled in recent years.

In the event that we are unsuccessful, all donations and share purchases will be refunded.

In the spirit of transparency, Andy's involvement will be as such: Sharing profits as a single shareholder Donating his time and resources during this crucial startup period until the diner is self-sustaining Likely partnering with the diner in the future to provide food for hotel guests.

You can donate or purchase a share here at the link below. Amounts of $2000 and above will be considered share purchases.
If you prefer to send a check, you may mail it to:
Water at the Blue Earth LLC
PO Box 202
Saguache, CO 81149

Closing is scheduled for November 13th, 2026!

We would like to acknowledge that many members of this community have given generously in the past (some on multiple occasions) to save this diner, and we believe that purchasing the building outright as a community will both honor your contributions, and ensure its long-term viability, sparking a new era of prosperity and community (and delicious pastries!).

We can't thank you enough for your support. Looking forward to celebrating over a warm meal and a cup of coffee!