SOCORRO, New Mexico (STPNS) -- Socorroans traveling through Buena Vista, Colo., next May will find a remedy for any homesick feelings when they step into a new restaurant, Eddyline Restaurant and Brewery.

Mic and Molley Heynekamp, who own Socorro Springs, are hoping to break ground in the next two weeks on construction of the new restaurant, which Mic said will have a menu that is nearly identical to the nine-year-old Socorro favorite.

?We?re following the local architecture in Buena Vista. It will look quite different on the outside, but the inside will be similar,? Mic said.



Mic said construction should be complete by May 1. The restaurant will be located near the banks of the Arkansas River, which Mic said is one of the most heavily-rafted rivers in the United States.

Buena Vista is in central Colorado, between Salida and Leadville in the Upper Arkansas River Valley on Highway 24.

Being outdoor enthusiasts, the Heynekamps found the inspiration for the name of their second restaurant in their knowledge of rafting.

Mic said he used to do a fair amount of rafting and kayaking. An eddy in the river is a place where a rafter can stop, regroup and plan the rest of the journey.

The couple thought of their restaurant as a place where residents could do something similar ? stop, regroup and plan the rest of their day ? hence the name Eddyline.

Mic said the couple will split time between Socorro and Buena Vista.

??Half the time? is a good term. Socorro is priority No. 1,? Mic said. ?Socorro is a great place to keep a restaurant.?

Mic owns an airplane and has flying experience as a former employee of Mesa Airlines. He said the flight is about an hour and a half.

Brian England, who is the longest-serving manager for Socorro Springs having worked there for eight years, will move to Buena Vista to manage Eddyline.

England is married to Mic?s sister, Marcelle, who currently works at New Mexico Tech.

?We?ll probably shuttle Brian back and forth, because he is the main person in charge of training for us,? Mic said.

Three other managers, John Dean, Ryan Halton and Andy Taylor, will stay at Socorro Springs, along with brewmaster Kacey McFadden.

Mic said he and Molley chose Buena Vista for a number of reasons.

He said the couple liked that the town was trying to maintain controlled growth instead of allowing disorganized sprawl. They also liked what they learned about the Buena Vista schools. They have three children ? Moab, 6, Marieka, 4, and Micaya, 2.  

Terry Tadano, director of the Socorro County Chamber of Commerce, said Socorro Springs is one of the largest employers in Socorro County, with 50 and 55 employees.

?Four years ago, they volunteered as the major sponsor for the Open Golf Tournament and have contributed more than $50,000 to ensure that the Socorro tradition will continue,? Tadano said of what is was called the Socorro Springs Open for 3 years.

Tadano said the couple also contributes to the New Mexico Tech Children?s Center and the Performing Arts Series, as well as many other programs and organizations.

Mic holds a bachelor?s in geology from Tech, while Molley holds a bachelor?s in business, also from Tech.

The Heynekamps have announced that Mondays are Locals Appreciation Days. Socorroans get a 20-percent discount on food on those days.