When times are down, attitude is everything.
The frustrating reality of the “New Normal” has taken its toll, but it has also spurred a wave of diligence and ingenuity — especially in the service industries. For some great evidence of that forward-looking spirit, look no further than Stockman’s Restaurant— a bona fide gem of a steakhouse located at Snake River Landing.
In what might be coined in the future as the Great Lockdown, establishment owners Chris Bird and Trevor Noles took advantage of the economic hiatus by rolling up their sleeves and jump-starting plans for a new kind of dining experience.
“We went through and deep-cleaned everything, especially those hard-to-reach places that get neglected over time.” Noles told us in mid May, just prior to the “reopening” protocols that took place for restaurants across the state.
With further changes to the layout for social distancing already underway, Stockman’s started up its curbside pickup and delivery services on May 6.
The restaurant has enjoyed its current perch at the Landing for over a decade, but it actually started in 1947 as a steakhouse in Utah, and then moved to locations in eastern Idaho.
“After moving here, we realized this was really the place to be,” Noles said. “We love the building, and it’s nice to know we have the clientele and customers who come here, even if it’s a little out of the way.”
Stockman’s main draws for “casual fine-dining” include not just steak, but also seafood, pasta and burgers. Specifically, the menu’s greatest hits are its spicy Snake River Nachos, house prime rib and the Mediterranean Ribeye. The bar section is popular as well, including a full stock of spirits and local/regional microbrews.
“We’re excited to dine in again, even at 50-percent capacity with social distancing and all the proper sanitation, including masks and gloves,” Noles said. “We’re ready to serve.”
Stockman’s Restaurant is located at 1175 Pier View Dr. For adjusted hours, reservations and orders, call 208-552-6500 or visit www.stockmansrestaurant.com.
A Canary in the Mine for Recovery
Economic backpedaling aside, the “new normal” might be coming to Snake River Landing sooner than we think. The Landing has offered fertile ground for all kinds of development in recent months, including additional residential projects, a new multiplex theater, a conference center, new office buildings and the forthcoming 48,000-square foot Mountain America Center.
Read more of Idaho Falls Magazine's July issue here.