The owner of Mr. Happy’s Bakery, Bar and Grill is looking to sell his business after four years in Cortez.
Dave Chisholm first announced he was looking to sell on the Mr. Happy’s Facebook page Feb. 7. The announcement putting the 130 seat restaurant, bakery and bar with all the fixtures and equipment up for sale, has already sparked the interest of some local potential buyers.
“It may sell just with what I’ve done already,” Chisholm said.
But he is no hurry to close, and he has not formally listed the business.
“It might take two or three years,” he said. While waiting to sell, nothing about the business will change.
Chisholm moved to the area to work on a coal mine on the Navajo Reservation in 2006. After about 30 years as a mechanic, Chisholm started Mr. Happy’s.
The business started out at the current Norma Jeanne’s location and moved to 125 E. Main St. after Francisca’s Fine Mexican food two years later.
Now Chisholm is looking to move into semi-retirement after the long hours of running both a bakery and a bar.
He is looking to spend at least part of every year in San Felipe, Mexico. Chisholm and his wife both volunteer at an orphanage there and enjoy the culture.
“The people down there are joyful,” he said.