Tag: #mydowntowncasper

True Bakery LLC sign for the organic bakery in downtown Casper, Wyoming.

Inside Casper’s True Bakery and Its Organic Mission

“Our Motto: Organic. Natural. True!

Our Purpose: To Nourish People!

Our Values: Connection. Innovation. Contribution!”
True Bakery LLC

When you look at the website of Casper’s True Bakery, these are the principles that you will find lay the foundation for this unique Wyoming business. If the True Bakery is not a common household name for you yet as a Casper resident, or if you’re stopping through town looking for a great bite, this business brings a spin on the incredible “feel-good” foods that many of us know and love.

And what are those items?

Various organic donuts at True Bakery in Casper, Wyoming.

Pastries, breads, bagels, ferments, and more.

These handmade items are made fresh in-house in their downtown Casper location and are made with no preservatives, canned goods, or artificial flavorings. True Bakery also uses only organic ingredients, with nearly every item prepared right in the store, from their sandwich meats to sourdough starter.

This unique bakery was conceptualized by Mr. Bill Brockley Jr., the current owner and CEO of True Bakery. Initially conceiving his business plan pre-COVID-19 in Seattle, Bill went through an incredible journey to get his business running in his now beloved home of Casper, Wyoming, with his partner, Emily.

The “True” Beginnings: From Washington to Wyoming

Before diving into Bill’s journey as an organic bakery owner in downtown Casper and how he launched this awesome, organic-driven company, we want to share more about the owner’s backstory, where his passion lies within his unique work, and how he has reinforced and even introduced it into the central part of our state.

Meet Bill Brockley Jr.

Receiving the award of a Michelin Star in the cooking and restaurant industry is no small feat. When awarding a restaurant with this honor, these are a few things that the judges are looking for:

“the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavours, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine and, just as importantly, consistency both across the entire menu and over time.”
Michelin Guide Inspector from the Michelin Guide

This is not a new concept for the owner of Casper’s True Bakery. With anything related to this level of honor in the culinary world, Bill knows the importance of producing the highest quality “star” to be served to his customers. Before launching his Wyoming business, Bill spent many years working in Michelin Star restaurants and with Michelin Star chefs. He is recognized as Michelin-trained and has worked in the industry for around twelve years. Nine years into his cooking and creative journey, Bill felt inspired to do something different.

While working as a line cook at a big restaurant in Seattle, Bill began to lose his sense of fulfillment and purpose. He recognized that he needed that new spark to create with no boundaries. Bill knew he loved making bread, and while spending some time in a brainstorming session with himself, the letters “T-R-U-E” popped into his mind.

He immediately wrote them down and circled the word “True” repeatedly on his notes in front of him. From that moment on, he knew exactly what direction his new business was headed in.

True Bakery LLC sign at the organic bakery in downtown Casper, Wyoming.

Knowing the mission he was striving for in his business plan, Bill worked tirelessly for weeks creating his business plan and crafting a business where food is true, free from harmful, debilitating, or “draining” ingredients that fail to serve our bodies. However, his vision was cut short when COVID-19 closed down the restaurant he was working at, creating a slight blockage for launching a company. After some traveling and eventually landing in Colorado Springs, Colorado, post-pandemic, Bill found himself enjoying a nice meal there with one question in mind:

“Where am I going next?”

From there, the opportunities were endless. Bill felt driven to head up to Wyoming, a place he had yet to live and venture through. Knowing Casper the Friendly Ghost from his upbringing, Bill felt like the Casper community was one he was ready to explore. Little did he know, this would be one of his life’s greatest decisions and adventures!

Bill’s Bakery Becomes Reality

When Bill arrived in Casper, he worked as a local food and beverage director. With his business plan still existing in his mind and the burning desire to launch his dream, he began his small business after two weeks in Casper, out of his apartment. Every Saturday and Sunday, he and his girlfriend were selling bagels, donuts, and the occasional loaves of bread.

After baking for his best friend’s wedding and providing donuts for the event, he realized how big of a hit his products were! By partnering with Wyoming’s Food for Thought Markets, Bill set up a stand to sell his locally-produced goods. When this work with them began, they customized (and thoroughly prepped) a bathroom and converted it into a prep kitchen so that the company could produce what they needed to sell fresh items for their newfound customers.

It was a massive success!

After working with the Wyoming Food for Thought Project for nearly six months, Bill found a spot in the Wolcott Galleria that he customized completely for his business. Within nine months, they were ready to launch, and the outpour of love and support from the Casper community has ceased to fall short.

On their grand opening day, they had at least 100 guests with a line going out the door of the local business for nearly three to four hours. The craze does not stop there! To this day, this organic bakery is still a huge hit, and they have won many awards in our local area that continue to demonstrate their dedication to the product and people they serve.

Organic Philosophy in Practice

As we have mentioned throughout our article, True Bakery is focused on products that are organic, natural, and, most importantly, “true.”

This business uses organic yeast that is not packaged and cultivated in their shop for their breads and other baked goods. All of their flours and sugars are of organic quality as well. This business has to work within specific agricultural practices and regulations. Because of some limitations within this set of standards, they are not yet using only Wyoming-based organic products. You can trust that they are sourcing ingredients from other producers that are 100% organic as well.

Various baked goods at Casper, Wyoming's downtown organic bakery, True Bakery LLC.

Ferments and sourdough and breads at True Bakery LLC—the organic bakery in downtown Casper, Wyoming.

Not only is the philosophy of True Bakery reflected in their ingredients, but you will also see these practices reflected in their menu preparation. All condiments, from the ketchup to the mayonnaise, are prepared and handmade in the bakery. The seasonings and meats are also hand-prepared in the bakery. As for the delicious ham or corned beef brisket, which takes around seven days to make, you will be far from disappointed with this “farm-to-table” methodology.

Unique Offerings and Expertise

True Bakery is far from your average bakery experience.

Bill wanted True Bakery to bring an organic and health-focused approach to delicious food and the elegance of his Michelin Star experience without the skyrocketing cost for patrons.

True Bakery brings the finest baked goods and incorporates them into their most prized menu item: the sandwiches. Upon launching his business, Bill included a few different sandwich variations for breakfast and lunch. As he witnessed what a “hit” they were in the Casper community, he continued to expand on the flavor profiles and ingredients he built into his delicious sandwiches. If you are in the area, you must stop in and try at least one of them!

Bill’s company also offers a full-catering spread that has grown wildly popular, especially throughout the holiday season. He shared with our team that they had been extremely busy preparing Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. These meals included protein, dinner rolls, desserts, and many side dishes. In just two days, they sold out on their Thanksgiving catering, and for Christmas, it was just one week for another fully-sold catering spread. Bill is extremely grateful for all of the support he has received through this new product idea.

The owner hopes to use his Level II Sommelier experience to bring a unique twist to fine dining in the downtown area of Casper. He plans to introduce tasting menus with different wines, foods, and flavors. Bill has brought this experience to some groups who have worked with him thus far and knows this will continue to expand as their business brings increased awareness to their services across the community.

Ferments

True Bakery packs a punch with its fermented products. Upon launching, True Bakery offered homemade kimchi and soy sauce alongside their beloved goods. While they have stepped back on these items, fermentation is still crucial for their purchasable five-year-old sourdough starter. This sourdough starter is just as organic as the items they sell in-store and is a kit. The kit has everything you need to make your breads and baked goods from home. Not only this, Bill has written his eBook, The Art of Sourdough. You can find this eBook online here, and inside, you can explore the history of sourdough, its health benefits, recipes, and much more.

The Importance of the Downtown Casper Community

Bill feels the Casper community has been nothing short of welcoming and supportive of the True Bakery mission. Through their work with the Wyoming Food for Thought Project, garnered relationships with Casper’s Copper Cup Coffee Company, and sit-down meals at Eggingtons, Bill knows that his involvement in our downtown area is far from slowing down. The owner of True Bakery is excited to see how these relationships continue to build for himself and other business owners in the downtown area and looks forward to the surplus of tourists and visitors that the state will see as Wyoming experiences its normal seasonal shifts throughout the year.

Organic donuts with some holiday flair in downtown Casper, Wyoming, at True Bakery organic bakery.

With the busyness of the holiday season, True Bakery was also able to give back to a local mission in Casper by donating any excess bulk organic ingredients to help those in need! They will continue to be as involved as possible in any way, shape, or form as they continue to grow their presence in our community.

True Bakery’s Goals and Expansion

As for their internal staff, the bakery is looking to hire another line cook to help with kitchen preparation and a baker to open in the mornings. The owner is excited to continue to grow internally to support the adoration they’ve received from the community thus far.

As for their external presence in Casper, Bill hopes to open another True Bakery location in East Casper. Not only this, but he would love to see them open a warehouse or production facility where they can easily handle their bulk production. These practices include grinding their flour and preparing their meats in a spot that gives them the space to work with all of their fine ingredients. Considering their more long-term goals, Bill would love to open various True Bakery locations across the state of Wyoming, bringing these whole, organic products to citizens from all over the state.

Ending on a Sweet Note…

As True Bakery continues to write its story in downtown Casper, their presence extends beyond the bakery’s doors. The upcoming Bridal Extravaganza at the Ramkota Hotel in Casper this January is a prime opportunity to experience their exceptional catering menu firsthand. Whether planning a grand event or an intimate dinner party, True Bakery’s offerings will elevate any occasion.

True Bakery maintains an active and informative presence online in its growth and community engagement journey. Their Facebook page and website are great spots for discovering their latest creations, retail items, and the inspiring story behind their establishment.

Join us in celebrating and supporting the businesses that make our downtown unique. Share your experiences, favorite finds, and moments of delight with #MyDowntownCasper, and be part of the story that makes downtown Casper a place like no other.

Toy Town in Casper, Wyoming.

Celebrating 38 Years in Downtown Casper: The Enduring Charm of Casper’s Toy Town

Novelty toys and games can seem so sparse in a technologically driven society. While this isn’t necessarily a problem for our younger generations, highlighting a store that takes us back to our childhood and recognizes the fun, kinesthetic part of playing and learning with new toys is incredibly exciting.

If you are new to the downtown Casper area or have yet to stop into the beloved Toy Town, you will be welcomed with the smiles and knowledge of this Casper toy store’s employees and owner. While this store features new and exciting toys fresh in the market, you will also find some novelty items here, such as the iconic LEGO® sets, Barbie dolls, puzzles (of all shapes and sizes), and even Lincoln Logs.

Inside of downtown Casper's Toy Town toy shop.

With over 38 years in downtown Casper, Toy Town has witnessed various seasons, shifts, new construction, and the normal turnover of business. They are a fan-favorite not only by our locals but also with the passerby tourists our town draws in throughout the year.

The 38-Year Journey: From Past to Present

The owner of Casper’s Toy Town, Dalene Lockhart, started her store with her family in mind. After her son was born in 1984, she realized how difficult it was to find the perfect entertainment, learning, and fun toy for her infant. By trusting in the vision, Dalene went “all in” on her new toy store by finding the perfect products, building their mission statement and brand values, and working as hard as she could to launch a spot for those looking for a great toy, game, or activity in the downtown Casper area. Once 1985 rolled around, it was time to open to the public.

Dalene first opened shop where the current Wind City Books is downtown. After three years there, they relocated to where the current Cadillac Cowgirl is until 2015. They then moved to Wolcott Street, which is where the store is still located to this day. This store has never lost its charm through all the moves and changes our beloved Casper has experienced in the last 38 years. There exists a huge sense of loyalty and adoration by its customers. This store has also been named a “generational toy store,” for they have established a presence long enough to see babies grow up and eventually return to the shop for their children.

Dalene also shared with us that since opening and experiencing the changes in marketing and advertising over the years, social media and an online presence alone have been a big opportunity for this small business. You can find Casper’s Toy Town active on both Facebook and Instagram. They also have a great website for information about the business and the many in-store toys, brands, and items they carry!

Peek Inside the Toy Chest

There are numerous brands of toys and games for children (and even adults) of all ages! Whether shopping for a little/loved one or browsing to fulfill a collector item, you can find it all at Casper’s Toy Town. The owner mentioned that when choosing the product line she features that season, she ensures they fill a unique niche that might be missing in our Wyoming town.

Toy Town has various stuffed animals, building items, puzzles, dolls, and more for the little ones. For the collectors or adult gamers, you will even be able to find 18+ games in the store, Funko Pops, and other collectible brands and items. Dalene shared that many of her customers’ “go-to” products are jigsaw puzzles, Go Fish, and other family-friendly/group games that unite everyone.

MAXX ACTION toy motorcycles for kids available at a downtown Casper, Wyoming, toy store called Toy Town.

Barbie dolls at Toy Town toy store in Downtown Casper, Wyoming.

In a market with numerous toys and activities always being created for children and other individuals who enjoy them, choosing the perfect toys that fit the Toy Town toy chest is difficult. However, the owner mentioned that there are various criteria she follows to choose the perfect addition to her store:

It must have play value (even on the level of collectibles).
It must teach something (think problem-solving skills, for example).
It must add to the enjoyment of life!

When looking at these three necessities, you will see that nearly all Toy Town items have their own special or unique details about them that you just can’t find anywhere else. While you won’t find any local items in Toy Town, you will find the most dependable, loved, and trusted brands for your loved ones here. All you have to do is come and see it all for yourself!

Holiday Magic: Gifts, Games, and Glee

When going into any major retailer or chain store, finding many products that are the same or don’t have a unique spin is inevitable. That is why we see our Casper’s Toy Town as a treasure for holiday shopping, especially if you are unsure where to begin your gift-giving for the younger generations.

Many toy manufacturers today are still geared towards building a more hands-on and play-related product, even in a world built on technology and nearly instant communication and information. The physical world demonstrates the need to know how to do things with our hands, solve problems, and build skills. At Toy Town, many toys are chosen from this basic principle. If this sounds up your alley for what you are searching for regarding holiday gifts and surprises, you will be pleased to find various construction toys, stuffed animals, and awesome “stocking stuffer” novelty items here (they even have yo-yos!).

While our downtown toy store is not hosting any more holiday events through the rest of 2023, you must catch the major celebratory happenings in August and November each year. They usually host LEGO®-building competitions and a “play day” with various activities and games so kids, adults, and collectors can come in and experience the various specialties that Toy Town offers their community. To honor their prices year-long, they don’t make any big shifts in pricing during the holiday season; however, you will find “specials” tables throughout the store to snag some deals as you finalize your Christmas shopping this year.

Holiday shopping for all ages can be a unique experience when you enter the store. Toy Town offers some “branded” Toy Town products that make another great gift option for the collectors in your close circle. Their LEGO® options are unlimited, and they have some awesome “World’s Smallest” items to check out! These gifts are unique to this store, and the branded Toy Town products cannot be found anywhere else. Whether you’re coming in knowing exactly what you’re looking for or have no idea where to start for a special someone, you can guarantee that this team will have all you are looking for with your time spent during the holidays in downtown Casper.

Toy Town’s Role in Downtown

Because of their 38-year presence, Dalene has found that her Toy Town is a “destination store.” Each visitor has a unique experience! This local shop gets involved in our Casper events and likes to be a place of “insight and knowledge” for passersby and visitors.

As downtown Casper “vets,” we love talking about the customer experience when you visit this toy store. They have incredible stories and anecdotes for each product, know their product’s functionality and use, and let the experience be in the hands of the customer.

What the customer wants, the customer gets, and we are happy to witness so many involved shoppers and supporters of our local Toy Town!

A Final Reflection on This Casper Wonderland…

Rooted in years of experience and a deep love for the Casper community, Toy Town stands as a beloved mainstay, unwavering in its commitment to meet its loyal customers’ evolving needs and desires.

The moment you enter Toy Town, you are enveloped in an atmosphere brimming with enthusiasm and knowledge, thanks to a team of staff who are as passionate about play and education as they are about customer service. Each visit to Toy Town this holiday season is an opportunity not only to find that perfect, delight-sparking gift but also to immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of our community.

Toy Town resonates with the spirit of Casper. In this space, every interaction – selecting a gift, discussing the latest toy trends, or simply enjoying the festive ambiance – connects you more deeply with our home. Join us in a celebration beyond the holidays as Toy Town continues to unify the people of #MyDowntownCasper year after year.

Frontier Brewery in Casper, Wyoming.

Tapped In: Frontier Brewing’s Brews News

Frontier Brewing has swiftly become a beacon in Casper’s vibrant craft beer landscape. Nestled in the city’s heart since 2017, this brewery has carved out a unique niche, particularly after transitioning to the iconic Fox Theater. The revamped space boasts a sprawling taproom and offers an inviting atmosphere that caters to everyone. Family-friendly by design, Frontier Brewing merges the appeal of classic movie snacks with an ever-evolving lineup of craft beers. It’s a place where weekly new brews meet diverse, year-round entertainment, setting the stage for experiences as rich and varied as the tastes it serves.

Frontier Brewing self-pour station in downtown Casper, Wyoming.

If you are new to the craft brew and brewery scene, craft beers and microbreweries use a more traditional style of brewing ingredients and/or techniques. As for those ingredients, you will find them in nearly all beers, grains, hops, water, and yeast. At Frontier Brewing and many other craft breweries throughout Casper, you will find these basic ingredients or brewing techniques; however, each has its unique flair.

According to the Cowboy State Daily’s article on craft breweries and microbreweries in the US, Wyoming is fifth in the nation per capita, with over 50 breweries across the state. Frontier Brewing creates a special experience within those incredible brewery statistics that ties in the heart with a typical home–brewing process.

Talk about love in a mug, right?

The Origin and Evolution

Still brewing from their original system, the Frontier Brewing team and its owners are pleased with their relocation! While their original spot on 2nd Street was great, they have newfound opportunities to serve their local Casper community best. They have made their “lowkey” spot a huge hit for not only the locals but also for the tourist scene that lies within our Wyoming summers.

Since opening their new taproom, the owners have experienced a new glimpse of inspiration for what will come. On the top of their lists are ways that they can get more involved in getting Casper involved! With more space means more opportunity at Frontier Brewing.

Bar area of brewery at Frontier Brewing in Casper, Wyoming.

New taproom of Frontier Brewing microbrewery in Casper, Wyoming

This business was built from the ground up through the support of the Casper community, especially the brewery-lovers. Without their support, they could not have done it. The manager, Asia Eisenbraun, mentioned that community is essential to any growing process in the business. Since working with our other downtown business owners, we have noticed this as a common theme of discourse: building community builds community, and we are so grateful to witness it amongst our Casper friends and family members.

New Horizons: The Impact of Changing Locations

Asia also shared with the Downtown Development Authority team that it has been incredible to watch the increased support and love that Frontier Brewing has gained since moving to the old Fox Theater. She reiterated how important it is to their creative, community-building process!

“We wanted to do something out of the box.”
Asia Eisenbraun

Since adding nights of live music and comedy shows, they are doing just that: creating a versatile space where there is truly something for everyone. We love to see our local business owners thriving with opportunity! It leaves not only us hopeful for what is to come, but we also hope it inspires you to try out each of these businesses, have a new experience, and see how they contribute to the inviting atmosphere of our downtown Casper area.

Beers and Brewing

As we mentioned earlier, Frontier Brewing’s brewer has a more traditional take on the beer brewing process—gaining years of experience through home-brewing. However, from the flavors to the names of each beer, this brewery provides its original take through its employees, friends, and community members.

How is this done? By paying homage to the people who have impacted their lives.

Asia mentioned that they have a beer on tap named after a late family friend: “The Shteeve.” You will notice other idiosyncrasies like this the more familiar you get with this team. You will also notice various flavors and flavor combinations used at this Wyoming brewery… whether seasonal or a fan-favorite, their creative juices for beer never “tap out.” Instead, they come freshly kegged, ready for their next admirer!

Community Engagement and Culture

Holiday events calendar at downtown brewery, Frontier Brewing, in Casper, Wyoming.

Frontier Brewing wants to be the reason that fellow Wyomingites, beer connoisseurs, and downtown strollers leave their houses and enjoy their time in downtown Casper! Whether you need an afternoon pick-me-up brew or a place to watch evening entertainment with the family, you will never run out of ideas for “things to do” here.

Not only is the brewery a great place to get a snack during the busyness of the day, you can occasionally find local food truck favorites to join your movie theater treat and specially crafted brew. Many locals are especially seen about the brewery when they have extra food to join the pleasant beer. And with good beer and great food, the vibes are high and emanating throughout this business!

One of our local Casper friends shared more of her experience in the brewery with us:

“Frontier Brewery has a different vibe! It is an old movie theater, which makes the entertainment great in the original theater spaces. You can enjoy their drinks, watch musicians, or socialize upfront or in their new taproom. It supports our downtown community and the business owners, and allows local talents and musicians to showcase their specialty in a safe and supportive place. I love hanging out here!”
Makala B., Casper, Wyoming

Let’s Celebrate the Holidays!

While Casper’s Frontier Brewing has no major plans for the holiday season, they have been participating in some local downtown holiday events. The manager shared with us that they collaborate with Casper’s Funky Junk every Saturday for a takeover at the brewery from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. When you attend, you will find various vendors and local creatives you can shop from while finishing your holiday lists. This will continue until December 23, in case you have not had the chance to stop by yet.

Besides this event, they have a beautiful Christmas tree to enjoy while participating in their $50 deal that is running right now. You will get a free pint when you spend $50 on anything at Frontier Brewery. Try out some new brews and cash out on this awesome deal while it lasts.

The Experience

The most important thing to remember at Frontier Brewery is this: make yourself feel at home. The team at the brewery is a family, and they want you to feel just as familiar as they are with each other. Since opening over six years ago, this “mom-and-pop shop” has found its community in its beer-loving friends. Because anyone is welcome there, they have found a great deal of comfort expressed by their customers, especially those looking for a place to bring the whole family to spend time together and with others in their community.

As a brewery, it can be nerve-wracking to compare with the bigger beer brands. Asia stated that she feels they have been able to cater to the “beer aficionados” and those new to the scene. Besides offering alcohol-free refreshments, you will find a selection that fits your needs regardless of your preference—even White Claws are available if you feel like beer is not your drink for the day! Their self-pour service allows new customers to get their beloved “go-to” pint or even try various testers until they find the right match.

Frontier Brewing likes to keep a good IPA (India pale ale) that is nice and hoppy or even a fruity beer on tap as they shift their weekly beers. However, Asia discovered that in a recent study, Malt beers seemed to be the preference for most Wyoming beer drinkers. Because of this, they also craft their beers on tap with this brewing style in mind.

Asia shared that she loves “The Shteeve,” a Belgian wit. If the “wheatier” beer is not your style, the manager mentioned that having an overall feel for your beer (or flavor) preferences is important when finding the perfect option at the brewery. They have regular changes to what is on tap each week, so the brew-picking process always gets to be new, even for the regulars!

Looking Ahead

To keep serving its role in the downtown community, Frontier Brewery hopes to continue its expansion and presence. They aim to attract more visiting crowds and local regulars, especially over the summer, to keep participating in more downtown events, and to host a variety of experiences for everyone to enjoy!

Frontier Brewery also looks to enhance its culinary and beverage offerings, catering to the diverse tastes of food and beer enthusiasts. As the brewery expands, integrating more food and drink options will naturally complement its growth strategy, enriching the overall experience for customers.

Epic shot of the craft beer menu at downtown microbrewery in Casper, Wyoming, called Frontier Brewery.

Moreover, Frontier Brewery is not just about the drinks; it’s about building an inviting community. They invite you to take a break from your holiday shopping and strolling for an elevated beer experience. Here, you’ll find more than just a pint of beer—you’ll discover a hub of camaraderie, culture, and craft.

Join our lovely friends at this small craft brewery, where every visit promises new flavors and warm welcomes. Frontier Brewing isn’t just a destination; it’s a journey into the heart of the #MyDowntownCasper scene.

The Mustard Seed Home Gifts and Garden in Casper Wyoming decoration and home accents store

Moving Mountains With Casper’s Mustard Seed Home, Garden & Gifts!

If you’ve strolled through downtown Casper before, chances are you’ve caught wind of the buzz surrounding Mustard Seed. A discerning eye with a passion for design has meticulously selected every item in this charming store, offering a delightful blend of home goods, apparel, and garden treasures. From captivating home accents to gourmet delights and curated collections tailored for those who aspire to turn their homes into masterpieces, Mustard Seed will have just the right touch for your unique style.

Not only does this store feature all their timeless but season-inspired pieces at all points during the year, the holidays are well-spent in this store, for it is its owner, Sharla Norvelle’s, favorite season to decorate for and pick items for display is the Christmas season.

Holiday decor accents at Casper's Mustard Seed in downtown Casper

Holiday Decor Extravaganza

Sharla shared with us that she adores the holidays in Mustard Seed. You can find all things “sparkly” and “shimmery,” just a few of her favorite “styles” that raise the bar entirely regarding home decor. She loves the spirit of the Christmas season. Adding that little “holiday flair” with matching glass reindeer, themed Christmas trees, and even a few rustic branches for the mantle are great examples of elevating the elements of your home during this time.

Sharla mentioned that she also has a few special ways to give back to her loving Casper family during the holiday season. To be up-to-date on what deals you can snag in-store, follow Mustard Seed’s Facebook and Instagram updates today, over the Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend, and as we approach Christmas. We noticed that Sharla’s team already announced a store-wide 15% off for Black Friday, so don’t forget to take advantage of this as you’re shopping for all of your loved ones in downtown Casper.

The Mustard Seed will not participate in any downtown holiday business events… YET! Since they have moved from their original 1st Street location and are in their second year at 117 E 2nd Street, they are still working on grounding themselves there, building connections with the new foot traffic and neighbors, and building the storefront of their dreams. However, their doors will be wide open for new and recurring customers during the holidays, and they look forward to meeting more of the Casper community in the coming months and years.

Creating a Casper Community

The store’s owner shared a bit of her history and how it led to her two successful home goods stores here in downtown Casper since she started in 2017.

Sharla has always held a deep love for design, and as a natural-born creative and cosmetologist for 20 years, it was time for her to hang up her smock to focus on her passion for home design. She originally began doing a few side projects for friends and family before holding a few trunk shows out of her garage. She graduated from her home garage into her first store.

Since opening her original store and transitioning into a bigger store “a little down the way,” Sharla has felt nothing but gratitude for the supporters she has had and gained over the years.

I am blown away by all of the support from the Casper community. The support has just been amazing.

Mustard Seed storefront in Casper Wyoming downtown

Decorated Christmas Tree in Mustard Seed in downtown Casper Wyoming

Sharla has relished the influx of new customers in her new location and witnessed the growth of her business and neighboring establishments. With enthusiasm, she shared the news of a friend opening a nearby bookstore and the neighborhood joy with the prospect of more stores and restaurants joining the community. The collaborative effort to sustain these businesses and foster community expansion is thrilling.

Being a downtown business owner has allowed Sharla to connect with other entrepreneurs. She mentioned to us that there is something incredibly unique about being a business owner from Wyoming and continuing to plant one’s roots in Wyoming when developing one’s career. She loves that Casper has a downtown community with plenty of heart and inspiration to continue to build this incredible area.

Like several businesses we’ve engaged with recently, Sharla also expressed her excitement for increased involvement. Identifying herself as a “mover and shaker,” she thrives on adapting to new trends, events, and developments. Anticipating an active role in community building, she is eager to explore opportunities for creating events as a business owner that will foster engagement here, too.

Your One-Stop-Shop for Home, Gifts and Garden

Sharla wants your experience to be just what you’d expect to find with a mustard seed: a hope that sprouts into a significant blessing! For any newbies to Mustard Seed or our seasoned visitors, you’ll experience something new and inviting when you walk in for the first time or the 100th time. The store should ultimately feel “like home,” with warmth, invitation, and embrace!

To make that visit even more unique, Sharla wanted us to share a few “insider” secrets with all of you for visiting her store:

Take each space at a time. Decorating a home can be challenging. Focus on one space, create your vision, and execute it with our in-store guides.
Don’t rush the process!
Don’t try to tackle too much all at once. Our spaces and interests are constantly changing, as Sharla mentioned earlier. It is essential to be mindful during this process and work with a team that makes you ready to face all your home decor wants head-on.

As for what you’ll find upon arrival? A little bit of all the things you love. The store’s owner shared that she is obsessed with throw pillows, so you will find plenty in-store to add that little extra touch to your home decor styling. You will also find pieces that may sway more rustic, artsy, eclectic, and even more clean and minimalist if that is your jive. To sum it up, Mustard Seed is great for expressing those “guilty pleasures” that come to our mind when we get on a decorating and styling spurt.

Holiday decor display in downtown Casper, Wyoming's Mustard Seed Home Gifts and Garden

Visit #MyDowntownCasper’s Mustard Seed Home, Gifts, and Garden, and let your inner designer out as you work with this incredible team. They wanted us to share as we concluded that they are incredibly grateful for your support over the last few years and look forward to welcoming you in and working with you, whether you’re a first-timer or a tenth-timer.

The Wild Lunch Market lunch spot in Casper Wyoming

Casper’s Newest Cinema Cafe: The Wild Lunch Market

We are calling all our Wyoming foodies to jump back in time and step into the wonderful Wild Lunch Market, our new neighbor in the downtown Casper area. Located at 124 E 2nd Street, this cute cafe is perfectly located amongst our downtown Casper natives, adding a quick pit-stop for your afternoon pick-me-up during your holiday-shopping stroll…

The Wild Lunch Market is a Hollywood classic, to say the least. Their menu items mirror your favorite timeless movies, such as Married to the Mob, Monsters, Inc., and The Terminator. Not only are the names tailored to fans of these classic films, but the backstory for this business owner, Bonnie Curtis-Odell, draws on an admiration for movies, creating her cafe based on her and her father’s love for Hollywood and other Hollywood-inspired cafes and stores from her childhood.

To mention just a few of the delicious items she has created and tailored to her unique vision, here is your sneak peek at The Wild Lunch Market’s menu:

The When Turkey Met Pesto Sandwich: smoked turkey, muenster, red peppers, dill pickles, romaine, a side of Mustard League Mustard Sauce, and a side of pesto mayonnaise
The Yell Raiser: a chocolate raspberry jalapeno cake with chocolate frosting and a raspberry glaze
The Beauty and the Cheese Soup: Saturday beer cheese soup of the day

… and many more! If you want to start early, go ahead and take a look at their menu here. Some of their most popular items we also wanted to mention are the Hazed and Amused hazelnut tarts and the My Big, Fat, Greek Salad.

A Taste of Nostalgia

We have seen and continue to see many incredible businesses in downtown Casper and throughout our state, highlighting the rich histories many of us love remembering and honoring. Whether in food, art, or home decor, touching on these childhood moments is not a lost practice.

Bonnie shared with our downtown Casper team a little insight into where her love for her business first began:

My dad was a huge movie “buff,” and as soon as I was old enough to sit up, he made me his little movie-watching buddy. He passed away ten years ago, and he actually grew up in the town of Hollywood and loved the classic Hollywood delis that were everywhere. So, he raised me on all of his favorite classic deli sandwiches, which stuck with me when I started cooking and contributed to a lot of my recipes. Then, when I was trying to decide if I should make the jump and open my own place, I randomly found an old menu from my dad’s favorite deli when I was going through a box in my attic. I knew instantly exactly what I should do. The menu is now framed on the wall of my shop by the front door.

To say this business is built from the heart is an understatement. We are honored to meet with new business owners who bring their stories from inside and outside of Wyoming to life right before their eyes! While Bonnie did not grow up in Hollywood, she integrated her upbringing in Casper, Wyoming, with her experiences with her dad into The Wild Lunch Market, which ties in our Wyoming community and pieces of pop culture that are universally loved worldwide.

Aside from her love for movies, Bonnie has worked in the Casper service industry since she was 16. She recalled being a front-of-house employee at a local restaurant that experienced a loss in the kitchen and was called back there to pick up the pieces… Ever since that moment, cooking has not only taken away her anxiety, it has inspired her beyond her wildest dreams—perfectly fit for an owner of The Wild Lunch Market.

A Gem Built for the Casper Community

Bonnie has loved her experience thus far as a downtown business owner. She shared with us that her overall goal upon starting her business was to be the place for everyone. Our downtown Casper community is full of different businesses in all industries. There is no “one size fits all” when classifying each of them. However, one thing they all have in common is that their time is valuable. She wanted to create a lunch spot where anyone can find something they love at a great price and in a timely manner. So, if you’re looking for a nice place to sit down with friends and enjoy a delicious meal or a quick stop during your day, The Wild Lunch Market is just for you.

This small business owner has found a way to connect with all her ideal customers and has made incredible connections thus far with the neighboring businesses in her area.

There are some incredibly warm and encouraging people next door. I could not imagine having better neighbors.

As for the upcoming seasons, she is looking forward to another summer filled with new faces visiting Wyoming for its beautiful temperatures and even more incredible scenery, as well as the familiar holiday shoppers that are making their way to the downtown area for the Christmas parade, and all of their holiday needs! Bonnie also looks forward to establishing her roots as a popular lunch spot and eventually opening up with a bigger space, creating a drive-through window for all of the “on-the-goers” that need something quick and delicious, and partnering with other local businesses to keep her fresh grab-and-go items in their stores as well!

As for the Holidays…

With the cool Wyoming temperatures, we may hesitate to go outside and visit our local businesses. Nevertheless, we must support our locals by showing up and supporting their cause!

The Wild Lunch Market will be staying open late with hot cocoa and plenty of fresh cookies for this year’s upcoming Casper Christmas Parade, so be sure to stop in and check out all of their unique delicacies and get familiar with Bonnie, her best friend, and her incredible mom who have been so helpful in creating the owner’s dream business!

Also, in time for the holiday season, Bonnie will be featuring unique grab-and-go items, hot sandwiches, and mac-and-cheese flavors that are cycled out daily and weekly and even hold a little holiday flair as we approach the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.

Check out The Wild Lunch Market online or on social media, follow their page, and stay up to date with them. And if you’re ready to embark on a cinematic culinary journey, visit The Wild Lunch Market and discover the perfect blend of Hollywood nostalgia and Wyoming charm in every bite here in #MyDowntownCasper.

The Christmas Store in downtown Casper at Sierra West

The Ultimate Christmas Store: Sierra West

What are some of the first questions that pop into your mind regarding the holiday season?

Are you wondering where to go for your seasonal home decor?

Are you concerned with finding great, “all-encompassing” stores for Christmas shopping in your area?

Or is all of the above leading you to feel overwhelmed with the pressure of the holidays?

For all of our rustic home decor lovers passing through or living in the Casper area, we have your next go-to spot for all your Christmas decorating and home decorating needs: Sierra West.

Sierra West Brings Rustic Elegance and Charm

Sierra West Christmas Shopping The Christmas Store downtown Casper

Judy Anderson, owner and full-time presence at Sierra West (except for Sundays), holds a deep affection for her downtown Casper store. In the family since 1988, the shop stands as a cherished gift. Initially started by Judy’s daughter, who later relocated to Minnesota, the holiday ambiance within the store remains as vibrant as its inception. Despite the distance, the festive spirit is shared by Judy and her daughter, who makes the journey to Casper each Thanksgiving to lend a helping hand to her mom and the other employees during the bustling holiday season (be sure to drop by and say “Hi!” amidst the Thanksgiving cheer).

As someone who loves and appreciates interior design, Judy recognizes the “perfect fit” that Sierra West has in her life. She originally studied interior design, and after serving as a Manor Heights teacher for some time, she was blessed with returning to her passion full-time by running this store.

At Sierra West, you will find various home decor styles. However, Judy states that her intention for each piece is not to be fancy but to be “neat.” Many of her recurring shoppers, along with the new ones, love paintings and other unique wall art pieces found here. Not only this, but her hides, which range from small runners to large area room rugs, are some of her top-selling items! These hides are all 100% authentic and are of exquisite quality as well.

Cross Off Your Christmas Wish List

When the holidays feel a bit “much,” turn your attention to the “Santa” of holiday decor shopping… Sierra West! Transforming into the “North Pole” of holiday decor shopping every year, Judy’s store, also labeled as “The Christmas Store,” unveils a spectacular array of festive treasures. Picture hundreds of meticulously arranged items, each with the spirit of the season, awaiting their unique home through the holiday shoppers. Judy shared with the DDA team that she has over 82 fully decorated Christmas trees available in-store—enough to cover not only the lower level of the shop but the main level as well! While we know that decorating a Christmas tree is one of the most fun holiday traditions we partake in, the truth is, we sometimes don’t know where even to begin, especially when the holidays seem to sneak up on us so quickly…

The Christmas Store in downtown Casper with season home decor and Christmas Trees already decorated

Wyoming-themed Christmas tree at The Christmas Store in downtown Casper at Sierra West

Judy and her team prepare a store full of your favorite Christmas goodies and go-tos to take the load off. You can find it all here, whether it’s a garland for the mantle or an advent calendar for the little ones. To make your holiday shopping experience a little merrier, the owner told us she will run holiday decor sales from nearly 20-30% off on all items.

Yes, you read that right—all items in Sierra West are included in this incredible sale!

The Sierra West Experience

When you step into Sierra West, you naturally feel like family. If you’ve been in Casper for a while, you may even know the lovely Judy outside of the store as well. And if you do, you know you are nothing less than her friend!

Judy shared that she loves having new and old visitors inside her store. She also stated that being in the downtown Casper area brings many “… interactions that just give her light.” She appreciates the sociability aspect of her role first and foremost, with all of her many different “hats” as a business owner. She mentioned:

“I love it every minute I am here. I could never resent a minute that I am here because I just love it. If I did not love this work, I wouldn’t be here.”

Christmas Tree Store in downtown Casper at The Christmas Store aka Sierra West

To say the least, Sierra West is a store full of heart. It is evident here, especially in holiday decorating and the overall essence of the holiday spirit. If you are looking for somewhere that brings the Christmas “wow factor” and makes your shopping experience personalized and unique to you and your family’s needs and wants, this is the place to go!

If you are hesitant to start your seasonal decorating this early into the holidays, be sure to catch Miss Judy and other members of the Sierra West team at this year’s local Chocolate Walk and the Business Expo that is happening within the next few weeks.

We’ll see you in #MyDowntownCasper, holiday shoppers!

Small Business Highlight: Wyoming Camera Outfitters

Wyoming Camera Outfitters opened shop nearly ten years ago as a storefront in downtown Casper. Not only do we get to enjoy this fantastic store here in our local town, Jackson, Wyoming, is also home to another storefront. Looking for camera and video gear online can sometimes be an overwhelming experience — filled with reviews, opinions, and an abundance of options. The employees and owner of Wyoming Camera Outfitters, with their native camera experience, can be the help and advice you are looking for. Whether you’re in the market for new equipment or just need some insights into a future endeavor or purchase, visiting this place should be at the top of your to-do list. After completing a quick interview with the owner and being regulars at the store, we are here to provide you with the in-depth knowledge you need to assure you will be their next visitor!

Wyoming Camera Outfitters's Outside Storefront

A Friendly Greeter

If you haven’t entered the store before, you will be in for quite a treat when you walk through that front door. Bridger, a smiley and loving furbaby, comes to work with the store owner, Chris, each and every day. It can also be noted that Bridger is quite possibly the best salesman that exists in the store (outside of the amazing people that will greet you.)

A Bit About Wyoming Camera Outfitters

Wyoming Camera Outfitters has demonstrated its presence as a local favorite for many years. However, not everyone may know that it was inspired to provide a unique, local experience for novice and advanced creators alike. Because of its longevity in the Casper area, this store has allowed for the opportunity to connect with a wide range of individuals. Chris noted that the most memorable part of having a storefront is not only assisting the shopping experience for many individuals but it also providing him and the employees with valuable relationships with other downtown shoppers and merchants. The store’s employees and owner admire the interpersonal bonds that have been created. It can be noted that the customer experience is at the top of their list! When a person, or people, walks through that front entryway, the employees recognize that every need may be different, and they know how to tailor that interaction to what best suits them. Visitors may range from out-of-towners passing through Wyoming to visit Devils Tower, Hells Half Acre, or another breathtaking landmark. These visitors may also be Casper locals just returning to their favorite place.

What Will You Find in the Store?

There are limitless camera and video-related products in the store. To name a few, you can find brands such as Canon, Sony, Tamron, and GoPro. The shop also has accessories you may need for filming and photography such as tripods, drones, and car mounts, and for us iPhone content creators out there, you will find accessories like high-quality microphone setups and iPhone-compatible tripods as well.

Inside of the store at Wyoming Camera Outfitters.

The owner also let us in on a little secret. His personal favorite, and top-selling product, is the Canon mirrorless camera. These cameras are great for all different kinds of subjects and environments. They’re extremely versatile and each and every customer that has been recommended this awesome piece of technology has not been disappointed. In fact, they have enjoyed every bit of time spent using the item.

What Our Friends Are Saying About This Shop

Local photographer, videographer, content creator, and storyteller, Adam Amick, has not only been a recurring and loyal customer at Wyoming Camera Outfitters, he has even partnered with them on a variety of website videos. Adam shared with us a bit more about his experiences with the store:

Wyoming Camera Outfitters is one of the best businesses in Wyoming. They always support my small business by always having what I need and being able to get it for me right away. I run a video production company that requires high-end needs, with demanding turnaround time, and Wyoming Camera Outfitters always delivers. I would not be in business if it weren’t for them as they’ve gone above and beyond their duties as a camera shop. I was loaned my first full-frame camera (5DMark3) when my APC crop sensor camera body was stolen from my car. Wyoming Camera Outfitters wouldn’t have it and made sure I was still able to operate by loaning me a camera. I consider them family and I am genuinely thankful to have them right here in Casper and Jackson, Wyoming! Be sure to support this local business as they will always price match any major dealer. I 10/10 recommend.
Adam Amick, Casper, Wyoming

We here at Downtown Development Authority of Casper have also used Wyoming Camera Outfitters for some guidance and products as well. Brooke Montgomery, a Social Media Manager, Designer, and Coordinator at David Street Station, had some insights on this local business to share for the blog!

Wyoming Camera Outfitters has been a beneficial resource for our team at David Street Station! Between helping us purchase the most ideal camera and video equipment for our specific needs, to providing us with photography lessons, they have helped our organization enhance our content and marketing efforts. We greatly appreciate this local business, and hope others will support them too!
Brooke Montgomery, Casper, Wyoming

What Is Coming for New and Returning Customers?

While expanding storefronts may not be the goal for this shop for 2022, customer experience and education are! Next weekend, October 15, will be one of many great learning opportunities at Hells Half Acre with the Tamron lenses master Jonathan Thorpe. If you happen to be looking for more workshops, you can check out the “Events” option in your desired location on the store’s website.

Wyoming Camera Outfitters cannot wait for you to come in and visit their store! Share with us some of your favorite products or experiences you have had with this great place. We are pleased to have their presence in our local downtown community.