The Hardys plan to expand hours of operation, adding lunch and another day to the schedule. They will be open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. These schedule changes take effect Wednesday, Aug. 10, according to Lanny.
While keeping all the current staff, they are bringing in an additional chef who has extensive experience with the Kaiser Group of restaurants in the desert (Kaiser Grille, The Chop House, Hogs Breath Inn and Jacalope Ranch).
“We’ll add some more steak choices, fish and nightly specials and have a slightly different core menu,” said Lorraine. “And yes, the salad bar stays.”
Lanny is a Wisconsin native and Lorraine comes from Cambridge, England. They plan to be very much hands-on managers. Lorraine comes from a banking and finance background and Lanny from nonprofit management. Currently living in La Quinta, they hope to move to the Idyllwild area.
The Hardys were very complimentary about their relationship with previous owners Lanny and Jane Wagstaff and especially on the ownership transition. “They could not have been more supportive and cooperative,” said Lanny (yes, another Lanny).
In other changes and potential changes, Gary Taylor, co-owner of the Fern Valley Inn would welcome buyers. “Business has been really bad,” said Taylor. “I expected it to be slow, but nothing like this.” Taylor and partner Perry Emery have not yet listed this newly purchased property for sale. They also own the Ravenwood Motel and Suites in Klamath, Calif.
The Rustic Cabin is also looking for a new tenant, according to owners Kenny and Eva Gioeli. Lisa Furugen had rented the property and stocked it with inventory. “They gave one month’s notice on July 15,” said Gioeli.
Rogelio Gonzalez Vazquez is serving up great Mexican Food at the Lumber Mill Bar and Grill, according to co-owner Emily Pearson. She raves about the enchiladas and carne asada and notes that the cook prepares a different special every day.
Lanny and Lorraine seem like they are sincere in their desire to keep what's great about the Creek House and make positive additions. I met them while eating there last Sunday, and felt their warmth and enjoyment of being on the hill. Best of all, they seem to be listening to the staff, who are a group of dedicated, hardworking people. Good luck in your new venture, folks!