Construction begins on new Mentone Hitching Post

Just over four and a half years since the former Mentone Hitching Post was destroyed in a fire, construction is officially underway for a new and improved space.

Property owners Rick and Mary Gresham Barr have teamed up with Elevation Bistro owner Kevin Dunlap to create a new destination for Mentone visitors.

The new development will be back at the familiar location near the intersection of Highway 117 and Scenic Drive.

“When you come up the mountain, this will be one of the first things you’ll see. It’ll give everybody a taste of what Mentone is going to be like.”

Rob Hammond, Mentone mayor

What will go into the new Hitching Post?

The former historic building was lost after a fire in February 2023. Previously, the site served as:

• Store
• Post office
• Soda fountain
• Music venue
• Small business booths

The new development wants to honor the site’s history and include a larger home for a new farm-to-table restaurant Elevation, with additional details to come as construction continues.

For generations, the Hitching Post meant you had arrived in Mentone. Today, project partners and community leaders gathered to help bring life back to that familiar corner.

Mentone Hitching Post on social media

The Barrs purchased the property in fall 2025 with the goal of honoring the history while creating a place where residents and visitors could gather again.

Rick Barr described the project as an opportunity to serve Mentone through jobs, revenue, meals and a gathering place at the center of town.

Architect Joel Leonard of Leonard Design Architects said the design team devoted considerable attention to the site’s history and how the new building would pay homage to what stood there for more than 100 years.