A group of investors in Westby has gathered enough money to purchase the landmark Borgen’s Cafe with hopes of remodeling it so it can reopen.

The business closed in 2006. Last week, retired Westby attorney Russell Hanson, the driving force behind the investment group, known as the "Angel Investors" presented a request for financial assistance to the Vernon County Revolving Loan Committee. The Vernon County Revolving Loan originated in 1999 and was designed to assist new businesses and increase jobs in the county. It was designated to the county from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce.

Hanson told the committee he was convinced that Borgen's could once again be a success by the number of tourists who stop to eat at the establishment on a daily basis when they pass through town, only to find the outside lights on, but the business closed.

Hanson admits he has no desire to be in the restaurant business, but like the 70-plus investors who've already committed to the Borgen's renovation project, he feels obligated to make a difference and help revitalize the community.

"I put one ad in the paper looking for people interested in reopening Borgen's and before I knew it I had people across the country who heard or read about the project looking to invest," Hanson said.

To date the investment group has commitments nearing $90,000 and an ongoing goal of $120,000. With a building purchase price of $160,000, and an additional $80,000 of interior renovations and equipment purchases needed, investors were looking to borrow $120,000.

Hanson told the committee that when Borgen's was operational it had a history of employing 30 full- or part-time employees, which would fulfill the revolving loan stipulation that the new business must create one new job for each $20,000 loaned,

"The energy is there to get this done," Hanson told the committee referring to calls he continues to receive from local and out-of-state investors, who want to hop on the Borgen's band wagon.

Before Borgen's closed, the century-old business was owned and operated by LeRoy and Donna Perkins for 33 years. Famous for its old-fashioned food, Borgen's prided itself on the use of real mashed potatoes, complete with lumps, made-from-scratch pies, to-die-for carmel and pecan rolls and handmade meatballs. The decision to close the restaurant did not come easily, but mounting family health concerns contributed to the decision to shut down the business and sell the building, which has remained vacant since the closure.

With only sporadic interest from parties looking to purchase the Borgen's building, Hanson concocted a plan last fall to create an independent investment group, in conjunction with outside funding, to jointly purchase the Borgen's building. He proceeded to organize a series of meetings for potential investors and the group eventually organized a board of directors to oversee the project.

In March, Hanson presented a building code inspection list along with numerous items which would have to be corrected before the restaurant could be reopened including capping the chimney, repairing the leaking roof, the possible relocation of bathrooms, updating the kitchen, installing a new front facade on the building, as well as the removal of asbestos in the basement. The entire renovation package was estimated at $80,000.

On Saturday, April 12 more than 20 volunteers began removing old equipment from the Borgen's building. Many investors are not only investing cash into the project, but rolling up their sleeves and helping cut expenses through hands-on labor. The group hopes to have a portion of the restaurant operational by Westby Syttende Mai in mid-May.

According to Hanson one hour after presenting his request for a county loan he received a call offering the investment group the opportunity to borrow up to $140,000 for 12 years at 4 percent interest.

"They offered me more money than I asked for," Hanson said. "That must be a sign that people everywhere want the landmark restaurant reopened."

The board of directors is currently searching for people interested in managing the restaurant and potentially purchasing the business once its renovation is complete and the business is showing a profit.

Anyone interested in becoming an investor in the Borgen's reopening project can find out more information by contacting David or Vanessa Mills at 608-634-2117 or email them at mills4887@yahoo.com or by contacting any of the investment group's board of directors: Ruth Ann Wilson, Tim Eddy, Tip Bagstad, Diana Volden, David Mills, Marlowe Nelson, Ed Klos, David Dregne and Phyllis Eklov. Hanson, although not a board member by choice, can also be contacted. A minimum investment of $1,000 is required for shares in the venture. Borgen's Angel Investors are asked to mail their payment to Westby Investors Inc., P.O. Box 110, Westby, WI, 54667.