Laurie Butkay will keep Cedar Creek open through this winter to serve Star Valley Ranch.

Star Valley Ranch was once very quiet during the winter months.  At least comparatively.

But as the valley’s growth has affected the areas of Alpine, Nordic Ranch and Etna, the growth and the very nature of the fact that Star Valley Ranch is now an incorporated town has made it a very attractive option for a whole new generation of residents.

Part of that mentality is being forged through by business owners such as Laurie Butkay, who is ready to fill the food needs of the area for 12 months a year.  When asked why she was making this jump, it’s easy to hear the conviction about her community.

“It’s because it’s a town now,” she stated.  “Star Valley Ranch is a township now and every town should have  restaurant.”

Offering an old diner atmosphere, combined with the unique and plentiful activities at the disposal literally yards away from her grill, the Cedar Creek Grill sits poolside at the Ranch, even when the pool is empty.

The beautiful mountain views make it so calm and peaceful,” Butkay added.  “We have areas so you can sit outside and enjoy it.  You can even call from the ninth hole and call in an order and we can serve them right out the door.  The golf course and the basketball courts serve as an athletic background for people. In the winter, there are snowmobilers and we’re close to an ice skating rink and there ‘s even some mothers putting together hockey teams, so I think we’ll be a welcome addition all year ‘round.”

In addition to having pride about her town, she’s also very proud of her cuisine which is drawing rave reviews from her patrons.

“The people are the best part,” she added. There are people from all over the world who live here so it’s amazing to meet them.  Of course the beautiful views are always rewarding.  I think people are always overwhelmed at the amount of food that they are served and I take a lot of pride in what I serve and how I serve it.”

The Cedar Creek Grill is also a family affair.

“It’s an old fashioned diner and it’s designed for people to just come in and hang out and enjoy some homemade soups and chilis.  We also serve a good breakfast.  We’re open from 9-3 every day, 7 days a week.  We’re a family operated business.  My oldest daughter is working now and my two youngest work on the weekends.  To come out here in the mornings; this is kind of a morning coffee drinkers place and it’s fun to listen to the stories about how the valley has changed from the people who have helped build it.  I’ve learned a lot about the history of the valley just by listening.  We have a wide assortment of people here; from a federal judge to a gentlemen who helped build Las Vegas, this is a great place to meet and greet.”

The Cedar Creek Grill also fills some of the more basic needs, carrying milk, eggs, and of course, the Independent.  But, the service doesn’t stop at the door, as catering is also a passion of Butkay.

“I can cater big or small,” she concluded.  “Wherever they need it to be.  I’m able to carry it into Thayne or Afton.  My specialty is a mashed potato bar and it’s phenomenal.  We do a lot of things on the pool grill.  We even cater for Christmas and holidays.

For more information about the menu, drop on by the Cedar Creek Grill, located poolside at Star Valley Ranch, or give them a call for an order at 883-8089.

After all, a great town, should be well fed.