By TROY VINCENT
Over the past 10 years, Bear Naked BBQ has proudly operated a successful food truck and catering business based in Palmer. As longtime Palmer residents, we decided it was time to expand into a restaurant setting. This town holds a special place in our hearts, and we were excited to contribute to its culinary scene by establishing a permanent restaurant.
In May 2024, we purchased the “Just Sew” building at 579 S. Alaska St., located just north of the Palmer Depot in a prime downtown location. To make this purchase, I sold another investment property, fully aware that retrofitting the building into a restaurant would require an additional $1 million. Despite the financial challenges, we felt confident about moving forward.
The building is located in the historic corridor, which limited its seating capacity to just 20 due to parking requirements. However, there was an established provision called a “parking waiver,” which had historically never been denied. With this in mind, we submitted a request for a parking waiver to the city council. The hearing was publicly announced, giving community members 30 days to express their support or opposition.
What we didn’t anticipate was unexpected opposition from the owners of Vagabond Blues and the Valley Hotel, businesses located near and across the street from our property. Unbeknownst to us, they arranged an emergency meeting with the city’s zoning and planning department and city council just five days before our scheduled hearing. During this meeting, they successfully pushed for the immediate termination of the parking waiver program—effectively blocking our request.
When I attended my scheduled meeting, I had no idea the parking waiver program had already been terminated. It became painfully clear when a council member stated, “Well, based on what we did five days ago, I could hardly approve this.”
The local businesses I mentioned, along with the chairwoman of the zoning and planning committee, made negative and blatantly false statements about me and my business. I was completely unprepared for such hostility.
Before purchasing this building, I had watched the Invest in Palmer video—a polished presentation touting how welcoming Palmer is to new businesses. Unfortunately, my experience has been the exact opposite.
Now, I’m left with limited options. To comply I would have to turn my 4,800-square-foot building into a restaurant that serves only 20 people. With nearly $2 million invested in this project, it’s hard to see a path forward that makes financial sense. Not only would it be incredibly difficult to generate enough revenue to cover costs, but I am so frustrated with the city of Palmer that I no longer feel motivated to contribute to its tax base.
So, what’s next? Do I continue this uphill battle, or do I cut my losses, sell the building, and walk away?
Troy Vincent is co-owner of Bare Naked BBQ. He says that since writing this and posting it on Facebook, he has learned that this has happened to other people who have tried to open businesses in downtown Palmer, and it’s still unclear to him if there is a parking waiver program in effect.
Palmer is just a real chit show. Why would anyone want to live on that side of the valley is beyond me. Move to wasilla and open your business over here you will be a lot happier.
Dude! Shut up! Wasilla is over crowded as it is, Palmer just needs to get rid of the Democrats
Right.
Worst traffic than anything in Anchorage.
Chain restaurants.
Big Box stores everywhere.
A lot of trailer park trash – everybody in the Valley knows what I’m talking about – Williwaw much?
Other than that it’s great!
Williwaw is not inside Wasilla city limits. So it’s in the Wasilla area, but not in Wasilla.
Hey Pal, Wasilla isn’t over crowded, uh huh sure it is.. Palmer never getting rid of the liberals.
I have lived in Palmer for 50 years, In no way in Hell would I choose to live in Wasilla. It has turned in to a suburb of Anchorage. It has become a traffic nightmare and keeps getting worse.
As far as politic’s in Palmer it is who you know that gets what you want. It’s sad that a few people control bussiness growth in Palmer. Vagabond and the Hotel are onwed by familys who have been in Palmer more years than I can remember.
They know how things work in this small town and who to ask for favors.
Shame on you Vagabound and the hotel, you worry about compition, yet Bear Naked BBQ has a menu that is totally different from yours. Looks like I wont be going to Vagbound nor the Hotel anymore. Palmer has a better option “Sunrise Grill” they repect everyones rights and have a much better menu, if you haven’t eaten there you should try it.
Yeah because all the clowns driving over here from Palmer to shop. If you all didn’t have such a anti business city council you would have all the stores Wasilla has. Maybe you are part of the problem.
Sorry to tell you I avoid Wasilla as much as I can, Wasilla can keep their stores. Seems people move to Alaska to get away from the crowded places they lived and live in a different life style, but then they want what they had where they lived……. and before you know it is just like the place they left.
Wasilla is a Suburb of Las Anchorage…….
The reason there are more stores in Wasilla can be traced to the decision to construct the Parks Highway. If you look at a map what you see is Wasilla is a natural crossroads and is surrounded by plentiful developable land. Once Palmer was cut off from the route from Anchorage to the interior its destiny was set despite what planners and organizers think. I have lived in Palmer (area and city) for thirty years and don’t plan on moving out.
Palmer is corrupt and has outright thieves along corrupt judges as well.
Any business that would be in direct competition should be disqualified from protesting against said business applicant.
I really do hate politics!
Troy: I’m sorry this happened to you. Alaska is no longer the land of opportunity. It’s become a place for NIMBYs and people who have made it and don’t want anyone else to!
IMHO there is a big under service area on the Parks in the area from the Glenn turnoff and Parks. Before Walmart. There is nothing. There’s a big housing project right off the parks from trunk road. Utilities are in. Not sure of land cost but it might be cheaper to new build and get what you want. I tell you that the sound of a good barbecue restaurant sounds really good to me. Good luck. PS I really think the other establishments around your building know it would be a draw from their business so that’s why they are throwing a cog in your wheel. Good luck.
well, welcome to the dirty world of small town cut throats.
We got them in Juneau also. It is an incestuous group for sure.
It seems some inappropriate and unethical things happened here. For those who don’t know, this location (even when it was “Just Sew” has 4 parking spots associated with it. Most (but not all) other businesses in downtown Palmer have a large rear parking lot. However, for convenience, most people prefer to park curbside on the street. On Sunny summer afternoons, parking to Vagabonds (and other shops) can line the street for blocks on both sides. These same businesses complain loudly about a summer event called “Friday Flings”. They have managed to limit the number of Food Trucks. But attendees to this popular event still take up parking spots these businesses covet for their customers. They say the new restaurant plans to have seating for up to 80 people. They can easily image 70+vehicles lining the street and hogging all the good parking spots. Another popular eating establishment on another street does have a parking waiver. It has no parking lot, and vehicles line the street. It’s just that the Palmer business district is so small…part of its charm! There just isn’t room for building new buildings, and folks coveting this location often must play the waiting game and keep their ears open. When a place comes up, it’s usually already sold w/o ever hitting the market! Not crazy about the BBQ name and seeing it in big letters on the side of the building, but it’s terrific food and there is no other BBQ place in downtown Palmer, so a lot of folks were naturally really excited about a new eatery. I enjoy both Vagabonds (a coffee shop) and the Valley Hotel Restaurant which serves a plateful of food at a good price and has a hard-working staff. The place is often packed, as is the coffee shop. But it sounds like there’s a real conflict of interest in this situation. I love life in Palmer having grown up in Anchorage. Moved out here 12 years ago and love the cute little shops and eateries. Hate to hear when things like this happen. Wish the guy all the best!
How can I leave a Reply
Hit reply. Duh.
Bear Naked Posted Inaccurate Facts re Waiver Denial. Valley Hotel or Vagabond Blues Didn’t & Couldn’t arrange emergency City Council and P&Z meeting. Waiver program Never Terminated. Look up June 20 & June 25 Packet or listen June 25 on ‘www.bigcabbageradio.org
At June 20, City Council asked P&Z to look at code w/ High Parking Businesses. This Evaluation Changed Nothing in Current & did Not Terminate parking waiver. I spoke during Participation against it due to parking. See June 25 packet pg 68 As built Zero on-site parking, Pg 72 BBQ Stating up to 130 Seats, Pg 73 that Shows code 17.64.050 for Active Waiver that was Not Terminated. City Council Suspended Rules to allow Troy unlimited time to provide additional info. I know others looked at Building & City explained parking. The Building is Grandfathered in for Retail use & the Apartment Below. The BBQ would be good addition to Palmer. Hope Troy & Andrea find space that fits Business & Parking needs. I ask you look up the facts as I am defending the False Statements against me & My Business. Thank you, Michelle Kincaid w/ Valley Hotel.
Thank you for more information and taking time to post. I hadn’t read this yet when I posted below. The city is bound by open meetings statute like all other gov entities. I do hope the Vincents can make it work as it would be fun to have their fare added to the dining choices in Palmer. I think it would be another draw also. We all would still frequent VHo and Vagabond!
If Pal we and those restaurants didn’t abide by the Open Records Act – get an attorney and SUE them.
One thing Palmer politicos understand – Recalls and Law Suits.
So, you 100% support the parking waiver and business?
Simple answer to Palmer’s parking problems is for the city to buy the water tower property and Crowley fuels downtown location and turn it into a parking lot. That would enhance all of downtown’s parking quagmire. Traffic in Palmer has gotten to be a genuine problem. As for this guys problems with the city of Palmer I have had exactly the opposite experience, they have been great to deal with.
Not a bad idea!
The city of Palmer has to abide by the open meetings act which is Alaska state statute 44.62.310. The emergency meeting would have to be publicly posted and minutes would also need to be available to the public. I don’t think they can legally hold a private emergency meeting without any notification.
With that said, I have never thought Palmer had a huge parking problem. There are so many side streets one can park on and just walk. Certainly more parking for events such as Colony Days or Colony Christmas would be really helpful but for restaurants we have never had a problem parking in Palmer to eat someplace. The fare of the proposed restaurant is entirely different from either Palmer or Valley Hotel so I would not think competition would be an issue. I find all of this surprising as the owners of both establishment are reasonable people running very successful businesses that wouldn’t be greatly affected by another restaurant. Is there more to this story?
I’ve seen Mr. Vincent’s comments here and on FB. Nobody that I am aware of has talked to Vagabond’s or the Valley Hotel to get their side of the story or anyone from the City of Palmer. These folks invested $2 million without having adequate parking? Something does not add up.
I wish Palmer would get better food options. The old standbys aren’t enough and unfortunately the quality food places are very limited in the valley. A good BBQ place in the valley would be a welcome sight. Especially in the Palmer area.
What?
Palmer is better than Wasilla – if you don’t want ultra processed fast food.
Valley Hotel
Pizza Delphia
Matanuska Brewery
Bleeding Heart brewery
Palmer Ale House
Turkey Reds
Noisy Goose
Al Best Philly
Palmer Bar
May Thai food
Klondikes
Feather and Flower
Fishhook Bar
The Fern
And others.
Oh yeah, we don’t Carl Jrs or KFC…
They could open a bakery and coffee shop instead and offer those of us who are tired of waiting in line at Vagabonds another option. The other healthy coffee bar and wellness beverage place just down the street is really close, and does well too.
We would love to see a place that offers something to the conservative population. Unfortunately a lot of Palmer has been plagued by some very liberal folks setting up shop (on the heels of 2020 influx money). Sure would love to see Palmer get back to some of its original glory.
Palmer City Council should do what ever they can to provide new business especially food establishments. Selection is extremely limited. The council needs to stand up and state what their vision is for Palmer. Then the voters can decide where the city is going
“…….. I am so frustrated with the city of Palmer that I no longer feel motivated to contribute to its tax base.
So, what’s next? Do I continue this uphill battle, or do I cut my losses, sell the building, and walk away?……..”
Cut your losses and flee. Times are going to get tougher, not easier.
As a 50 year Valley resident myself, the current Palmer City government kerfuffle is tickling my anger gland. The media isn’t helping. I’m still trying to determine the hiring responsibility of our recently well paid, fired city manager. Obviously, the mayor hired him, but did the city council consent and confirm? Were they told of his previous employment history? I PAID FOR THIS GUY’S SEVERANCE BONUS! Every core area Valley resident that shops in Palmer and Wasilla pay for city services, but do not fully enjoy its benefits. My specific problem is police. I like the fact that, when in Palmer, I enjoy police protection. But as a core area resident, if I need police at my home, and I call, neither Palmer or Wasilla Police are coming.
This looks like the classic ideological war between the “conservatives” (people resentful of local taxes) and the “liberals” (people feeding on those taxes like lampreys), and the payers of those taxes get to clean up the resulting mess. This is an old, old feud and is most often seen in school politics. It’s looking like Carrington and crew hired a pit bull to attack spending, and their pit bull ended up earning them a lawsuit in short order after it bit the wrong guy.
Another beef?: Must Read Alaska just informed me that the Mayor Carrington recall was approved by 25% of the electorate in the previous election; just 71 voters!! So just 284 voters (or, more accurately, 51% of 284 voters, or 145 voters) have complete power over the sales tax expenditures for the Palmer side of the Core Area’s estimated population of 75,000+ residents, and growing fast. This is astounding!!! You’ve got a very, very few people (one was mentioned in this article……not by name) controlling the tax revenue of thousands of people who have no voice whatsoever. This is clearly taxation without representation, and on a grand scale.
I don’t know if you folks remember the 1975 conversion from the Anchorage Borough to the Municipality of Anchorage, but I sure do. It was begun for reasons just like this.
This kind of corruption in Palmer had better get cleaned up in short order, or bigger problems are on their way. Heck, I’d love to start some of them myself………..
Invested $2 million dollars to open a restaurant in Palmer? Without having adequate parking? I believe either someone is exaggerating, has very little business experience particularly restaurant experience or is just looking for a pity party. Two million dollars is a lot of bbq to sell to realize a future profit. None of this pencils out.
Kind of typical for small towns with incestuous relationships between council members and business owners. The meeting should never have been allowed to happen.
Any legal remedies?
Bear Naked BBQ Intentionally Posted False information to Discredit 2 Local Palmer Businesses.
Troy Vincent Co-Owner Posted False Accusations on Facebook Page, Mat-Su News & Must Read Alaska Column
BBQ Falsely Claimed hearing was publicly announced 30 Days in Advance.
False, it’s Announced 4 days before meeting on the Fri. Prior to meeting.
False, it is not a hearing, BBQ was listed on Agenda under Action Memoranda No. 24-034
It’s Posted in Newspaper and Posted on City Website, Upcoming Meeting Agenda & Agenda Packet.
BBQ Falsely stated Opposition arranged an Emergency Meeting.
Regular City Council Meeting are on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the Month.
Meeting on any other Date would be Called a Special Meeting.
Special City Council Meeting with Planning & Zoning is Set by City Clerk & initiated way in advance.
The City Clerk & City Manager Decide the Agenda.
City Council has Joint Meeting at least Once a Year or sometimes Twice a Year with Planning & Zoning.
BBQ Falsely stated Waiver program was Terminated. It was Not!
To change Code, City Council creates Amended Ordinance.
It goes to Planning & Zoning for recommendations then Back to City Council.
BBQ Falsely claimed Businesses & Chairwoman made false statements about him and his business.
Troy was Not meet with any Hostility. You can Listen to June 25th meeting http://www.bigcabbageradio.org
BBQ States he’s left with limited options.
The Building is Grandfathered in for Retail use & the Apartment Below.
I know others looked at Building & City explained parking.
Troy spoke with nearby Owner to purchase some property.
He said he would not go forward with the Just Sew purchase if he could not acquire any.
At the June 20th Joint Meeting,
Local Business Owners spoke during 3 min Audience Participation re Parking.
It has been talked about for years & was included in ?2005 Comp Plan as ongoing issue.
City Council asked Planning & Zoning to look at code in regards to High Parking Businesses.
The Future Code Evaluation, Changed Nothing in Current Code & did Not Terminate parking waiver.
At the June 25th Joint Meeting,
Local Business did speak during Audience Participation against it due to parking issues.
Spoke re Actual Restaurant parking use 1 space for 2 Seats meaning a lot more Cars than outdated 1 per 5 code.
City Council Suspended the Rules to allow Troy unlimited time to provide additional information.
Troy said he would Reduce his max 130 Seating & ask his Customers Not to park in the Depo Lot.
The he said he would tell them to park across street in parking Lot. * Get his exact quote
It’s on Big Cabbag he states it in 1:53:00 or 2:10:00 in his additional time.
It was Property I own, it’s Paking for Koslosky’s & Valley Hotel.
Troy felt is was OK to send his Customers to Another Businesses parking lot that they Privately Own.
Note, there’s only 2 Legal Parking Spots adjoining Just Sew Building, 1 in Front & 1 Behind.
That is Why Andrea w/ BBQ Waiver request Letter Stated only 2 parking spaces limiting them to 10 customers.
City changed to 4 counting Illegal parking like Yellow Cross Walk & back unmarked Colony set back.
See the June 25th packet, pg 69 As built w/ Zero on-site parking & pd 72 BBQ stating up to 130 seats max
History
Palmer’s Parking issues has been talked about for Years.
Palmer Parking Codes are split into 2 Areas. Central Business District & the Rest of Palmer.
In apx 2005 they Created the CBD with reduced Parking Requirement & option for Parking Waiver.
I’ve personally Talked about interpretation is wrong & Prior Community Development looked at it Differently.
17.64.050, Central Business District
C. In areas with designated public on-street parking, each 25 feet in front of a lot will
be counted towards the parking requirement for the lot
100% of City Council Agrees you Can’t Count Spots you Can’t Legally Park on.
Can’t Count Illegal Area Marked or Unmarked.
Can’t count Driveways, 20′ centered on Fire Hydrant, 30′ Intersection Set Back & 20′ Cross Walks.
I have asked to add after each 25′ of Legal Parking
Because counting spaces that don’t exist doesn’t make any sense.
I’ve talked about shouldn’t allow Waiver for Business with High Parking Needs.
CBD says for a Hotel you only need 1 parking space for every three rooms.
If required to supply 1/3 parking, where do the other 2/3 park because Code says can’t overnight on Street.
I have asked to update code to require 1 parking space for ea Hotel room.
it’s odd for Palmer as Whole, Motel is 1 parking per Guest Room but Hotel is 1 parking for each Room
In CBD it Doesn’t list Motel at all and Reduces Hotel Parking need to 1 per 3 guest Rooms
The Parking Code is outdated & sets a New Business up for Failure by not having spots for their Gusts.
I talked about Waiver shouldn’t be option for Restaurant because Code will never reflect True parking need.
Again Code through out Palmer is 1 parking space per 4 seats.
In CBD it was reduced to 1 parking space per 5 seats.
Code in Wasilla is 1 parking space per 3 seats.
I have used examples that showed Restaurant using 1 space for 1.67 Guest.
I believe the Waiver Option may apply for some situations.
I spoke against it for BBQ because the Lot had Zero on-site Parking,
There are only 2 legal Parking Spaces, 1 in Front & 1 in Back of Just Sew Building
I believe it is wrong to count spaces that don’t legally exist & have asked clarification to fix that practice.
I tried to explain the Spaces needed were not 130 divided by 5, but what the real number would be.
In past I’ve given examples that the 1 per 5 is sometimes 30% of what is really used.
Restaurants need a lot of Staff & they would be blocking another Business because they had Zero on-site.
I am Not against the BBQ, they would be a good Addition to Palmer or wherever they decide.
I Hope Troy & Andrea find something that fits their Business & Parking needs.
I ask you look up the facts as I am defending False Statements against me & my Business.
As well as Defending False Statements against Vagabond Blues.
Thank you, Michelle Kincaid w/ Valley Hotel
Troy, do you have the option of demolishing the building and turning the lot into a pay parking lot? sounds like a very good place for one!
Sounds like you had some nervous competition. I would suggest building or renting a space just out of city limits, unfortunately the city of Wasilla is not much better. Palmer Wasilla Hwy has a bunch of opportunities. Palmer is Turning into Girdwood and Wasilla is Turning into Anchorage. Plenty of properties out of City Limits.
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