The Redwood Steak House

Former owner re-opens Redwood
By Jil Schult ~ Staff Writer ~ Gaylord Herald Times
June 30th, 2007

LEWISTON - A Lewiston landmark, first opened nearly 50 years ago, has reopened following a more than three month shut down. The Redwood Steak House, located on the corner of County Roads 489 and 612, shut its doors at the end of business on February 24th, 2007. On June 18th the 113-day closure came to an end.

"It's almost like the movie, 'It's a Wonderful Life,' you go away - come back," said Rob Chapman. "You don't realize how much you're appreciated.

With the exception f a fire in 1975, which resulted in the Redwood closing from October to New Year's Eve, this was the first time the restaurant closed. According to the previous owner Paul (PJ) Wright, he closed because of the economy and planned to sell the restaurant. However the Wright and previous owners Rob and Terri Chapman, who sold the business to Wright nearly five years ago, came to an agreement.

And the community response has been astounding. Chapman is collecting comment cards from dining guests who are responding overwhelmingly with encouraging words such as "excellent food;" "great service;" "the place looks wonderful."

"Our goal is to meet the expectation level that has been established over the past 50 years," Chapman said. "I'm glad the restaurant is able to be reopened - a lot of jobs for previous employees and new ones," said Brenda Ketchum, prep cook. "We're very fortunate to have many of our great staff back," he said.

The original 48-seat Redwood Steak House, which opened on April 22nd, 1958, was built by Bill and Elda Butski.

Brothers Curt and Tommee Render purchased the restaurant in 1967 and added onto the dining room and bar area, expanding the seating to 130. In 1980, Chapman, who had worked for the Renders since 1969, bought the restaurant. Chapman expanded the dining room in 1988, offering capacity for 150. And, like the most popular response on the comment cards reads, "We're glad to have you back."

History of the Redwood Steak House

The Redwood Steak House first opened its doors on April 22, 1958. The dining room had a total capacity of 48 persons and was located directly in front of the present kitchen. There was not printed menu at this time. Steaks were individually cut, trimmed and wrapped on the premises as they still are today. Lobster tails, whitefish, lamb and pork chops were the only other menu selections.

As Lewiston grew, so did the Redwood Steak House. The size of the kitchen was doubled in time for the spring opening of 1969 (the restaurant closed during the winter). In 1970 a liquor license had been obtained, the dining room enlarged, and the lower section of the present lounge had been constructed. The last addition to the lounge was completed in the spring of 1975. In the spring of 1988, the "Alcove" was added on to the east end of the Dining Room.

Since its opening, the Redwood Steak House has worked hard to maintain the highest standards. We are proud of the quality of our meals and our service. Every day we prepare our own fresh Salad Dressings Shrimp and Tartar Sauces, Soups and Salads. We bake our own Bread, Corn Muffins, Biscuits and more.

Our entire staff is committed to making your dining experience truly enjoyable. We are glad you came to Lewiston and the Redwood. Come back as often as you wish. Relax and join in the fun as we look forward to celebrating our 50th Anniversary.

The Redwood Staff