DOVER- It starts with a dream. Work hard enough and a dream can become a reality. Six individuals got together because they love the Dover area, they believe the community has tremendous potential, and they know a lot about the hospitality industry. Their efforts will come to fruition this weekend as they open a new deli, restaurant, and saloon that is friendly, comfortable, and feels like home.

The Valley View Saloon, located in the Mount Snow Market Place on Route 100, is a new community restaurant and deli offering lunch, dinner, late night snacks, and drinks. A number of people are behind the new restaurant and deli. They are dedicated to the Mount Snow area and they share an interest in the revitalization of Dover. The Valley View Saloon, they believe, adds to the town’s character.

The idea began when Mount Snow Market Place property owner Adam Levine was searching for a new anchor tenant. Levine was looking into the economic needs of the Mount Snow region and he believed the area was in need of a new eating and dining establishment. Levine said the Deerfield Valley is showing signs of economic improvement and the Dover community has been supportive in attracting new businesses to the valley.

As a result, Levine thought it was time to try something new. He credits the selectboard, the Dover Economic Development Committee, and the Tri-town Economic Development Committee with creating a business climate that allows small businesses to get off the ground. “Mount Snow is showing signs of promise. I also believe risk has been minimized to invest in Dover today. The community is being proactive in making things happen in the valley. That’s why I and a couple of partners have chosen to do this,” said Levine.

Levine developed a business plan for a new food establishment. He got together with Doug Gerber, owner and proprietor of the New Smith Street Deli in Merrick, NY, Ken Teich, a former co-worker from Wilmington, and Rob DeLeo, owner of Deli Design in Copaige, NY, and they formed Handlebar Hospitality LLC. “There are a number of owners and I pulled a team together,” said Levine. The owners developed a Valley View Saloon business plan and agreed to hand over the day-to-day operations to two individuals. Luckily, they have did not to go far to find the right people for the job.

Erika Holland and Ramie Demers were contemplating leaving the Dover area until they got a call from Levine. Holland and Demers worked at Billiard Sanctuary at the Andirons Lodge when he met them. Levine invited them to be co-partners and co-operators of the Valley View Saloon. Holland and Demers seized the opportunity.

Both of them have several years of experience in the hospitality industry. In addition to the Billiard Sanctuary, Holland had worked in Orlando, FL, while Demers worked as a bartender at TC’s Restaurant and the Sitzmark Bar and Grille. Holland moved back to Dover while Demers moved to Dover from Batavia, NY. Demers has lived in the Dover area for the past six years.

Holland and Demers were excited about joining the Valley View Saloon team. Like Levine, they believe the area is special and has tremendous potential. Demers said they were grateful for the opportunity and are dedicated to making the establishment work. “The people are fantastic. It’s a real community and it’s nice to be a part of something like this,” said Demers. “The owners are committed to making it work and it’s nice to be in cahoots with some great people.”

The Valley View Saloon will offer a variety of foods. The deli will feature hot and cold sandwiches, including build-your-own heroes, Philly cheese steaks, wraps, burgers, soups, salads, and their original chili with melted cheddar, the Valley View Saloon specialty. The Valley View Saloon will have outdoor seating along the Deerfield River, offer weekend entertainment, billiards, and eight beers on tap. “It’s hard to find a meal before 4 pm and after 9 pm. We’re trying to fill that gap,” said Demers.

“We’re going to offer the best service and value in the valley,” said Levine. “It’s about understanding the needs of the valley and understanding what hospitality means.” For more information call (802) 464-9422 or go to www.valleyviewsaloon.com.