There’s a quiet crisis unfolding in Harrison, Idaho—one that’s threatening to hollow out a historic lake town, drive away its families, and leave only empty vacation homes in its place.

In our latest episode of the North Idaho Experience podcast, we sat down with Whitney Hruza, the fiery and fearless owner of OneShot Charlie’s, to talk about what’s really going on in Harrison. Spoiler alert: it’s not the sleepy lakeside dream some outsiders think it is. Beneath the summer sunshine lies a town in trouble—and one woman on a mission to save it.

OneShot Charlie’s: The Beating Heart of a Town on the Brink

Whitney didn’t grow up in Harrison—but she’s one of the most deeply rooted people in town. Originally from southern Idaho, she spent years in the restaurant industry before moving to North Idaho to raise her family and chase her dream. In 2012, she and her brother scraped together just $1,500 each to take over OneShot Charlie’s—a lakeside bar and grill in a town with a population hovering just over 230.

Today, OneShot Charlie’s isn’t just a place to grab a beer. It’s a lifeline for Harrison. It’s the community center, the welcoming front porch, the place where locals come together year-round. But that lifeline is fraying.

Airbnb Overload: The Unseen Enemy of Community Life

What’s driving the change in Harrison? The rise of short-term rentals.

Before 2020, Harrison was a town of full-time residents—retirees, families, workers, and small business owners. But when the pandemic hit and Idaho stayed open while other states locked down, out-of-state buyers poured in. Homes that were once attainable for working families were snapped up for vacation properties and Airbnbs.

Today, 28 out of the 78 voter-eligible homes in Harrison are now Airbnbs. That’s more than one-third of the community gone in the winter—lights off, blinds drawn, dollars gone.

Whitney explains it best: “When homes sit empty for half the year, you don’t just lose neighbors—you lose your tax base, your school enrollment, your local volunteers, your identity.”

This is more than a housing issue. This is a Harrison Idaho small business crisis, and it’s affecting every part of the town’s ecosystem—from education to emergency services to job creation.

Staffing Woes, Housing Solutions, and Local Resilience

Whitney and her team have had to get creative just to keep their doors open. In addition to owning the business and the building, she also owns housing for her employees—because no one can afford to live in Harrison anymore.

“There’s business coming out your ears in the summer,” she says, “but we can’t find staff to work it. So we bought a house, then rented a few apartments year-round just so we could bring in workers during the busy season.”

It’s a model built out of necessity, not luxury. And it’s not sustainable if the trends continue.

Still, Whitney refuses to throw in the towel. When she had to close for six months last year to regroup after losing key team members, she came back swinging. Now, OneShot Charlie’s is back open and ready to be the anchor Harrison needs.

Fighting for the Future of Harrison

So what’s the plan? Whitney isn’t just looking to boost sales—she’s trying to rebuild an entire town.

Her vision? A year-round, self-sustaining community where locals can live, work, volunteer, and raise their kids. She dreams of more families, a farm-to-table economy, and a renewed sense of civic duty.

“This isn’t about getting rich,” she explains. “It’s about building a good life. A meaningful life.”

Harrison doesn’t need more vacationers. It needs contributors. People who want to be a part of the fabric of a small town. People who see the value in buying local, sending their kids to the local school, volunteering, and showing up for their neighbors.

Whitney’s plea is clear: “Don’t just invest in Harrison. Live here. Build here. Help us protect the town before it’s too late.”

A Call to Action for People Who Care About North Idaho

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a business in a small town…
If you’ve ever wanted to raise your family somewhere quiet, beautiful, and community-driven…
If you’re tired of soulless suburbs and long for something more real…

Come to Harrison.

There are opportunities here. Restaurants for sale. A coffee shop with an apartment above it. Land to farm. A town that wants you—not your money, not your investment portfolio—but you.

Whitney’s not asking for charity. She’s asking for pioneers. For families. For people who still believe in the power of small towns.

Visit. Volunteer. Invest in a Way of Life.

Want to be part of the solution?

✅ Visit OneShot Charlie’s in Harrison, Idaho.
✅ Share this story with someone who’s looking for a different kind of life.
✅ Listen to the full North Idaho Experience podcast episode.
✅ Reach out to the North Idaho Experience Real Estate Team to explore available homes, land, or business opportunities in Harrison.