Background

The Wild Hare Tavern is a welcoming, full-service bar located in downtown Arcata, featuring a small kitchen and a strong focus on live entertainment. Owner Angela Robershotte designed the space to feel like a true hometown bar—inviting, comfortable, and deeply connected to the community. She has been hosting live music at least three nights a week and is focused on offering a variety of creative events that appeal to different groups with a rotating calendar of performances and themed performances. The kitchen offers a small menu focused on high quality house made items.

Inspiration

Angela Robershotte has been a fixture in Arcata’s bar scene for over three decades, working at well-known local bars in Arcata for many years. After working multiple jobs in other industries, she decided it was time to pursue her long-standing goal of business ownership. With her degree in Recreation Administration, motivated by a desire for independence and the vision of creating a space that truly reflected her style and values. Angela took the leap and opened The Wild Hare Tavern in late 2024.

Challenges

Angela faced several challenges along the way, including securing startup financing, a commercial loan application process, and setting up bookkeeping systems. Angela needed help working through the complexities that arise when multiple organizations are involved.

With the support of the North Coast SBDC, Angela was able to successfully structure a combination of funding sources with the City of Arcata and the Redwood Region Economic Development Commission (RREDC). This financing enabled her to complete renovations and open the doors to The Wild Hare Tavern. Furthermore, the SBDC also helped Angela set up a strong foundation for bookkeeping practices.

The most impactful support Angela received was the SBDC’s assistance in negotiating and finalizing a multi-party financing deal. SBDC’s guidance and relationship with lenders helped ensure that Angela could focus on what she does best: creating an exceptional, community-focused bar experience.