As the dust settles on Bisbee's Valentine's Day fire, local entrepreneurs are not just reopening doors but also putting up 'For Sale' signs. The Copper Queen Hotel, downtown Bisbee's 122-year-old gem, and the esteemed Cafe Roka have both hit the market, signaling a time of change in the quaint Arizona town reputed for its vibrant tourism.
Bisbee, noted as one of Travel Lemming's Top 50 places to visit for 2024, has seen its local economy quickly recover and grow. The Copper Queen, an embodiment of Arizona's rugged history, is up for grabs at a cool $12.5 million, according to real estate agent Michelle Hagele. "The oldest running continuous hotel in the in Arizona," Hagele told ABC15, also noting its guest list from times past includes the likes of John Wayne and Teddy Roosevelt.
But it isn't just the Copper Queen that's looking for a new owner. Cafe Roka, a culinary staple on Bisbee's Main Street since 1992, is also searching for someone to carry on its legacy. This all comes unrelated to the Main Street fire that ravaged two historic buildings eight weeks ago, showing the resilience and forward momentum of the local business scene.
Across the street from the Copper Queen, life is more than just business transactions; it's about bouncing back. "It feels good. It's a huge relief," exclaimed Amber Avery-Pierce, owner of Bisbee Soap & Sundry. After being closed for over a month due to safety concerns from the fire, the reopening was warmly welcomed by locals and tourists alike. Avery-Pierce's sentiment echoes through the community, with business owners like Angelina Mendoza of Classic Rock Couture expressing gratitude for the support that kept their ventures afloat. "I've lived here pretty much my entire life and I've never not had the main street," Mendoza told KGUN 9, reflecting the community's attachment to their beloved town's pulsating heart.
