Everett’s Historic Union Hotel is “a dream come true” for Bedford County couple
Restored historic Union Hotel in Everett. Photo: Provided.
An Everett landmark is making a comeback. The historic Union Hotel, closed since 2016, is open and thriving with the leadership of new owners Mona and Randy Shaw, who saw an opportunity to bring the storied space back to life with their unique vision.
Built by Michael Barndollar in 1802, it was renamed the Union Hotel in 1864 after being occupied by Union troops during the Civil War. Over the next 100 years, the property changed ownership ten times. The building was renovated in 2004 and operated as a hotel, restaurant and tavern until it closed in 2016.
“The Union is a landmark in Bedford County. Shaw’s purchasing and revitalizing of the building has offered economic growth for the town of Everett. I can’t wait to see how they continue to grow.”
“We were having dinner one night, and Randy joked that we could buy the Union and have our wedding reception there,” Shaw shared. “It had been sitting empty, but it’s always been in the back of my mind. After Randy mentioned it, we did an analysis and made an offer. We saw this as a business opportunity and a potential shift in the vibration of Everett,” Mona said.
Startup Alleghenies coach Jen Marsh agreed. “The Union is a landmark in Bedford County. Shaw’s purchasing and revitalizing of the building has offered economic growth for the town of Everett. I can’t wait to see how they continue to grow,” she said.
In addition to a restaurant and hotel, the Shaws’ vision added a space for alternative healthcare and created an uplifting atmosphere and positive energy vibe, a result of Mona’s commitment to wellness.
The business is also built on Randy’s dream to integrate his farm into a restaurant . “We have a farm, and several members of our family have farms, so this allows us to supply the restaurant with beef,” Mona said. “This has been a dream of Randy’s since the 80s… we found a way to fulfill each other’s dreams.”
Beautifully restored interior bar area with exposed stone. Photo: Provided.
“We have seen more success than we imagined with the restaurant. We had a span of four days where we served 426 guests,” Mona continued. “We opened the hotel rooms in July and are working on being available on all the booking sites. The next piece we’re launching is the alternative healthcare space.”
Mona said Startup Alleghenies has continued to support their venture beyond the startup phase: “We are always at the top of their recommendation list. They are committed to networking to promote growth in the Alleghenies.”
Mona offered some advice for prospective business owners: “Multiply what you estimate your startup costs will be by at least three. This will help you ensure you have enough to cover operating expenses longer than you think you need,” she said.
Whether you have an innovative business idea, a trending shop idea or, like the Shaws, want to restore a business, Startup Alleghenies can partner with you on a roadmap and can connect you to the right resources at the right time–at no cost to you.
Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.
