photo by Kim Cameron The Grand Old West plans to employ 10 people. The kitchen will be open seven days a week, 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. and will feature traditional home-style fare. The staff poses in front of the bar that was originally in old Pool Hall in Kremmling. (Back L to R) David Lorenz, Beau McClain, Courtney Matney, owners Shawn and Mike Wheatley (Front L to R) Rheann Pesch, Ashley Matney, Nicole Brewer, Josie Wheatley and Destiny Barnes.
photo by Kim Cameron
The Grand Old West hung their new sign on Sunday. The sign was custom-made by WoodZwayz of Kremmling. The realistic looking skull and horns is actually carved from wood.

Shawn Wheatley’s dream of owning a restaurant is coming true. 

“I love to cook and I have always wanted to own a restaurant,” she said of the endeavor that her and her husband Mike have undertaken.

They purchased the Quarter Circle on main street in Kremmling in April and began the intensive work of cleaning, repainting, updating and making the place their own. They have also taken a step back in time by naming their restaurant The Grand Old West which it was known as in the 1970s. 

“As a kid, we knew it as the Old West and it seemed fitting for us,” said Mike.

The restaurant has a strong focus on family and friendships. As fourth-generation locals for both Shawn and Mike, they hope to have a family-friendly restaurant where their kids pitch into help. 

Shawn and Mike will cook in the kitchen and the menu will be focused on traditional home-style fare from eggs, potatoes, pancakes, open-faced sandwiches, prime cuts of steak, and pork chops.  The Grand Old West’s kitchen will open at 6 am – 10 pm, seven days a week. 

“The bar will be open longer than 10 p.m. if we have customers, but our focus will be on the restaurant. We have taken out the pool tables and extended our dining area.  We want to offer great food with great customer service,” said Mike.

Shawn knows her way around industrial kitchens from working at the school and working at the Rocky Mountain Bar and Grill, but credits her true cooking skills from spending time with some of the best cooks, her mother-in-law Irene Wheatley and Irene’s sister, the late Rosie O’Hotto.

Mike’s parents, Bill and Irene, once owned the Moose Cafe and have also been invaluable in their experiences and advice.

Mike and Shawn appreciate the network of friends and family who have helped them get the Grand Old West ready to open. 

The Grand Old West will have a soft opening very soon.  It is located at 106 Park Avenue in Kremmling, and the phone number is 970-724-9601.