Mackay Bar in Idaho told me last week they do not want aircraft to fly in for breakfast any more..

Did you show up unannounced? Do they not want us if we call ahead?

Cheers

We have a gang from Colorado going up next week...I emailed them about the breakfast and they replied they are not doing fly-in breakfasts any longer..

Good to know. Thanks

Any idea why the decision was made?

That's too bad. Sorry to hear that. I wonder why as well.

We stayed overnight at MacKay Bar in early June, and this subject came up then. The new owners said the drop in breakfast, did not generate enough money to justify, the disruption to there normally scheduled activities.
They are trying to focus on hunting and fishing trips, and people that want to stay in there cabins.
We had a great stay in June, and the new owners are doing a nice job of up-dating the cabins.
Alan

Someone who knows the new owners might suggest they update their website. Still says fly-ins are welcome for breakfast.

Don't fly in to Mackay Bar....They don't want your business....

That's fine, I'll fly into places that want my money and are happy to have me, like Sulphur Creek. I think Sulphur Creek is your best option if you're looking for a fly in breakfast in the Idaho Backcountry. The times I've been to Sulphur Creek the staff has been very welcoming and it was a good experience. I've only been to Mackay Bar once and they made me feel like I was an inconvenience. I decided after that I would never return.

Before this goes any further, lets get another source of information. I have a hard time believing that any business would intentionally want information shared on the internet this way.



Flymac, welcome to the forum..........Hope we get to know more about you than what your 3 first posts suggest.

robw56 wrote:That's fine, I'll fly into places that want my money and are happy to have me, like Sulphur Creek. I think Sulphur Creek is your best option if you're looking for a fly in breakfast in the Idaho Backcountry. The times I've been to Sulphur Creek the staff has been very welcoming and it was a good experience. I've only been to Mackay Bar once and they made me feel like I was an inconvenience. I decided after that I would never return.

X2 on Sulphur Creek!! Very friendly staff and the breakfast is awesome!

X3 on Sulphur Creek!!

Not a good business move on Mackay Bar's part, sending your potential customers to the competition, like Sulphur Creek, or Flying B Ranch (who would certainly feed you if you arrived at breakfast time - even though they are not a breakfast destination, but rather a lodging destination - radio first before landing). Major business rule - don't get in the way of someone making a purchase.

I like Mackey bar. I even wanted to stay there overnight and spend money. What got me to change my mind was, the one dollar per minute Internet charge. I ask them if that charge was waived if you stayed overnight, they said no.

Having airplanes fly in for breakfast is a good way to show more people what you have to offer. I don't think it's good business to turn people away who might be interested in staying overnight. As for interrupting their regular operations, I believe part of the regular operation is cooking breakfast lunch and dinner. Their plan of just call before you come sounded like a good one to me.

Maybe they will change their minds you never know.It is a beautiful place. If they are making bank off the rafters, riders, and hunters they probably don't need fly boys.

G'Day

X4

I wasn't impressed with Mackey bar so they can try and survive without us pilots flying in for breakfast. The other ranches love us, so we'll just keep going to them!

OregonMaule wrote: If they are making bank off the rafters, riders, and hunters they probably don't need fly boys.

They've asked rafters not so stop unless they are staying the night. I think this is really too bad for both groups. I've never been there by air but I have stopped by while rafting, really is a cool place.

Might be that the folks there just want to keep it to themselves, maybe just have it open enough to show some activity on the books? No idea, just a guess. Don't know them.

Thanks so much to several members of Backcountry Pilots for alerting us to the discussion here about Mackay Bar Ranch and the changes that are taking place under new ownership.

With change, there are often transitions that modify the "old ways" of operating any business, and in this case, a backcountry ranch on the shores of the Salmon River and nestled in the Frank Church "River of No Return" Wilderness is a very important endeavor for our young family. We are not strangers to entrepreneurial endeavors, nor are we afraid of the hard work and the tough decision we know are crucial to achieve our short and long term goals to mine the nuggets of success in the future.

We hope those who've enjoyed amenities such as impromptu fly-ins for breakfast will be understanding about our modifications to the business side of Mackay Bar Ranch. Through marketing efforts and a specialized approach, our goals are to provide a very exclusive setting designed for an unforgettable backcountry experience. We relish that in 2013, the feedback we have received has been extremely favorable and we know that our vision for the future of Mackay Bar Outfitters and Guest Ranch will continue to create treasured memories for our guests as well as repeat business.

Last spring, through the transition, we continued honoring the meal fly-ins like the former owners had done during 2011 and 2012.  However, we realized as our busy season got underway, it was a struggle to juggle the drop in business from fly-ins, along with our scheduled and confirmed guests.

Into the future, between our confirmed hunting and fishing guests, and large group events that we host, like weddings and family reunions, our top priority is to reserve perishable food supplies (planned in advance and hauled in via jet boat) for confirmed guests. With unplanned visits, it can be a difficult and a very expensive venture to plan ahead for unknown numbers and we often do not have the staff to properly accommodate drop-ins.

Buck, my husband, and I, are in this endeavor for the long term and our motto is "Quality, not Quantity". That being said, we have made the decision not to permit the fly-in breakfasts or other sorts of drop in business, including operating the store for the drop-in rafting or jet boating community. Our website has been updated and we apologize for any confusion.

At Mackay Bar Ranch, we intend to focus 100% on our overnight and extended stay guests, and cater to those guests who want to take advantage of our fishing, jet boating and outfitter services as well as other backcountry amenities. Remaining true to our business objectives will solidify our plans and also Buck and I can make sure to be at the ranch to build strong, solid relations with our guests that will last long into the future.

Our guests are incredibly important to us, and Buck and I don't want to have customers at the ranch that we cannot host or accommodate with exceptional services -- 100% of the time. We feel personal connections and face to face contact is what builds a business, not running guests through like cattle! (Which is the exact feeling we got after having too many guests at one time, like during the supercub flyin event)

This last spring, Buck and I really enjoyed meeting all the pilots that stopped in for breakfast and our little three year old loves greeting each plane that lands and takes off! We'd love you to consider the exclusive environment we're building and invite you to call or visit our website to think about how Mackay Bar Ranch might fit into your desires for a high quality Idaho backcountry experience as our valued and very pampered guests.

I really appreciate sharing concerns among backcountry pilots. We hope to meet you in the future and provide the incredible experience that so many guests have shared - is truly unforgettable, with plans to return.


Sincerely,

Joni Dewey

Mackay Bar Outfitters & Guest Ranch
208-965-8355 backcountry satellite phone
208-413-2109 cell
http://www.mackaybarranch.com

I've flown over your place many times... I admire your vision for the "Ranch".
I will put pressure on the "Wife" to come visit.
Thanks for putting up with "Us" aviators, as we sometimes don't see the big picture.
However, if you are ever in need of anything, please don't hesitate to call on this site for assistance.
We understand the necessity of aviation in the Idaho BackCountry.

Sincerely,
Mark

Joni: Thank you for the update on the situation. I am sure in the future I will be making reservations flying in to stay overnight. I'm sure my wife would love it. I understand your business plan and it sounds like you have it figured out. Good luck in your business venture.