From Rita's to Wine Haus

New owners of Wine Haus in Seaside plan many changes, some already made

Those of you familiar with Rita Mae's Great Little Wine Haus, in Seaside, are in for a surprise. Many changes are happening there with a recent change in ownership. First of all - and a big one for me - the establishment is now 100% non-smoking.

Rita Mae's Great Little Wine Haus was established by Ted and Rita Mae Kurrus in October, 1991, after they sold their former business, Rita Mae's Great Little Bed & Breakfast - notice a trend here? They moved the Wine Haus business from downtown Seaside to the Seaside Factory Outlet Center in June, 1997. In March, 1999, they sold the Wine Haus to Jeff Kilday and his wife, Karma Herd.

Jeff is originally from Salem, Oregon, and he attended Willamette University. He has worked in the hospitality industry for Steamer's Restaurant in Salem and Elkhorn Lodge in Sun Valley, Idaho, prior to joining Shilo Inns in March, 1989. He started in Idaho Falls, and moved sixth months later to open the Shilo airport property in Portland, Oregon, in 1990. He moved to Seaside in January, 1991 and was promoted to working for the corporate office in 1996, but maintained Seaside as his home.

Karma Herd is originally from Pendleton, Oregon, and she met Jeff while attending Willamette university. Herd went on to gain her teaching credentials and moved to Sun Valley, where she worked for Shilo Inns. Karma was later promoted to work the opening of the Shilo airport property, followed by time as a substitute teacher, and now she is a full-time teacher in the Seaside School District. She and Jeff married in December, 1990.

The birth of their daughter two years ago encouraged a switch to jobs requiring less travel, so on March 1, they became the new owners of the Wine Haus. With the business, they inherited over 750 types of wine, 60 champagnes and over 300 kinds of beer. Prices range from inexpensive wines at $5.99 to a liter of Chianti for $399.00. They also kept staffers Josh Beatty, Jeri Clapper and Nathan Alexander.

They have already dropped prices on a number of items and will be making changes in the deli menu, plus are offering wines by the glass and are starting a wine tasting bar with visiting vendors. LCB

The Wine Haus

Principals: Jeff Kilday & Karma Herd, owners

Address: 1111 North Roosevelt, #200

Seaside Factory Outlet Center

Seaside, Oregon 97138

Telephone/fax: 503/738-0201

URL: www.winehaus@usa.com

Hours: 9a - 8p. M - Sat, 10a - 7p Sun.

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