On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Henflings had their grand opening under new ownership. Mario Ibarra opened the door to a packed house.
Antoinette (Annie) Butler, a long-time bartender, says she is thrilled with the energy the new ownership brings. “It’s fun again,” said Annie as she served my husband and me a cocktail.
Henflings, named after the original owner back in the 1980s, has seen its share of drama in the last few years. The drama left the premises when the new owner took over.
Mario was a partial owner of Casa Nostra, which opened in 2012. He and his partner ended up dissolving the partnership. Mario then took ownership of the Tyrolean Inn, renaming it Aromas. It is a great success. The atmosphere is quaint and inviting. The restaurant is clean and tidy, and the food is delicious. They have a full bar and a friendly staff.
Mario was not done there. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to take over Henflings. Judging from the enthusiasm of the staff and the locals, it is certain to be an equal success. According to Mario, “It’s the people that make it work; we would be nothing without this community.”
The Henflings building is owned by the Ben Lomond Fire Protection District. The district rents out the building and the name, while Mario is the owner of the liquor license and, in extension, the business. It is a system that seems to work for this beloved watering hole.
Mario said at first he wasn’t sure about acquiring another business. Aromas is still a young business. So he reached out to his long-time friend and businessman for help. Antonia Hernandez has a proven track record with a café in Capitola and a Mexican market on Laurel and Chestnut in Santa Cruz. Armed with a seasoned partner, Mario approached the BLFD board with his proposal. They agreed, and the rest is, as they say, just the beginning.
When asked why Mario has undertaken such a hefty project on top of his other new business, his answer was quick and simple. “It’s for the community,” he said. “There were other offers from people over the hill. I didn’t want someone from outside of our community to take over this historic place.”
“I think the money from a business should stay in the community,” he said. “I didn’t want those dollars to leave our mountain.”
Mario has big things planned for Henflings. Stop by soon and check it out: live music on weekend nights, comedy coming soon, and everyone’s favorite barbecue by Charlie Brown on Mondays.
“Community is about people feeling a part of something,” Mario told me. “It’s cold and wet outside, and sitting in your house alone can lead to sadness or even depression. That’s why I wanted to be here; that’s why we are adding something for everyone, so no one has to feel alone. We are all one community.” And with that, I will see you there.