A year after the Dixie Fire destroyed the charming town of Greenville, California, Riley’s Jerky, a nationally known business rebuilds.
Kaley Bentz missed the turn onto Main Street. It was a turn he had made thousands of times before. When he returned after the flames of the 2021 Dixie Fire that destroyed Greenville, he said, “Nothing was recognizable.” Kayley, the owner of Riley’s Jerky was born and raised in Greenville where his grandfather founded the business over 40 years ago.
Opening day guests received Riley samples, photo courtesy of Megan Parks
When others returned to their home, they said the same thing. It was all gone and beyond recognition. It was beyond the hope that something might have been saved. Dixie was very thorough in her rampage.
Riley’s Rebuilds
But that was then and this is now. Bentz rebuilt Riley’s a year later. And, he celebrated his comeback with a grand opening celebration for the whole community. “We share this party as a community,” he said. “We all experienced Dixie. We all deserve to take every ‘resurrection’ as a joyous occasion.”
His words or so true. The grand opening of Riley’s was a Plumas County celebration as well. It was a rebirth for the area that had many participants.
Bentz always knew that he would rebuild. He purchased land a mile from his original location with the generosity of customers, friends from across Plumas County and beyond, a go-fund-me account, and business insurance. Within three months of the fire, he broke ground and began the arduous task of rebuilding his business. But that too was not a solo effort.
Community Helping Community Rebuild
“Not a day went by when someone wouldn’t stop – whether a professional, a handy-man or a do-it-yourselfer, to lend a hand or a hammer,” says Kayley.
Tougher than Dixie, courtesy of Julianna Munger
The spirit of this community continued with the grand opening celebration that was co-sponsored by the Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Feather River Tourism Association. The Almanor Foundation also gifted funds for the celebration. The foundation started a Wildfire Fund five days after Dixie lit-up the hillside on Highway 70. “This is why we created The Almanor Foundation,” says Executive Director Susan Bryner. “And, it was re-enforced by the great need Dixie created. To see monies raised by the community go back to the community is as great a celebration as is this grand opening,” she adds.
Community and economic development are central to The Almanor Foundation mission. And, as an anchor business, Riley’s re-opening set the stage for attracting and encouraging others. Riley’s went from 900 sq. ft to 5,000; can employ 25 people vs. 8; and can process 5000lbs of meat, a 4-fold increase in production. As an attraction to visitors the facility also offers a tasting room, gifts, and a seating area.
Plumas County is a tight-knit rural community. What affects one affects all. We are excited to share that we continue to thrive even under the harshest of circumstances. That certainly defines “a cause for celebration”.