Jill Storey bought what was the 5th Avenue Grill in Nucla in March, and by mid-month she’d begun renovating. Many know the building used to be the old post office and a laundromat. It was later a gun shop, a hair salon and an apothecary.
Storey worked at the 5th Avenue Grill for 11 years of the 22 that Bobby Wright owned it. Now the owner, and with much help from partner Cory Barnett, she has done major work on the inside of the building. She’s painted, and she’s also worked on the kitchen and bathrooms.
In the future, Storey will paint the exterior too, and she’ll work on the sidewalks, though she wants everyone to know she’ll leave the brands where they are on the side of the wall that faces Fifth Avenue.
The floor plan has been changed a bit, but she wants it to be a surprise for patrons. She said it will feel more open and simple.
She’s ready for the opening, and while she thought it would be May, it’s turning out to be more like June. She told the Forum she’s excited about the buffet, something she’s never done, but wants to offer it on weekends, Saturday and Sunday mornings, for breakfast. She’ll likely use the buffet for specials too.
The regulars who frequented the old restaurant need not worry. Many of the favorite menu items will return, though some new ones, like green chili, will be added. And, Storey said she does love using fresh, whole ingredients. Yes, there will be a steak special every month.
Many have asked her about a liquor license, but The Branding Iron won’t be serving alcohol, however.
The regular work week won’t have breakfast, but lunch and dinner will be served. The Branding Iron will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays, though, and Sundays won’t have a dinner option.
Already, Storey has her staff hired. Some have been helping her to clean and paint.
She has other plans for the future too, including selling merchandise with the restaurant’s logo, and she is looking forward to hosting fundraisers for the high school and community, making the restaurant a place to gather and socialize, as well as support each other.
She’s happy to help enhance Main Street activity.
When she holds the open house and invites people in, she hopes ranchers will come bring in their family’s branding irons. She’s got a spot on the wall inside to literally burn in local brands.
Storey told the Forum working inside the walls of what will now be The Branding Iron has been a constant in her life for more than a decade. When things have seemed stressful or when she’s gone through periods of loss, serving at the restaurant has been grounding. She feels confident she can open the new place and make it special for the West End. She’s grateful to Barnett for encouraging her to take it on and supporting her through the remodel and opening.
“I want to thank everyone for their continued support and encouragement, especially to all that have donated and helped along the way,” she said.
