Best Western Plus Black Oak marks 65 years in Paso Robles
Third-generation leadership continues hospitality tradition in Paso Robles
– Best Western Plus Black Oak will celebrate its 65th anniversary on July 19, marking more than six decades of family ownership and hospitality in Paso Robles.
The hotel traces its history to July 19, 1961, when its first guest arrived after experiencing heat exhaustion while dining at the original Black Oak Restaurant. The family checked her into one of the newly completed rooms to recover. Although the hotel’s planned opening date has been lost to time, the family considers that unexpected act of hospitality the beginning of the hotel’s history.
Local businessman Hugh Black founded the Black Oak Motor Lodge in 1961, when Paso Robles was known primarily for its agricultural industry. A turkey and poultry farmer, Black opened the hotel to serve travelers along California’s growing highway system with a focus on hospitality.
The property remains under continuous ownership by the Black family and is now led by the third generation. Michelle Ferry serves as chief executive officer, while Mitchell Masia and Greg Pacheco serve as chief operating officer and chief financial officer, respectively.
General Manager Angela McKee joined the hotel in 1987 and has served in her current role since 2009. During her tenure, she has seen Paso Robles develop into a wine destination while the hotel has continued serving visitors.
McKee also recalled a story from the San Simeon earthquake in December 2003. After the shaking stopped, longtime family owner Shirley Masia walked out of the office with her purse and said, “Well, I guess we should all go.”
McKee replied, “Well, you all can leave, but I need to stay.”
When Shirley Masia appeared confused, McKee explained, “We don’t have any way to lock the front door.”
Because the hotel had operated 24 hours a day since opening, the lobby doors had never been fitted with locks. Locks were installed on the front doors shortly after the earthquake.
Mitchell Masia reflected on the anniversary and the family’s history with the hotel.
“When someone starts a new endeavor, such as opening a motel along a newly constructed highway, I don’t imagine they do so thinking it will still be here 65 years later. Yet that’s exactly where we find ourselves today. I’m incredibly thankful for what my grandfather, Hugh Black, and our family have built and sustained through the decades. We like to think we’re a small part of the larger Paso Robles community, treating every guest like family and introducing them to everything that makes this area so special.”
The hotel has undergone renovations, expanded its amenities, and made other updates over the years while maintaining its focus on hospitality.
As the hotel marks its 65th anniversary, the Black family thanked employees, guests, and community members for their support throughout the years.
