Craggy Range Bar & Grill to open in Sandpoint

| May 28, 2007 9:00 PM

SANDPOINT — A Whitefish, Mont., restaurant group in late July will open Craggy Range Bar & Grill at the former location of The Power House Grill.

Remodeling the 5,000-square-foot space is under way for the full-service restaurant and sports bar in the historic Old Power House Building. The lakefront restaurant will employ 60 to 65.

Craggy Range Bar and Grill will offer at least four cuts of fish, five cuts of meat, prime rib and appetizers, said Doug McNicoll, president of Glacier Restaurant Group. Its sports lounge will have several flat screen televisions.

"Craggy Range is a dual-concept dining establishment," McNicoll said. "Following a trend in the hospitality industry, we fill the gastro-pub niche and still meet the needs of a family looking for a full service dining experience. Our presentation will absolutely exceed everyone's expectations."

Glacier Restaurant Group has been looking for a location in Sandpoint for two years.

"The right real estate is critical in our business, so we're now blending great food and ambiance with a great location on the water like the Powerhouse," McNicoll said. "Our company is very pleased to be in Sandpoint, and thrilled to have finally found the perfect location."

Mark and Sara Clarkson on April 9 closed The Power House Grill after more than 9 years in the building. The Clarksons did not want to sign another 10-year lease with Waterfront Property Management. The couple hopes to buy property in Bonner County so they can reopen a restaurant that's smaller than their 200- to 250-seat Power House Grill.

Glacier Restaurant Group also owns MacKenzie River Pizza Co., with 12 stores in Montana, and Ciao Mambos, an immigrant-style Italian eatery with its flagship restaurant in Whitefish and several franchises opening in the Pacific Northwest. Mambo's is a "swanky" dinner-only dining experience.

"We will be opening up another Ciao Mambo in Hayden, Idaho, this year," McNicoll said. "We're also looking to open either a McKenzie's or Ciao Mambo franchise in Sandpoint in the near future."