Wild West Gourmet Turns Mainstream

Montana-Based MacKenzie River Pizza Co. Sells to Expand

By Lucia Stewart, 3-01-07

A newly-formed restaurant group this week announced its purchase of four Montana restaurant companies, including Montana’s largest restaurant chain, MacKenzie River Pizza Company, with the hopes of expanding and possibly franchising to locations around the United States.

Glacier Restaurant Group LLC’s purchase of the MacKenzie Northwest Inc. as well as Mambo’s, Craggy Range Bar and Grill and the Corner House Grille, all located in Whitefish, has become the largest Montana-based restaurant accumulation by one company.

MacKenzie River, a household name for Montanans, exemplifies the vibe of the state. The employees of the 12 dough-tossing locations are encouraged to take the “Work Hard, Play Hard” motto to heart. It exudes in that atmosphere with walls doting fishing rods, old skis, and saddles and spurs inside framed log timber booths.

The atmosphere doesn’t seem cheesy as other theme-adoring chain restaurants. But that’s because this is Montana. The company is based in Montana. And its atmosphere is what we’d find in any Montana restaurant, just a younger, untarnished, non-dusty version.

Will the location expansion dilute the “Made in Montana” ownership and distinctiveness that MacKenzie River possesses in the hearts of Montanans?

Glacier Restaurant Group LLC, based in Whitefish, was formed for this transaction, said president Al Stinson, who spends his summers in Whitefish but calls Jacksonville, Fla. home. He began working on the purchase just after the turn of the year, just two short months ago.

Another investor in the group is William P. Foley, II, former chairman and chief executive officer of CKE Restaurants, known for its Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s and La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill.

“The business was never ‘for sale,’” Steve Shuel, owner and president of MacKenzie Northwest, Inc tells Camden Easterling in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. Hesitating to take on new debt, Shuel didn’t foresee expanding into other states as the sole owner, but recognized it necessary for the business’ growth. He will continue running operations.

“These restaurants are successful stories,” said Stinson. “When something is working, you typically don’t change it.”

MacKenzie River Pizza Company markets to the outdoor activity-based lifestyle and the Montana-enthralled tourist. The company’s method has served them well since opening their first restaurant on Main Street of Bozeman in 1993. Their Web site even provides recreational opportunities and outdoor links throughout the state.

Mambo’s is an old family-style Italian restaurant that can go over well anywhere. With Mambos only in Whitefish, there is space left to expand in Montana, particularly to Missoula, Stinson said.

Meanwhile, Stinson and the Glacier Restaurant Group are currently looking at sites for MacKenzie River Pizza Company restaurants in Idaho and Oregon.

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