From The Hive to Fiona's Bartique
Rene Verduin came to the North Fork Valley to help her sister Julie at her cafe "Root & Vine" — and stayed to build something of her own. With her family, Rene set out to turn a once-utilitarian building on Grand Avenue, known locally as The Hive, into a cocktail lounge that would bring the community together.
Working with contractor Steve Wilson, she filled the room with reclaimed Northern California wood floors, a 100-year-old repurposed redwood bar top, a fresco-inspired mural, a working fireplace, and pink antique chandeliers — details you can still find throughout the lounge today.
When Rene's mother sold her bed and breakfast of 30 years in Winter Park, the family found themselves with a room full of antiques — and nowhere to put them. That room became the Antique Annex, with its own entrance right next to the bar.
Fiona's brand is inspired by Rene's faithful Colorado Mountain Dog.
