An Elk Valley couple hopes to score a hole in one with a new restaurant at the Fernie Golf Club.
Scott Cook and Penny Brauer-Cook are preparing to open the Cast Iron Grill at the clubhouse, with tee off scheduled for May 4.
The pair first met at cooking college and have decades of hospitality experience between them, running Cooks Catering together for the past four years.
The Cast Iron Grill will be Penny and Scott’s first venture as restaurant owners – and a married couple after they tied the knot last year.
“I was born and raised in Fernie, so I know pretty much all the locals around and they’re all very excited for us,” said Scott.
The Cast Iron Grill will showcase local produce, with Fernie Brewing Co. beers on tap and prime ribs featuring as the signature dish.
“It’s simple food done very well,” said Scott.
“We’re doing English/Irish pub-style food for the restaurant itself.
“All the food is made from scratch… we do everything ourselves.
“I always have with the catering company and I’m just continuing the concept with the restaurant.”
This year marks the golf club’s 100th anniversary and the walls of the Cast Iron Grill will be decorated with old photographs and golfing memorabilia brought in by members past and present.
It will employ about 20 people and is still looking for kitchen staff.
The restaurant will be open every day of the year from 6:30 a.m. until late and will also host theme nights, with a Mother’s Day brunch on May 13 kicking off an action-packed calendar of events.
“Every time there’s a holiday, there will be something going on at the golf course,” said Scott.
“We want a place for locals to come and we want it to be a popular place for people aged 30 and up,” added Penny.
The Cast Iron Grill grand opening will fall on what is known as Star Wars Day, so has been dubbed “May the Fourth be with you”.
The restaurant opens at 6pm on May 4.
To make a reservation, call 403-896-3235 or email cookscateringsp@gmail.com.
