For Ken and Betty Lou Wiseman, retirement didn’t mean slowing down—it meant diving headfirst into a bold new adventure that would not only fulfill a long-time passion but also bring vitality to the small town of Piru, neighboring Santa Clarita. With a rich background in hospitality and logistics, the couple has spent their retirement years building a collection of venues that breathe new life into this historic community.
Their journey began with a long-vacant building in downtown Piru. With no restaurants open past 3:00 p.m., the town lacked a place for locals to gather in the evening. Inspired to change that, the Wisemans opened Corazón de Piru—a multi-faceted venue including a coffee shop, café and bar, community space with a pool table, and even a salon for a local hairdresser. This quickly grew into a larger hospitality venture, culminating in the 2024 grand opening of the beautifully restored Mountain View Inn & Restaurant, a nine-room historic hotel offering fine dining and a warm, communal spirit. The Wisemans now oversee four distinct venues: the Coffee Shop, Corazón Café & Bar, the Inn and its restaurant, and their expanding Heritage Valley Vineyard.
Restoring the Mountain View Inn was no small feat. Originally built in the late 1880s as the Mountain View Hotel, the building had most recently served as a substance abuse recovery facility before the Wisemans acquired it. With great care and respect for its historic charm, they embarked on a meticulous renovation that took nearly a year to complete. The project included everything from structural repairs to aesthetic enhancements, including a painstaking refurbishment of original architectural details. One of the biggest challenges was navigating the complex permitting process—especially when an emergency stairway replacement added an unexpected five-month delay. But the effort was worth it. Today, the nine-room inn offers guests a beautiful blend of vintage character and modern comfort, with each room thoughtfully designed to reflect Piru’s rich heritage.
Guests are often treated to personal tours from Ken, who shares the inn’s colorful past—richly tied to Helen Hunt Jackson’s novel Ramona. The story is based in Piru’s Camulos Ranch, and the first motion picture adaptation was filmed in Southern California, with the cast staying at the Inn in 1910. Fascinated by Ramona’s cultural impact on the region, Ken and Betty Lou recently served as Executive Producers on a documentary about the story, produced by Emmy-nominated Jason Sklaver. The film’s release date will be announced soon.
Their combined experience in the culinary field and business management made them uniquely prepared for this undertaking. Ken and Betty Lou first met while working with Aramark’s Campus Dining division in the 1980s and later spent 30 years in the logistics industry—20 of those building AMS Fulfillment into a nationally known fulfillment company and one of Santa Clarita’s largest employers. Now, in a smaller, more personal business, they’re wearing many hats and loving every moment.
“Doing start-ups of small businesses has its unique and very hands-on challenges,” says Ken. “But it’s rewarding and a joy to bring the Coffee Shop, Café/Bar, and the Inn to this community. Our new ROI—return on investment—is smiles!”
Food & Wine at the Heart of It All
Corazón de Piru is a centerpiece of their mission—an artistic and cozy space with a mural by a local artist, walls adorned with photos of community events, and a vibrant yet relaxed menu of pizzas, wings, charcuterie, and a wine list that includes their own wines alongside selections from nearby vineyards and breweries. Live music, weekend karaoke, and a warm, Cheers-like environment make the café a welcome retreat from the day-to-day. Desserts are served at the Inn.
Their Heritage Valley Vineyard, established in 2014, grows Malbec and Sangiovese grapes in Piru and sources additional grapes from Napa and California’s Central Coast to round out their wine selection. All wines are available exclusively on-site. Monthly complimentary wine tastings bring the community together and often feature other local wineries and Fillmore’s Red Engine Brewery. These events often lead to dinner reservations at the Inn, creating a seamless and relaxed experience. One of their most cherished offerings is the private gourmet pairing dinners, hosted by sommelier Rick McDaniel and Executive Chef Giancarlo Negron. These multi-course meals, carefully designed to match premium wines with seasonal dishes, provide guests with an unforgettable culinary journey.
“It’s not just about the food—it’s about the experience,” says Betty Lou. “People leave feeling like they’ve been part of something special.”
A Place to Celebrate and Connect
The Wisemans’ venues also serve as gathering places for celebrations of all kinds. From catering large weddings at Newhall Mansion to more intimate weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties, showers, and even tea parties for local children, their flexible spaces accommodate events of all sizes. Their team is available to coordinate private events with custom packages, and GM Rick McDaniel can be reached directly at 805-416-6217.
Perhaps what makes the Wisemans’ work so impactful is their genuine connection to Piru and its people.
“We moved here to retire in a quiet town,” Ken reflects, “but we fell in love with the community and knew we wanted to give something back.”
As they look to the future—and just as they did with AMS—Ken and Betty Lou hope to share ownership of the businesses with the key team helping to build them, ensuring that the businesses continue to serve the community for generations to come. To follow their journey, learn about upcoming events, or plan a visit, connect with them on Instagram and Facebook:
@corazondepiru
@mountainviewinnpiru
Whether it’s sipping wine under the stars, enjoying live music with friends, or savoring a gourmet meal in a historic setting, a visit to the Wisemans’ Piru properties is more than just a night out—it’s a heartfelt experience rooted in community, hospitality, and love.
Written by:
Linda Hafizi
Publisher/Owner
Santa Clarita Magazine
www.santaclaritamagazine.com