Sunset & Charlmont Change Hands

by Amy Kolb Noyes

The Sunset Motor Inn and Sam's Charlmont Restaurant have changed hands.
As Ken and Madeline Bourgeois move on to retirement, Howard Manosh has
decided to take on a new venture. For now, patrons of the restaurant and
motel will not likely notice any changes. According to Ken, the staff at
the two businesses will remain the same and operations will be "business
as usual."
Paperwork filed with the Town of Morristown Friday, July 2, show the
Sunset property was transferred from Kenneth and Madeline Bourgeois to
Manosh Hospitality, LLC for the sum of $1,790,000. Sam's Charlmont was
sold by the Bourgeois to Manosh Ventures, LLC for $455,000.
The Bourgeois family has owned and operated the Sunset Motor Inn since
October 1, 1975. Ken Bourgeois told the News & Citizen the motel had 30
units at the time. Today, the Sunset boasts 55 units and two houses. In
2000, the Bourgeois' purchased the neighboring restaurant. Ken said the
restaurant business was never their forte, but he felt forced to make
the purchase. Ken, with his wife in agreement, said the motel, on the
other hand, was an excellent business for the family.
"I think the motel business was number one," said Ken. "We were a team.
It was great for the children."
The restaurant is currently leased, and Howard said he will continue
that practice. He added he likes the way the businesses have been run to
date and has no intention of making any immediate changes.
"It fits in well with what we do," said Howard. Manosh Hospitality also
owns Morristown's Plaza Hotel. Howard added he won't be laying off any
employees.
Ken noted he had been thinking about selling his business for about a
year. Then, over lunch, Howard inquired whether he might want to sell. A
contract was signed last Wednesday and two days later they closed the deal.
Ken said the transition was "no hassle." He added, "Howard's the number
one man to deal with." He added, "I'm glad to see him get it...I can't
wait to see, in five years, what he does with it."
Howard agreed with the ease of the sale calling it "the easiest
transaction I've ever made."
After over 28 years at the Sunset, Ken said he wished moving could be as
easy as selling his businesses. Ken said he and Madeline will be moving
into their camp on Lake Champlain, which is undergoing some renovations
right now. They will be splitting their time between the camp and their
winter home in Orange City, FL. Ken noted they have owned their place in
Florida for two years, but have only spent a total of seven days there.
Howard said he found the deal attractive because of the quality of the
businesses and the prime location. He noted the businesses include 10
acres of the "best land you can find." He called the motel "immaculate"
and commented the Bourgeois did a good job with the business and being
part of the community. He said he hopes to continue in that vein.