Trading Post nearing re-opening

The Trading Post building on Main Street in Bancroft is in the perfect spot to serve as a meeting spot, diner, game center, and all-around gathering place for the town.  That’s what Mike Ackerman has envisioned for the building, which he purchased in 2021, and what he feels he is near to achieving.  

“The building on Main Street has been many things over the past 70+ years.  Automotive repair, furniture store, grocery store, deli among other things,” Ackerman says.  “Many in Bancroft lastly remember that they could come and get a burger / fries or sandwich or pump gas and get groceries last when the Mickelson's owned the building.  I purchased the building from the Mickelson's in 2021 with the intention of creating a public gathering place for the town.”

As Mike explains, Toolson's original milkshake parlor has been relocated from the condemned corner building to the Trading Post.  “Toolson's was originally opened in 1910 and was always the cornerstone of Bancroft.  It was utmost importance to obtain and recondition the cabinetry, counters, barstools and relocate to keep Toolson's legacy going.”

The restoration process has been long and thorough.  As he has a full-time job elsewhere to attend to, the progress has been at the pace that allows for.  According to Ackerman, “A few interior walls and the exterior walls/roof are the only things that have not been reconstructed or modified.  Major work has been completed on the floors including total replacement in areas because of rotted wood.  Everything that has been completed has be 95% completed by myself.  The restoration is about 200%+ of the initial cost budgeted originally.  The restrooms, kitchen and ultimately grocery store are yet to be completed.”

Call it a labor of love or a astute business venture, but the future Mike sees for the building is inspiring in its vision of a consolidated town hub.  “The Trading Post will be a gathering place for the community for food, games and social interaction.  We have the school, church and bar but we have no common-place for all to interact.  We plan on providing food at a reasonable price so individuals and families can come to eat without thinking twice about the cost.  We plan on having family style dinners Monday-Friday so a family of 4 can eat out for about $30.  Items will be available for the school age kids at a very reasonable price also.  The game-room is a necessity for the teens and families to come and spend time in a family friendly environment.  We understand that weekdays will be mostly catering to the locals but on the weekends we plan on Bancroft turning into a destination for food and entertainment,” he says.

While the project is Mike’s vision and largely his effort, some of the additional work has been done by Mike Coburn and his crew in Grace at Coburn Custom (208.281.6324).

Asked what the community can do to support the project (many attendees of Prioneer Day asked throughout the day when the place would be permanently open and how they could help), Ackerman says, “The biggest support would be to just stop by and visit, eat or come in to play pool or games.  We will always accept donations of time or labor.  I currently have an investor and am looking for others to invest in Bancroft Trading Post and Bancroft.  I have plans for Bancroft and anyone interested in investing in Bancroft's future needs to contact myself.”

While Mike wasn’t born in Bancroft, he went to high school in town starting in 1978, so he’s certainly not a “newcomer.”  As he explains, “I moved to Bancroft in 1978 as a sophomore in high school.  My schoolmates had an enjoyable time during high school.  Growing up in a small town may have its limitations but it definitely also has advantages.  In Scottsdale, AZ, my children had some difficulty making the sports teams unless they had experience with club teams.  In a small town, everyone has the opportunity to be involved as much as they desire in all aspects of school.”

Some exciting news is that the ice cream parlor, game room and dining room are planned to be open in the latter part of August 2024.  The rest of the schedule will follow: “The kitchen will be completed this fall/winter and then we will be open full-time everyday for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  6am-9pm or later.  Because we are trying to make Bancroft Trading Post a destination, when we are fully open we need to be open 7-days/week so if someone makes the effort to come to Bancroft we can accommodate.”  

For those who live in or spend a lot of time in Bancroft, the return of a central location for meeting up with friends, playing some pool, eating great food and grabbing dessert sounds perfect.  For those who don’t spend much time in town, the Trading Post will offer a good reason to do so.  We’ll keep you posted for new developments as the project gets closer to finished.