Joliet Café Closes

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By KULR-8 News

Story Published: Mar 4, 2010 at 8:25 PM MDT

Story Updated: Mar 24, 2010 at 11:17 AM MDT

JOLIET – More than a dozen people are looking for work in Joliet after the Homestead Café shuts down.

The owners of the restaurant say they've been run out of business after facing intimidation and multiple acts of vandalism. Bettina and Robert Best even claim someone tried to set their home on fire. They say they've been targeted because they are not from Montana and moved to Joliet from Las Vegas.

"People should know the hell we've been through," said Bettina Best. "I know there are others who are leaving because they don't feel welcomed."

After 2-and-a-half years in business, the Homestead Café closed at the end of February.

The story ignited quite a bit of strong reaction from community members. KULR-8 received several emails on the topic. Melvin Stene said, "I am a fourth generation Joliet area citizen, and I am appalled that [they] ould come here to try to tear us apart."

Another viewer, Joliet real estate broker, Jolyn Evertz said, "I have been in business in the town of Joliet for more than 30 years and have never experienced anything similar. Most people operating businesses here came from other places, as I did, and are valued members of the community."

Joliet Mayor Judie Swan says many people tried to support the business, but its failure was not because of harassment, but because of poor management.

"People in business need to accept responsibility and if a business fails or their business isn't going then they need to look at what they're doing," said Swan. “Are they giving good service, are they giving good food and why are people not coming back, why are people complaining? And, that's what happened here."

The mayor said as far as she knows complaints by the Bests' have never been substantiated by the sheriff's department or the fire department. Law enforcement officials contacted by KULR-8 were unavailable for comment.

Robert and Bettina Best said they will now focus solely on their newly opened restaurant in Red Lodge.

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JolietSucksDontMoveThere said on Monday, Apr 19 at 4:28 PM

What do you care if they grow marijauna, all Joliet people do is moke weed. I swear if someone wanted weed, you could get it in about 3 seconds. I bet you 90% of the population in Joliet is affiliated with some type of drug.

gourmand said on Sunday, Apr 11 at 8:43 PM

what a load of BS here, one side claiming dead animals, and the other claiming this couple were charged with fraud in Nev. SHEESH. I ate at both the Joliet and Red Lodge versions of this restaurant. The service was slow, the kitchen was slow, and food wasn't worth the wait. It isn't hard to imagine why they went out of business.

joliet resident said on Saturday, Apr 3 at 3:06 PM

just because we want to eat good food at a descent price and all with in a reasonable time you consider that running someone out of town. people work for their money and expect to eat what they pay for. all you outsiders need to get a life.

CountryBumbkin said on Friday, Mar 19 at 8:38 PM

If a strip club comes to Joliet, they best better oil the back doors so all those bible thumpers can sneak in and out, unnoticed. Hey, will the strip club have young girls dancing so the big pedophile in town can have some fun with the rest of you zealots. Now, I can have a cold drink, watch a skilled dancer work a brass pole, while smoking a dubbie - life in a small town, isn't it great.

Thats what I like said on Friday, Mar 19 at 8:31 AM

It looks like the people in Joliet better hurry buying the Homestead Move over Homestead, here comes the NEW STRIP CLUB. BOY that will be a sight!!!!! Right on HWY 212 9 Churches, 1 Strip Club & 2 Bars where kids go in & drink….

Rodger said on Thursday, Mar 18 at 10:55 AM

As of TODAY we still have NOT BEEN WELCOMED, our Family Hates it here, and we are planning to move ASAP out of this not So called Godly Town. You people deserve what you dish out! I WILL never SPEND 1 DOLLAR IN THIS TOWN AGAIN!!!! You All are so Hate Full.

Cindy said on Thursday, Mar 18 at 10:53 AM

I am so sadden to see what people write, I have lived in Joliet for almost 2 years, and I live right across the homestead café, and my family as of today still have not been welcomed. These people are nice, they have welcomed us and they have given so much to the community, but know one speaks about that!!! How about all the FREE FOOD they gave to the community!!!!!! How about ALL the people they fead when they could NOT PAY there bill. Our family was one of them that needed help! How do you know if this all happened or not, ALL YOU PEOPLE do is Judge people, ALL outsiders are Judged in JOLIET!!!! 8 CHURCHES in a town of not even 600 people. YOU CALL YOUR SELFS GOD FEARING FOLKS!!!!!! Have you ever taken the time to speak to them, and made them feel welcomed???? You speak about waiting so long for your food and the service was slow It was your own town people that worked there, so why don’t you people start taking the blame FOR THE HORRIBLE PEOPLE

RockyMtnHigh said on Wednesday, Mar 17 at 8:24 PM

Just got the good new as the hemp shop is approved. Looking forward to the Grand Opening. Congratulations

R.E.Agent said on Tuesday, Mar 16 at 8:19 PM

Teasers (a strip club) out of Belgrade, Montana has made an offer to purchase the Homestead Cafe site as they want the liquor license, the gaming, the marijuana shop and a strip club all at one location. This will prove to be interesting !

BuildingInspect said on Tuesday, Mar 16 at 10:57 AM

The plans for the old Homestead Cafe is to divide it: A marijuana Shop, and they are in the process of signing a tenant for XXX Book Store and XXX movie theater ! Joliet you can't stop it. Won't this be beautiful signage as one drive up Highway 212 towards Yellowstone Park !

MadasHell said on Tuesday, Mar 16 at 10:24 AM

Well Joliet is going to get its first marijuana store - great ! At the Town Council meeting last night the mayor and council members seem scared out of there minds. Its hilarious a legitmate business proposal can come before this governing body and they turn it down for any fabricated reason and when a pot shop comes to town to aquire a business license immediately its a done deal. Well, Joliet brace yourself because if you think we have misfits walking our streets now wait once the marijuana shop opens as they won't only be walking our streets they will be driving on our highways. As for you that will live near this drug operation your property values will plunge as who would ever want to live near such.

BillingsMoM said on Monday, Mar 15 at 9:47 PM

I have a grandfather that lives in Joliet, a grandfather I have never met! This person is a horrible individual and somebody I never want or wanted to either know or meet. This man hides in the shadows of a small town and the town folks think he is so nice and nothing could be further from the truth as he is a vicious abuser and nobody in his family will have anything to do with him as he should be in prison. Oh, he has remarried and also hides behind his wife and her family (poor souls).So everybody welcome to Joliet as its full of a bunch of bums and abusers and I hope they stay there where they so rightously belong.

Laughing all the way to the Bank said on Monday, Mar 15 at 9:39 PM

This is really funny. Joliet wouldn't support a local restaurant ! Tonight the town mayor and town council approved a medical marijuana shop to be located at the Homestead Cafe location, now that's funny. The old fart trouble makers of Joliet I hope your proud of yourself, you ignorant fools.

Dorrie said on Monday, Mar 15 at 7:38 PM

Is their last name Manis or Best?? Blgs Gazette says Manis..KULR 8 says Best.

Andromeda said on Monday, Mar 15 at 1:48 PM

I totally agree with yellowstonecountynative and carboncountycowboy (posts of 3/8/10). But they are not ALL in church on Sunday. Anonymous needs to find something to do!

Anonymous said on Monday, Mar 15 at 9:22 AM

Joliet is getting a serious black eye from all this negitive news coverage, today its the Billings Gazatte. I much like the county Sheriff don't believe these people have a legitimate complaint, for me its all a fabrication. I know that in the beginning the Bests' did encounter problems from City Hall and a few ignorant towns people, but that's it! If the Homestead had good food and service they wouldn't even had needed the towns support being on Highway 212 as you have the tourists, skiers etc. Joliet is a good town with lots of really descent people and a handful of losers just like any other community. Robert & Bettina stop this nonsenses and quit badgering our community. You now work in Red Lodge, live in Red Lodge so good luck but shut the hell up!

David Willoughby - Billings said on Sunday, Mar 14 at 7:11 AM

And you will all notice that 'I' didn't hide behind some anonymous tag. Facts are facts. While bettina was very nice when I called to let her know what had happened, if anyone else got the kind of food or service my wife and I did, then it is no wonder the business failed.

David Willoughby said on Sunday, Mar 14 at 6:36 AM

My wife and I went out to dinner there on Dec. 18th. We had driven by several times and it looked like a nice little place to try out. I can honestly say I have NEVER had a worst meal. It took 25 minutes for the 'waitress' (and I use the term VERY loosely)just to take our order. Our appetizers were forgotten and came 15 minutes after our meals! I had a chicken fried steak that was SO salty I could only eat two bites. The potatoes and ketchup tasted rancid. In short, the food was HORRID. The 'waitress' seemed to wander around the place aimlessly moving a napkin or spoon here and then going to the counter and moving a glass, and then back to the table again. It was so bad I thought that perhaps we were on one of those "Most Awful" TV shows! The cost for the dinner was almost $15 a plate, not counting drinks or appetizers. Disgusting food and lousy service is more likely to have caused their closure than anything else! I will NEVER eat at the one in red Lodge. No way!!

It's the Jimster said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 9:49 PM

Hey, this is Jim! Has anyone been trying to get ahold of me?

Old News said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 9:14 PM

"Someone tried to set your house on fire" it would not have been a platic planter pot that people were using as a cigarette butt recepticle that melted, you put there would it? I wonder why that would be a hazzard. Who else is leaving Joliet because they don't feel welcome? It's all make believe, but then again look at the source.

Smoke Screen said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 8:52 PM

Marijuana, marijuana, marijuana, is that all people think about any more...Dude pass it already...I'm sorry what was I saying?

funboy said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 8:02 PM

I went to a restrant one tim and it had very gud food spesaly birgers and i think it wus in texis beecuz they had iscreem beecuz we wer hot down theer my famly brot are dog on that vacason it wus a lone tim or go and that wus my fave best trip

Mother of former employee said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 1:10 PM

Kukr8 should do their homework before airing such lies. My son was put through hell while employed there. They would constantly call accusing him of crap and having him come in for a chat and to mop the floor. If we didn't answer the phone they would come to our house. My son couldn't get paid on time always some excuse. No taxes were ever taken out on which I believe was the case of most of the employees,always paid cash. Kulr8 follow that up!or how about no overtime pay to bad you just volunteered your time, what a honor to work for Marilyn & Elvis.

What the? said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 9:13 AM

sounds to me like they need to go back to vegas oh wait they got ran out of there for being scam artists, well maybe after all redlodge there must be alot of flys up there for Mr.Best? to keep his job there.As far as i'm concerned they did this themselves and a example of how smart they are---- they bash Joliet and then put the cafe up for sale That is what I call smart. Good-luck on your sale smart ones.

Just Sayin' said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 2:54 AM

Most places have the 3 minute egg. The Homestead had the 45 minute salad.

jim said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 2:12 AM

jims not here

Hello! said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 1:57 AM

Yo Jim! Where are you ?

crazy said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 1:40 AM

Hey Rocky Ountain High, why don't you stay in Colorado and give that space cadet stare of yours a look at the mountains down there. We sure as heck don't want you! If your on main street blowing smoke around my children, you will wish you never moved to Joliet!

Jacob Salo said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 1:25 AM

Okay, to all the people who are taking the opportunity to bash Joliet because of this story: just stop it. Just because one business ran by people from out of town failed doesn't mean that the whole town is xenophobic and doesn't give newcomers a chance (Mr. Rowlison and the Food Farm being a perfect example.) Having grown up there for most of my life I can vouch for the community as being a good place. Yes, it has some problems but what place doesn't honestly? All I know is, when something happens to anyone in the community we band together and take care of them, no matter who they are (especially the support given to the McQuillan family.) But yeah, about the actual story itself, I will admit that the food and service did go down after Mr. and Mrs. Best took over, but I don't think them being from out of town had anything to do with it. Believe what you want, but I know my town and will still support it. To quote Katt Williams, "If you forget the 'hood, the 'hood will forget you."

Hello! said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 12:38 AM

Jim, you here ? Any body seen him yet ?

afroman said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 12:32 AM

I was in a really bad mood,then I got high I should have got up and served some food but I was high Now I'm sellin' weed and I know why, Yeah hay! cause I got high, cause I got high, cause I got high

HELL NO said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 12:29 AM

joliet don't need no medical marjuna... we already have a hard enough time with the town's pot heads

Hello! said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 12:05 AM

I'm looking for Jim, anyone seen him ?

joliet resident said on Friday, Mar 12 at 11:08 PM

My my where to start. Yes Hound Dog and Marilyn are good hearted people they gathered a old homeless lady off the streets of vegas and brought her to Joliet putting her to work for tips no payroll and getting rid of her other employees now that is a goodhearted employer. I was a customer before they came and after they came. they constantly blame the employees for their incomentence and now the town-please. They need to blame themselves they are the ones who ran their mouths about how they couldn't pay this or that. Those poor employees--it must have been embarassing for them when they lost their job to a homeless lady from the streets of Vegas.

Rocky Mountain High said on Friday, Mar 12 at 8:20 PM

"gone to college" hey dude don't know what your problem is and don't much care. People like me can change that community and have a positive impact. As for the hemp shop if I have the doctors order (which I do) its a legal sanction business and if I want to stand in the middle of main steet and blow some weed that's my business. If that shop opens I will bring a ton of business to that location, trust me. Matter of fact I have already contacted the owners about a job. Be careful as you may wake up one day and I will be your neighbor.

Anonymous said on Friday, Mar 12 at 8:14 PM

I don't know about Joliet but there sure are a lot of high class people living in Carbon County, and around and near Joliet.

gone to college said on Friday, Mar 12 at 7:21 PM

Hey rockymountainhigh are you sure you aren't just stoned out of your mind when you just stand there and stare at the mountains? I can understand why you'd want a smoke shop in a small down like Joliet. Joliet doesn't need that. It's hard enough keeping kids out of trouble as it is. Joliet needs the old Homestead Cafe back before Robert and Bettina screwed it all up not some f**** smoke shop.

JHS Student... said on Friday, Mar 12 at 5:16 PM

I have lived and gone to school in Joliet all my life and I agree with everyone that says it is a great town. Sure, we all say it sucks sometimes and we all get bored quite a bit, but the criticism Robert and Bettina are giving is not fair. Everyone in Joliet has always supported them since they got here but they did not do a good job at all managing the homestead. It used to always be ful and now every time we would drive by it was always dead. the food sucked and the prices were crazy. I'm not sure what to believe about the vandelism and all that but I don't think 99% of it is true at all. I've heard lots of stories about what went on there but it's all small-town gossip. I personally hope the Homestead will get some new owners who can turn it back into what it used to

Big Yawn! said on Friday, Mar 12 at 5:09 PM

I'm serious about the parakeet.

Joliet Born and Bred said on Friday, Mar 12 at 4:25 PM

It makes me very sad to have read this article and all the slander that our little town is now receiving. There have been many rumors in the air about the closing of the Homestead and until one can be proven I feel that opinions should be kept quiet. As a former Homestead employee I know Robert and Bettina were good people with nothing but good intentions, but unfortunately in a small town like ours "different" isn't always welcome (hopefully someday that will change). As for the comments about the people in the community, I believe that there are "druggies, wife-beaters, etc." in every community but thanks to small town gossip and numerous generations in one area we all know each other and seem to know each others secrets (or at least we think we do). I wish Robert and Bettina the best of luck in Red Lodge and hope their second chance goes better for them. As for the former Homestead becoming a smoke shop, I believe you are in for more of a hard time than the Best's received.

Anonymous said on Friday, Mar 12 at 3:27 PM

I grew up in Joliet and it is a great community. I don't live there anymore, but the last few times we ate there before we moved, it took over an hour to get burgers. We even had to just tell them to wrap them to go a few times since it had taken so long. If you want to succceed at a business you need to put forth the effort. You can't expect people to continue supporting you when you do not do your job. As for the vandelism, I think that the police should deal with it. If it happened that isw not right.

Cortney Kallevig said on Friday, Mar 12 at 1:34 PM

I am appauled by these accusations from the Best's I know alot of people didn't agree with what they were doing with the business, but still gave them the benefit of the doubt and went in there anyways. I have been in there once and I would never go back there again because of horrible service. When you own a business in a small community you can't talk bad about the customers even if things are going on. I grew up in Carbon County and graduated high school in Joliet. I know most of the people in the area and have never seen or heard them do anything horrible like this. The people in Joliet are great people and have no right to be slandered like that!

Home Grown said on Friday, Mar 12 at 12:53 PM

The Homestead was mismanaged pure and simple. I'm tied of having the town of Joliet beat up because of somebody else's poor management skills. I've been to the place a 1000 time through the years. The restaurant it self was quaint the bar addition was nice, warm and comfortable. The problem is I could never get service even when I gambled. I was in the casino many times to find the gaming machines unplugged. I would order food and it was horrible and over priced and the service was the worst I've ever experienced in a dining setting. The Homestead as managed was going to fail. Besides it was obvious the owners were in way over there head financially. I think when the facts come out people are going to fully understand what really went on there and it has nothing to do with fires and dead animals and alledged crimes of terror. Also this is a form of slander on our local law enforcement. So stop this stupidity.

Big Yawn! said on Friday, Mar 12 at 12:40 PM

I had a Parakeet once and...

Anonymous said on Friday, Mar 12 at 12:24 PM

I think the whole community is getting a bad name, and I blame Robert & Battina (whatever your last names is) first and foremost. And I blame a few town trouble makes that lack anything constructive to do with there miserable little lives, and the community for the most part knows or at least is aware of who you are. As for Joliet its a great place, its small town America but it certainly does not deserve the beating its taking from these two Las Vegas flunkies that failed to run a good, clean, competitive, fun, business. Robert & Battina you failed and you would be smart to stop all the slander you have generated against Joliet. Grow Up !

Joliet Resident said on Friday, Mar 12 at 10:38 AM

Come and get your facts straight and questions answered. The agenda for the Joliet Town Council meeting was just posted. Town hall 7:30 pm Monday March 15, 2010

Olivia Salvat-Dunn said on Friday, Mar 12 at 6:18 AM

this is crazy...i just graduated from Joliet and moved to TX the food went to *** there after they took over the place. I would litteraly beg my family not to go there for dinner cos it was so nasty. thank god there gone...so when i move back i can have some real food. As for them being lyers...makes since...they are CRAZY

Joliet is a great place! said on Friday, Mar 12 at 12:13 AM

I love Joliet! Nice thread! I agree with you 100% I to grew up in Joliet Born and raised! I no longer live there do to having to take a job elsewhere. A good part of my family still lives there. Joliet is a wonderful community with great people. I have only wonderful memories of Joliet, and through the years have seen business's come and go. I can tell you for a fact the Joliet School system is one of the best out there for Academics. I never new of anyone treating people as if they were outsiders. A good person is a good person no matter where they come from, and I know that most people from Joliet would not treat someone bad based soley on being an outsider. Joliet will forever hold a strong place in my heart! I love the people and the town of Joliet!

I LOVE Joliet said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 11:27 PM

(continued again) out of town on your farm, in an out building where your kids don't go. Yes, it's legal, but don't let it become such 'the standard' and the norm that kids see it as commonplace that they decide it's ok for them to do. I realize this article isn't about medical marijuana, but there is not much of a process to become a caregiver and each local municipality really has to become educated as to how they are going to deal with this new up and coming industry. I hate to see Joliet become known as the 'pot capital' of Carbon County...

I LOVE Joliet said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 11:21 PM

(continued)are the ignorant ones. To side with the self-proclaimed 'victims' based off of one or two articles is ridiculous. Joliet is a WONDERFUL community to grow up in and I am MORE than proud to say that is where I'm from. I think it's beautiful and has a slow-paced lifestyle that is what so many people desire in life. I don't know anything about this dead animal head, but to me, if I lived there and felt that threatened and claimed 'victim-status', I sure as heck would be leaving as fast as I could. Another thing. Where I currently live, I issue business licenses. Medical Marijuana licenses are popping up everywhere in my town. And although I agree with it's legality, I do not agree with some of the zoning my town is currently set with in regards to where these business' can be. I have 2 small children and when I think of a medical marijuana business going into a business with a high traffic profile such as the Cafe, that worries me. Sell it out of your homne

I LOVE Joliet! said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 11:13 PM

I grew up in Joliet and am proud to say it! I have relocated because of school to western Montana but my parents still live in Joliet. I just called them about this article. They hadn't seen it yet, but my Mom chuckled and said, 'ya, that's true... we could never get what we wanted, it was overpriced, and it took forever to get our food...' I believe my Mom. She has no reason to lie. Now I also know Joliet, and it's full of a lot of 'old school/old timers.' And although change is oftentimes hard for them to accept, they are good people. Not people that would pull this kind of stuff on others. 'Outsiders' tend to remain 'outsiders' if they do not try to become part of a community. Owning a business there doesn't make you part of a community. A lot of people that live in Joliet were born and raised there and it's hard to find your own place in a town like that unless you dive into things and participate. For those of you who don't know Joliet but chose to rip it apart, YOU ar

S McQuillan said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 11:07 PM

I was born and raised in Northern Montana. The Joliet community is my extended family. It has helped my family survive the past 10 very difficult years. My now adult children have moved back to raise their families and b It is a great community for people who care about their neighbeors.

Curent Resident of Joliet said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 11:02 PM

To all of you who don't live in Joliet and are putting down our community i wish you would get your facts straight. The Homestead was a great cafe before Robert and Bettina came in, students would often come in and order food and there was always a "sunday" crowd. The town of Joliet has tried to support them in their business but with the poor service and having to wait at least an hour for an order it was obvious you wouldn't want to go back. This community has always supported people and will continue to support people/businesses after this. However, the last thing we need is a medical merijauna store in our town, we have enough problems trying to keep the students out of trouble and having this in town will make getting drugs ten times easier. In addition to this the store would be directly across from a daycare and home full of children!!! I'm not seeing this lasting long either. We aren't going to be a big city and never will be.

Long Time Homestead Customer said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 10:08 PM

GET REAL Robert & Bettina. When it started taking 20 minutes to get asked what you wanted to drink, and another 50 minutes for your food to come, that is what ruined you!!! Not to mention we didn't get to order what we wanted because it was always OUT and your prices were outrageous! Your food was probably always out because the food services REFUSED to deliver to you after they continuously received insufficient funds! And your poor employees, I remember when it was something to be proud of to say you worked at the Homestead.. You took our hometown cafe and made it into a shrine of you two playing dress up with other fake celebrities. Take your pitty party, crappy service and costumes to Red Lodge...Heck, they even allow CHIMPANZEES to have a business there, why not you guys too!

4th Grade Student said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 10:03 PM

To a "customer" I really don't think you're all that educated if you will take the time to look at your own spelling errors.

chapter2 said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 10:00 PM

Yes, I can't wait to see it when they uncover Robert and Bettina's Boldface Lies! These people are criminals, look at their record in Las Vegas. They are just trying to take the entire town down, because they are terrible business owners!

Anonymous said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 9:54 PM

The rumblings in Red Lodge is that lawsuits are forth coming and some people in Joliet are in for a real surprise ! I can't wait for chapter 2. This story is getting better by the day.

Hilarious said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 9:44 PM

I love how all these outsiders automatically side with these people who claim to be a victim. When in fact it was Robert and Bettina's own fault. And Rocky Mountain High, good luck on running for Mayor, It takes the town vote, you can't talk trash about a town then run for mayor on the "Green" band wagon and expect to win. So if you do it'll only be a waste of everyone including yourselfs time. Second of all, you outsiders who think the media is the end all be all of what really is going on you are also mistaken. These were all made up happening's by Robert and Bettina to Fabricate a story against Joliet due to their failed business. So to talk trash about Joliet, because you happen to believe this made up story is just wrong.

Anonymous said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 1:52 PM

Why change your names if you have nothing to hide? I'm tell all you people, truth will prevail! You'll see! Good thing you, who posted about Joliet, didn't put you real names on here, because you would be the laughing stock of Joliet and the surrounding areas.

LaughingHard said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 11:36 AM

Joliet is not a cult. A cult requires brains and organization, of which Joliet has neither!

Anonymous said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 10:03 AM

come on everybody ! people come, people go and businesses come and they go. this is no big deal, lets get on with our lives.

Anonymous said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 9:22 AM

Joliet isn't a town its a cult.

anyone said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 9:20 PM

as in all people robert and bettina have good points and bad points. they are not business people. i am not either, but i can definitely see they needed direction in how to run their business. as a former employee, i can say that i was never asked to take a gift certificate as payment for wages so i don't know where that came from. she would give us gift certificates from time to time but not as payment for wages, unless this was before i started there or after i quit there. and if this allegation of animal cruelty is true shame on whoever did this!! if you didn't like robert and bettina for whatever reason that is no reason to be cruel to an animal. no one deserves to be treated cruelly, no matter how upset you are with them for whatever reason. try kindess instead, you never know how much your kindess might help that person. if these allegations are true in the end the person or persons responsible for these actions will be accountable to God. how do you want to be treated?

RockyMountainHigh said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 9:18 PM

I have been thinking, I'm from Colorado and three of my bud's are from California and when the hemp shop opens we are thinking about moving to Joliet and we are thinking about running for mayor and town council as we will bring the change that is needed. I say anything and everything goes just like back home ! I moved here because I enjoy the wide open spaces, blue sky and the price of parking tickets. We need a good hemp store, keep it clean, and its an asset and when you think about its a "green business". Love ya all, and peace and good will. For me, I'm going for the mayor job - laugh you will soon see. Thanks for letting me post twice today. I'm at work gotta get going.

a customer said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 6:06 PM

I lived in Joliet for 10 years and ate at the Homestead for 8 years. Every Sunday and one day a week. They had really good food and helped the teenagers get started by hiring them in the summer. It was a business that was clean and had great food. When it was sold we continued to eat there. Until the menu changed and prices skyrocketed. I got a salad once and the dressing was sour. I went back a few times and they didn't have they were out of what we ordred. Soon we had to wait for our order for over an hour. We really tried to support the, but for the price of the food and the mangement, it wasn't worth it. We started to go to a different restaurant. I can't believe people jump on here and spout their hate when they know nothing about the business and how it was run. Shame on you. By the way I am educated, I have all my teeth and I I liv in a abeautiful part of Montana and am close to Yellowstone.. I bet if you check where you live you well.

RockyMountainHigh said on Wednesday, Mar 10 at 3:53 PM

Can't wait for the new hemp store / shop to open as there is a real need. I have been traveling back to Denver to get my prescription filled and its a real hassel. I love the view of the Beartooth Mtns and I could sit there for days just looking, looking and more looking. Got to go if I sit to long my back starts to hurt. I'll keep my eyes and ears open for your Grand Opening.

I Care About Montana said on Tuesday, Mar 9 at 8:13 PM

Can't believe what I'm hearing ! So, the Homestead Cafe is going to become a "marijuana and alternative medical" store. Robert Manis has paid his fees at City Hall in order to operate this business. Great, people in our town smoking dope, driving down our highways. I'm hands down against this, I know that the law allows this type of business, is there something we can do? There are other rumors that parts of the building our in the process of being subleased to other shady or questionable business operations and operators. This tells you about the character of the current property owners, not our town. If this hemp shop goes in there will be serious consequences to the fabric of Joliet, as this town is so small that this kind of operations will be paramont to the overall impact this could have on tourism, family life, and our children.

Random said on Tuesday, Mar 9 at 5:09 PM

A skeleton walks into a bar and asks for a drink and a mop.

Bob Marley said on Tuesday, Mar 9 at 4:55 PM

Come on Ma! Let's roll up a Doobie, cuz we is headed for the Homestead. YEEHAA!!!

Management School? said on Tuesday, Mar 9 at 11:32 AM

Noone plans to fail, they just fail to plan.

Interesting said on Tuesday, Mar 9 at 11:26 AM

Is it interesting to anyone how easy it is to post bad things on here, when you are not accountable by your name or E-Mail. I just posted both Good and Bad comments about Joliet. If my business failed I guess I would be up all hours of the night trying to blame someone else for my miserable failure.

Rancher59042 said on Tuesday, Mar 9 at 11:22 AM

I have lived in the area all my life and I'm a 3rd generation rancher. Joliet itself is not a bad little town or community. Like any small town in America it has its problems. The problem with Joliet is it has its distractors and many of us know who these people are. Granted, certain people in the community and certain people in the local town offices have reject or created problems for business folks that wanted to do business in Joliet or were attempting to transact business in Joliet and that I don't agree with. There are a lot of good descent business people that have wrongfully been troubled by small minds at the town hall, I hope this stops and I think it already has. As for the Homestead, they were a business, not a well run business, not the best of food and the owners frankly talked to much. The Homestead is out of business and it has little to do with Joliet other than the fact that people didn't want to eat there food, therefor there gone, its that simple.

Joliet Isn't #1 said on Tuesday, Mar 9 at 11:19 AM

Joliet isn't #1

Joliet #1 said on Tuesday, Mar 9 at 11:17 AM

Joliet is #1

Anonymous said on Tuesday, Mar 9 at 12:16 AM

I cannot believe how judgmental people are. I am a fourth generation Joliet community resident. We have our problems...just like every town in the world, but for people to assume this community is full of trash is just plain wrong. We do seem to have our fair share of welfare cases and poor leadership, however we have an overflowing amount of people willing to drop what ever they are doing and lend a hand. TO the person wanting to relocate here, please do, you will be welcomed. This community had been given a black-eye (possibly deserving, if in fact allegations are actually true) however rest assured this is a great place to visit, live and shop. Regardless of the type of people the Bests were they ran a failing business. They need to share is some blame for their failure. Joliet residents, be proud of your town, its school, the businesses and most of all the people that live hear. The people that feel like bashing our town live a sad life.

Oldtimer Joliet said on Monday, Mar 8 at 11:23 PM

It is obvious that many of you feel that the council members, mayor and previous members and mayors over the years have led the town to disaster. It is interesting that there were not more people running for those positions. I sure didn't see your names signed up on the election ballots.

Montana Relocation said on Monday, Mar 8 at 9:43 PM

I was raised in Montana and was looking at purchasing a home near Joliet. I'm calling my realtor in the morning and the deal is off as I don't want my children going to Joliet schools or being within miles of that community.

Motorcycle Freak said on Monday, Mar 8 at 8:08 PM

I have read these comments and the only thing I can say is whoaaaaa. I find it funny that certain residence are blaming Channel 8 for there reporting, as for me I say thank you. In Joliet if you don't like the message kill the messenger. KULR thanks for the forum, its been interesting. As for Joliet I won't even stop at the town gas station to purchase a gallon of gas. For me its just a pot hole in the road. I travel often through the area with sometimes 50 bikes and riders. Also leave the town cats alone and string up the trouble makers. Sorry Homestead Cafe.

BigSky1 said on Monday, Mar 8 at 8:00 PM

Gosh, what's going on in Joliet. After reading all of this my only thought is, that the last person to leave, please flush the toliet ! If ever in Joliet I plan on driving through town as fast as the speed limit will allow me to.

Trinity said on Monday, Mar 8 at 6:20 PM

I do feel sorry for Robert and Battina as I think they tried hard in a community that didn't really understand or accept them. Joliet has its trouble makers and most of us who live here know who they are. I don't thinks it fair to paint us all with the same brush. Joliet's leadership has been lacking and there have been games played, as they do enjoy there small town politics, and this must stop. Joliet as a city has serious money problems, we can't afford to fix anything so I hope they have learned that they shouldn't run any business out of our small community, we need them all. We have a city with no jobs or opprotunity, we have leaders that lack experience, have there own financial problems yet burden others. Joliet I hope you grow up and I pray that we can grow as a community. Robert & Battina good luck in Red Lodge and God Bless you for all the good you tried to do.

BeartoothAnnie said on Monday, Mar 8 at 5:12 PM

I love Red Lodge and the folks that live within Carbon County. Joliet is nothing but a "pit". We hear that the United States Census is in town and they need an accure count on all those pedophiles living within the city limits. Joliet "A Great Place to Live". Yea

Fast Facts said on Monday, Mar 8 at 4:57 PM

Joliet law enforcement protects their own and laughs at outsiders who attempt to obtain justice. Someone we know who was raised in Joliet once said that Joliet is nothing but a dirty little town. I'm sure the Best's couldn't agree with that statement more. But beheading innocent animals...good grief! It is too obvious that many Joliet residents need to learn how to spell. Is this an example of your excellent education?

seniorcitzen said on Monday, Mar 8 at 4:35 PM

I'm worried as I fear that Joliet is going to have a marijuana store where the cafe once stood. Also rumors have it that a book store, tatoo shop and other vices are to be located there. widow

TXoilman said on Monday, Mar 8 at 4:23 PM

I stayed in Joliet while working the turn around at Cenex. I ate often at the Homestead and the owners were very kind to me. Granted Robert and Marilyn were different but none the less good folks. I noticed an employee that worked for the owners that was a trouble maker (she was about 55-60 years old with really bad teeth)as she would talk badly about the owners and spread untrue gossip when the owners were not present. My stay in Joliet (motel) was for about six months, I met some nice people, but on the whole the community and its leaders obvioulsy have serious leadership issues and the community needs to clean them up and run them out as they have more problems that that of the Homestead owners. Good Luck Robert & Battina in Red Lodge. Don W

YellowstoneCountyNative said on Monday, Mar 8 at 4:15 PM

A town of criminals, social rejects, pedophiles, child molesters, druggies, alcoholics, wife abusers, child abusers, voyeurs, the insane, the mentally ill and they all go to church on Sunday.

carboncountycowboy said on Monday, Mar 8 at 4:11 PM

One would only have to drive beautiful highway 212 to Red Lodge to know that Joliet is nothing but a dump along the roadway. If one will simply check the demographics of the town its nothing more than a welfare community run by a welfare mentality. As for business there is not business in Joliet, and if there is, they won't be there long. The area is lovely, lots of wonderful people, but not the case in the town of Joliet. Sorry but its the truth!

Disappointed said on Monday, Mar 8 at 11:58 AM

I really wished that KULR 8 would have done more research before airing lies about the town of Joliet. Tell the real truth of why they closed down the Homestead Cafe'. Sad! Very sad! Truth will prevail though.

Glad! said on Sunday, Mar 7 at 9:13 PM

I'm happy they're gone they were weird people, their restraunt was never open when it said, and they were always out of one thing or another when you tried to order. They tried to pay off employee's with gift certificates because they never had the money to pay them. They also went to a town meeting and accused the town of being full of drunks and druggies. That's no way to be accepted.

Embarrased said on Sunday, Mar 7 at 4:33 PM

"The Mayor should have taken a leadership role". Ha ha, that will never happen! Not here in Joliet.

Red Lodge Resident said on Sunday, Mar 7 at 12:51 PM

Shame on the people of Joliet! Not only was one of their residents guilty of setting fire to planters in the obvious hope that it would burn down their business and residence, but someone cut the head off an animal and hung it by their back door with a note that read "ha ha, we won" and then a bible verse after that! Then on top of that an elderly woman who works for them went to the store for ice and a Joliet man stopped her and yelled at her about the media attention! When she tried to go around him, he blocked her. This doesn't mean everyone in Joliet is bad... but there are obviously at least one! There is already two bars in Joliet, both with gaming machines. Why should Bettina and Robert also have liquor and gaming machines???? Don't go there if you don't want to! The Mayor should have taken a leadership role rather than blab on about everything but the issue of harassment. Joliet citizens -- clean up your own town! Turn in the idiot who has tarnished your town's good name!

Anonymous said on Sunday, Mar 7 at 12:29 PM

If you do not live in the town of Joliet, then how do you know what the town is like and what the people are like. For some people who don't live in Joliet but are judging the place, you don't live here so how would you know what the community is like. I have seen this whole entire town come together to help out tons of people. If you don't live here and haven't been in the community before then you can't judge the town.

steelman said on Sunday, Mar 7 at 9:48 AM

toliet,1/2 slingblade-1/2 deliverence.it clear you didnt like these people,you have a choice where you eat or shop,was you forced?

Embarassed said on Sunday, Mar 7 at 8:58 AM

Anonymous=These people may be liars and bad business people, yet it is slack jawed yokels such as "Anonymous" that are making a mockery of Joliet, not Elvis and Marilyn. They may be Red Lodge's problem now, but unfortunetly we now have to live under the stigma of being a haven for harboring a of intolerant morons. I dont know which is worse?

Anonymous said on Sunday, Mar 7 at 2:37 AM

"Disgusted" Good Joliet don't want you! You can go to Red Lodge with the Crazy people who's business went down!

Montana Girl said on Sunday, Mar 7 at 12:07 AM

(Continued)I don’t believe that we saw Bettina or Robert at ANY of these events. People who want to become a part of the community are at many if not all of these events and more. No, it is not right nor acceptable that someone is harassed or bullied. But in order for something to be taken care of you must come forth with the difficulties. To simply say that no one will help you because you believe you are not liked by the people in the town doesn’t allow us to come forth with the help that we are known for.

Montana Girl said on Sunday, Mar 7 at 12:06 AM

The town of Joliet stands behind those who live here. Ask anyone that showed up for the benefit that over 500 people attended to support a family with a very sick child. The people in this forum that feel that the people of Joliet do not support their community have NOT attended the many activities and fundraisers that take place in Joliet. Just to name a few: the Lion's club, our amazing Volunteer Fire department, the 4 H BINGOs bake sales & fundraisers, the Senior Citizens lunches, the Plays that are put on at the community center (people have been turned away because all the seats were sold), the library fundraisers or any of the many, many other football games, basketball games, volleyball games (need I go on)

a sane person said on Saturday, Mar 6 at 10:06 PM

ir the cafa think there being herast, or what ever the hell they think is going on then they should go back.

Disgusted said on Saturday, Mar 6 at 10:00 PM

After reading the comments from the raging lunatics of Joliet, I must say that I will NOT now or EVER support the town of Joliet in any shape or form. I Towns like this disgrace the great state of Montana. One could compare Joliet to that of a glass menagerie.

joliet resident said on Saturday, Mar 6 at 9:28 PM

I think that the home sted cafa should go in to the ice cream bissness because they can't screw up ice cream , unless they try. They should call it the " scammie's.

Amazed said on Saturday, Mar 6 at 7:43 PM

Sounds to me like you people could all use some medical marijuana!

Anonymous said on Saturday, Mar 6 at 4:47 PM

I'm just glad their gone, let them fail up in Red Lodge, maybe then they'll go back to Nevada. We don't need their dirty buisness ethics in Joliet. Friend from Nevada you sure act like you know everything there is to know about Joliet,obviously a very biased opinion, being a "friend from Nevada" Why are they the only buisness complaining? I know of many other buisness owners in Joliet who are outsiders where's their complaints? Oh they aren't complaining because they aint want to be impersonators. Friend from Nevada, get your unbiased facts before you start running your mouth. When it's obvious you haven't got a clue!

Joliet resident cont. said on Saturday, Mar 6 at 12:17 PM

Diversity is a blessing not a burden. I know that Joliet has many educated people who are speaking out against this kind of “hate crime” mentality and intimidation. So, it is time to wake up Joliet, and start looking towards the future, because we sure are stuck in the past. (Community leaders, this means you!)

Joliet resident said on Saturday, Mar 6 at 12:17 PM

Business is business. Some are good at it, others are not. From my experience, these people struggled with the competence to run a restaurant. We have the right in a market economy to fail as well as succeed in business. Just let it happen. My time while living in Joliet over the past 5 years has been a mixed one. Many people are single minded and predigest. However, those are the few, and unfortunately, also the ones who run most of the things around here. “The good old boys club” if you will. Many people in Joliet cannot see very far into the future because of this mentality. On the other hand, there are far kinder, generous, and caring people here than there is the bad. So, a message to my fellow jolietiens, being kind to one another, respecting each other, and coexisting within our society WITH EACH OTHER, creates a community. Not your silly politics and bigotist statements. Intimidation is something the Nazis did to help remove people from their communities. Divers

Anonymous said on Saturday, Mar 6 at 11:41 AM

cond't response to friend from NV The Potato in the dishwasher. Did you not read that that comment came from a former employee? So they were there. In fact 2 employees have told that same story. So it is fact. Neither employees knows each other. One worked for them at the beginning and the other towards the end. Both left on good terms. Until Robert & Bettina went on TV trash talking the town. I am sure more employees will come fwd. if need be. 9) I don't know where you did your research but, you need to do it right. The business that left were truthful about why they closed & did not blame the towns people & then go on TV & trash talk us. I have Lived here for 10 years. I was welcomed with open arms. I have a business here & have no problem at all. I love the towns people. This town has not had anymore business come & go then any other town. Robert & Bettina need to grow up and take responsibility for their own actions!

Anonymous said on Saturday, Mar 6 at 11:37 AM

cont'd response to friend from NV. 5) We were not prejudice about them. They came to this town with that thought in their heads and then made it happen by expressing their feeling about it from the beginning. We just go sick of hearing it. 6) We have no problem with Medical Marijuana. Quite few people in town have been prescribed it. We just have a problem with them trash talking our town & saying they don't feel safe here & then turn around & want us to okay another business. What then, if that business fails they can start all over by trash talking us again. I think not. 7) No one called them a criminal for wanting to open a Medical Marijuana store. Again not reading comments right. 8) We would like Medical Marijuana store. See #6.

Continued: from friend said on Saturday, Mar 6 at 10:36 AM

7) I have a question for you, since a doctor prescribes drugs does this make the doctor a criminal ? If so, then you are the buyer and that makes you a criminal, and a felon, does it not? 8) Maybe that is just what the precious town of Joliet needs is a Medical Marijuana Facility, because you are sick., furthermore, how would you know that they supposedly ran potatoes through the dishwasher unless you where there, and if you where there then unless you where working what where you doing in their kitchen? Maybe you where the one who supposedly ran the potatoes through the dishwashers, or maybe they fired you because you put customers in harms way and you now have a vendetta? 9) from some of the research that I have done, Joliet has had so many business come and go, was it all their own doing that they left, or did they leave because they got tier of the so called Joliet hospitality?

Continued: from friend said on Saturday, Mar 6 at 10:31 AM

may be its you, hiding out in Joliet from your child molestation pedophile past. 4) Fourth if you where so concerned about the Homestead café way did you not support it? and if the food and service was so bad why did you not go in and voice your opinions to the new owners like someone who is legitimately concerned. 5) Maybe you where prejudice against them for being outsiders. 6) Medical Marijuana . Hay what a hot topic, Research has proven that Marijuana itself is not harmful to you, facts. If you have Cancer, glaucoma, and in some case high blood pressure it helps all the above? Doctors love this stuff they give it to their patents who are under going chemotherapy, and it helps the patents do just what they need to do, eat and hold their food down with no side effects. Un like some of the prescription drugs they supply.

Friend from Summerland Nevada said on Saturday, Mar 6 at 10:29 AM

1) I would like to say that I have been a friend for a long time, and I do not live in Montana. I still live in the Summerland area of Vegas, and I have seen some of the letters that where written, and they where mean nasty letters, for a town with such and small population of under 600 people and 7 churches, you sure don’t sound very Christ like, maybe that is what the people of Joliet teach, hate and more hate . 2) As far as them being a felony convicted criminal who robs children, I don’t think so, if you have even half a mind that you claim you have then you would know that the fraud charges where dropped because fraud did not exist, document. Also they do not issue gaming and alcohol license to fraudulent people. 3) I have researched your precious town of Joliet, and I would never live in a town who protects Child Molesters, and Pedophiles. Oops, what just happened here. Woow, so my question to you, you brain deed moron. Who’s the real criminal? may be its you, hiding out i

Nuts said on Saturday, Mar 6 at 8:22 AM

You people are insane, it is crazy "they deserved it" posts that prove Joliet is a town loaded with uneducated, toothless yokels, you are an embarrasment to the state of Montana.

Johnston said on Saturday, Mar 6 at 7:46 AM

I lived in Joliet for a few years and no the people were never friendly.I only go visit because of the Homestead cafe...truely sad it has closed.We just visited a week before Valentines .The waitress was so sweet and the cook made my 2 year old valentine cookies .I am glad I moved out of that town.

lou said on Saturday, Mar 6 at 2:23 AM

"really" No town deserves to have false statements made about it either! "really" how do you know for sure these things really happened? Because two crazy restaurant owners who think they're Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presly said so? People will say anything these days to shift the blame from themselves. Who's really ignorant here?

Anonymous said on Saturday, Mar 6 at 2:18 AM

Well then "Really" you are misinformed if you believe these crazy restaurant owners,you believe 2 people over an entire town? that's just ignorant!

Really? said on Saturday, Mar 6 at 2:08 AM

After reading the comments from the people in Joliet, I totally believe this couple. Did I really read some of the posts that said they deserved this treatment? I don't care if the service did suck, NOBODY deserves to have decapitated animals thrown at their home.

Joliet Resident said on Saturday, Mar 6 at 12:18 AM

I guess everyone has to have someone to blame for Marilyn and Elvis's poor management skills. I would warn everyone don't eat at their restaurant in Red Lodge! Even if you decide not to take my word for it, you will figure it out yourself. Their two people trying to bring the big city values and way of life into a small town. That never works out. Why do you think they're trying to turn their bankrupt restraurant building into a Medical Marijauna House, HA, like that'll fly in a town like Joliet

Big B said on Friday, Mar 5 at 11:27 PM

These false statements are coming from 2 people who think they are Elvis Presly and Marilyn Monroe. They are crazy, and never have I had worse service or eaten worse food in my life. Joliet is a great community with great people. Joliet has a wonderful school system, and strong family values. You don't hear any of the other business owners complaining, only them? Hmm!! Crazy isn't it!

Anonymous said on Friday, Mar 5 at 9:18 PM

This is absolutely ridiculous. I personally know these people, and they are some of the most friendly people I know. They would literally do ANYTHING for someone. Joliet has responded with a cult like attitude towards them. Also something everyone else failed to mention was the fact that someone cut off an animal;s head and attached it to their door. As far as the quality of food goes, I beleive it is one of the best restaurants in Red Lodge. I have never had anything that tastes even remotely bad there. Anybody that reads this should feel bad for the people of Joliet. It's very interesting how close-minded and misguided the people of Joliet are.

Anonymous said on Friday, Mar 5 at 8:13 PM

We have been Joliet residents for 14 years and Joliet is warm hearted and wonderful. There is not one person in Joliet that would vandalize anything. We have virtually no crime here. It's sad that The Best's couldn't make their restaurant successful, but don't blame the residents of Joliet - blame the greasy, overpriced food, slow service and mismanagement. You think moving locations will change things?? Think again!

also disapointed said on Friday, Mar 5 at 7:11 PM

The 6 o'clock new was not much better. They cut Bob Reeds response right off. But at least they talk with other business owners. But no apology to the town of Joliet for running this story to begin with. All's it did was give more free advertisement for these scam artist. What does that say about KULR 8? I am done with KULR 8 time to start watch another channel.

Anonymous said on Friday, Mar 5 at 7:05 PM

Dear Disappointed. You will see the follow-up story tonight on the news at six and ten; the only shows it originally aired on. The newscasts air different content.

disappointed said on Friday, Mar 5 at 6:42 PM

KULR should have acknowledged the people of Joliet in the 5 o clock newscast. By not doing so they send the message that they don't really care about the truth. By not retracting the accusations made by Robert and Bettina KULR is doing the people of Joliet a GREAT INJUSTICE!

Anonymous said on Friday, Mar 5 at 5:29 PM

This ie rediculos the only people resposable for the closing of the resturant is them, they tryed to change to much and unfortinatly there change leed to horrable food and even worse service. If you had eaten there before they bought it you know what I mean!

An Anchor to Joliet said on Friday, Mar 5 at 5:29 PM

When you go to a town meeting and call the locals all a bunch drunks and druggies..that will make you not want to go to that place...That was on record at a town meeting!!!!

Sandra from Joliet said on Friday, Mar 5 at 5:21 PM

The segment on the newscast sounded more like a gossip item than journalism. Have any of the so called hate crimes been substantiated by anyone other than the business owners??? Very unprofessional reporting in my book.

Anonymous said on Friday, Mar 5 at 5:20 PM

hopefully the fact that they are scammers, and felons will keep them from getting a business lic. for growing/distributing medical marijuana!

A local resterant worker said on Friday, Mar 5 at 5:19 PM

This is a joke..the only reason why they went out of bussiness is because they do not know how to run a resturant.

Anonymous said on Friday, Mar 5 at 4:29 PM

Medical marijuana, huh? Nice addition to a community of local haters and arsonists. These people are absolutely amazing! They have failed to take personal responsibility for any of their own failures and now hope to degrade our nice town even more with their medical marijuana. Go back to Nevada! It IS time the citizens and Town of Joliet put their foot down to these people. We don't want your kind of businesses; either a crappy, poorly run restaurant or a medical marijuana growing station. What is wrong with Kulr 8 and these people?

oh boy !!! said on Friday, Mar 5 at 3:22 PM

I get it smoke enough marijuana and even their food will taste good !! Good One Robert and Bettina

whatever said on Friday, Mar 5 at 3:20 PM

Thanks KULR 8! Did you check up on facts before releasing it? Now you are running around town trying to cover your ___.

Floyd from Joliet said on Friday, Mar 5 at 2:28 PM

Just found out that after all this bashing of Joliet. Robert & Bettina have applied for a business license & are expecting the town of Joliet to let them open up a Medical Marijuana growing facility in the old homestead Cafe. It is on the Town Council Agenda for March 15th at 7:30 pm. I can believe the audacity of these people to blame us for one failed business and then expect us to be okay with them opening up any business little lone a growing facility for Marijuana.

Former Empolyee said on Friday, Mar 5 at 2:09 PM

As a former employee of Robert & Bettina. I am a witness to their poor managing skills. Their inability to pay their employees and venders. And the inability to keep an open mind to the customers needs. The preparation of the food was horrible, example: Running potatoes through the dish washer (with all the chemicals) prior to cooking. I am appalled that they would blame their failing business on the town of Joliet instead of the obvious problem of bad management.

Floyd from Joliet said on Friday, Mar 5 at 2:01 PM

Shame on KULR-8! What happened to investigative reporting? This is horrible journalism! The journalist & editor should be fired. The Town of Joliet should boycott KULR 8. The town expected this from Robert and Bettina but not KULR 8. I think KULR 8 owes the town of Joliet an apology for running this story without investigating it first!!

CJF said on Friday, Mar 5 at 1:34 PM

RED LODGE your my neighbor and we share the same County. Watch out for Elvis and Marilyn they will rip you off. And they serve really bad food and over charge their meals.

Anonymous said on Friday, Mar 5 at 12:39 PM

For all you Joliet haters. How about letting these Criminals and scam artist come to your town and then see what you have to say after a couple years. I bet the same thing happens in Red Lodge. Bet we won't hear a word about it. It will just be sweeped under the carpet and everyone will pretend it never happened. If you look into their past you will see that they have done this before. Why do you think they got ran out of Las Vegas? They scammed money from a charity for abused women and children that's why.

Anonymous said on Friday, Mar 5 at 12:35 PM

If Joliet is so dangerous that Robert & Betina had to close their business, why are they still living here? Aren't they still in danger from us locals? Yeah, I don't think so. Maybe, they made up a few of these stories. If you've ever eaten at their establishment you will know that the problems were with the horrible service and food; not the crazy locals in Joliet.

linda J said on Friday, Mar 5 at 11:55 AM

shame on joliet. we have known these people from the begining. the mayor and realator are some of the people that have given bettina the most grief. she didn't try to make the restraunt like vegas. she brought great food ideas with her. if someone were to really investigate this matter they would learn joliet and city council did not want them there.from after they got property then told parking lote not there's. dishonest practices is what they faced from the start. so again shame on you all in joliet that suceeded in running them off.

Another Resident said on Friday, Mar 5 at 11:47 AM

12 employees? What could they be possibly talking about? They had no business, therefore no need for employees. The ones they did have we cheated at Christmas time when they were unknowingly deducted restaurant price meals from their paychecks.

Joliet Resident said on Friday, Mar 5 at 11:44 AM

These people are living in a fantasy land. Anyone living in a small town knows that news travels fast. I have never once heard of any of the things they claimed until they took it upon themselves to let the news know. Ask yourself why there is no fire reports or police reports? In the last year we have tried to order pizza; one time they did not have cheese and the next time they did not have dough. I could care less that they came from Vegas. Don't judge a whole town by a fabricated story from very poor business owners. Honestly, only very poor mangers could not make a go of the only place to eat in a community of close to 1000 people. The previous owners of the Homestead were not from the community either, however they treated their employees well, had good food and good service. I agree it must have been a really slow news day. "Seriously" you sound as mean and bigoted as you make us out to be.

Anonymous said on Friday, Mar 5 at 11:35 AM

Does "Can I pay you in gift certificates?" sound familiar to any previous employees. I called the State of Montana is regard to their employee payment practices.

An Old Employee said on Friday, Mar 5 at 11:25 AM

This was quite possibly the worst establishment that I have ever and will ever work at in my life. For anyone who has eaten there in the past 6 months has been a victim of hour owaits at noon for a sandwhich and improperly prepared orders to blame anyone outside of the business for its failing is both a disgrace to ones self but also a disgrace that to the town that has loved their cafe for years no matter the owner.

anonymous said on Friday, Mar 5 at 11:15 AM

I hear of several people doing work for them and Elvis and Marlyn burnt them.

Anonymous Resident said on Friday, Mar 5 at 10:45 AM

Was it a slow news day? Was it necessary to degrade an entire Town on the basis of unsubstantiated claims made by an angered failed business owner? Where are the reports to the police department of these "hate" crimes. Give me a break. Where are the fire department records of the attempted arson? Are you kidding? If a vandalism occurred, could it have been a random act by a stupid individual that did not know anything about Robert and Betina's poor service and food? Why would the residents of Joliet WANT to lose their only cafe? I guess I better start locking my doors with all these hate crimes going on because I live very close to the Homestead Cafe. Anyone believing this silly story should have had the opportunity to eat there. OMG! It was disgusting. Even "hick" people have standards when it comes to their food.

A 10 Foot Pole said on Friday, Mar 5 at 10:25 AM

As a student of Joliet, I have eaten at the Homestead numerous times. Before Robert and Bettina bought the place, the cafe had a reputation for good food and service, but when they bought the cafe, the service and quality of food did nothing but decline. They were always running out of food and would use excuses to cover their tracks as to why they were running out of food. The service was nothing short of awful. If I was to ask any one of my classmates who used to think that the Homestead cafe was a nice restaurant, I think they would all agree that the change in hands did nothing but bring down the restaurant

Anonymous said on Friday, Mar 5 at 9:55 AM

"complaints by the Bests' have never been substantiated by the sheriff's department or the fire department." Because they never happened or they staged it. Read people or at least open your ears and listen.

cjb said on Friday, Mar 5 at 9:46 AM

Shame on ch 8 for giving these yocals free advertising. The only thing that caused this business to fail was bad service- bad food- and high prices. It may take Red Lodge awhile to figure these guys out(with all the tourist business) but they will. In the mean time quit giving them free advertisement Im sure they contacted you with this sad excuse for a news story.

Anonymous said on Friday, Mar 5 at 9:19 AM

We like Change if it is good. Not change from criminals. We also tolerated & supported them until they stabbed us in the back. As for our Mayor I am sure she can not say anything until all the legal issues are dealt with. I think before you blame and call the town people of Joliet names, you should have all the facts. Not just the lies that Robert and Bettina portrayed on the news. They are scrambling to save their butts. These people ran their own business into the ground from the beginning. I see that the people who how have commented so far are very gullible for believing the the first thing they hear. So for you I have some ocean front property in AZ. I need to sell. Good price. Let me know if your interested.

JLH said on Friday, Mar 5 at 9:10 AM

The comment from the mayor was talking about apples and not addressing the oranges. The possible fact that they mismanaged their business has NOTHING to do with a crime of hate. Burning, slashing, etc are not really responses to bad service or food. THe mayor never addressed the crimes that are forcing the owners out of their business. I hope that some of the good-o-boys family members are ones that are losing their jobs because they are so bigoted. The people who own the cafe have to live with their own karma and fortunately so do the hate mongers.

hola tomas said on Friday, Mar 5 at 8:18 AM

some hayseeds dont like no change (sarcasm)

Not surprised said on Thursday, Mar 4 at 11:35 PM

They should have no problems like this in Red Lodge. The people there are friendly, intelligent, and nothing like these clowns.

Seriously said on Thursday, Mar 4 at 11:11 PM

I am from Montana and have no doubt that Joliet people were harassing these folks. Montanans are generally skeptical of those from somewhere else. Shame on you Joliet for your intolerance, for letting this happen and for your mayor sounding ignorant.

Anonymous said on Thursday, Mar 4 at 10:55 PM

Shame on Robert and Bettina for blaming the good people of Joliet for their short comings. Of course this is not the first time they have done something wrong & tried to blame it on someone else. Court papers from Las Vegas, Nevada prove that. Of course it might be a little hard to find because they change their last name more then most folks change their underwear. They know what they did. I believe that they did all those things to themselves. Robert had asked how he could get rid of all the cats that were getting into their dumpsters. Robert has work overseas with Blackwater security. So he would have no problem taking care of the cat problem. The only opposition they had, besides their food not being very good, was they moved to Joliet & tried to change the town into Las Vegas & the majority of the people told them if we wanted to live in Las Vegas we would move there. We don't like big city folk coming to our town & telling us we should be more like the big city.

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