True Texas barbecue awaits!
By Jillian Chandler
The community has been eagerly awaiting, and the time has finally come, as the area’s newest restaurant, Old West Texas BBQ/Steakhouse at The Hemlocks, has opened its doors! This one-of-a-kind culinary establishment features a menu inspired by simple and honest cooking using fresh and sustainable ingredients—taking guests on a unique culinary journey.
Having been in the restaurant and catering business for more than three decades, restaurateur and businessman Johnney Walker, joined by his son Colt Walker, purchased The Hemlocks RV Park, which formerly housed Generations restaurant, this past April.
Over the past few months, they’ve been dedicating every minute and every ounce of energy to upgrading the resort by updating the lodge for a more rustic feel, adding a new outdoor seating pavilion and venue for local and national music, and converting the restaurant into The Old West Texas BBQ/Steakhouse (which was originally started in Texas in 2000). They are excited to finally be able to share their newest venture with the community.
Old West Texas BBQ/Steakhouse you will be treated to barbecue that is slow smoked from 10 to 14 hours using Texas mesquite, hickory and red oak from Texas. As Johnney says, “This method imparts a taste and tenderness usually found in the tried and true barbecue joints that are well known for their barbecue—and we’ve brought it right here to North Idaho.”
Johnney started in business right out of high school, having started and founded many businesses across the country—from Texas to Washington state, Montana to Las Vegas. In 2013, he and his family moved to Hope, Idaho, from their ranch in Texas. They quickly fell in love with the area and people here in North Idaho. Four years later he relocated to Las Vegas and started World Trade Inc., a Real Estate investment business investing in properties in Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
“There are many aspects that are very rewarding to me with business in general … from developing a concept from the ground up to creating a successful business that fills a niche in a given market,” he affirms.
This authentic Texas barbecue joint offers diners a variety of savory mesquite and hickory-fired meats. Guests can grab a tray to enjoy lunch indoors or out on the new pavilion, or come to enjoy their full-service steakhouse menu for dinner. From brisket and ribs to chicken and sausage, choose from barbecue plates served with jalapeño cheese bread and two sides (Austin baked beans, coleslaw, jalapeño pinto beans, jambalaya texana, potato salad, Western-style green beans) or baked potato, or a variety of barbecue sandwiches served on a homemade bun. Your dining experience won’t be complete without one of their homemade desserts like banana pudding, cobbler of the day (blackberry, peach, apple), and pie and cake of the day.
For Johnney, he firmly believes in hard work and the willingness to do whatever it takes to be successful, and he is grateful to the customers and people he meets who acknowledge the hard work that it takes.
The Walkers are proud to call Bonners Ferry home and appreciate the small-town feel and being a part of this community. They look forward to continuing their involvement supporting the local FFA and 4-H clubs, in which they mentor local youth, “the new generation of the future,” with advice and support.
Johnney and Colt invite you to stop on by and try this new brand of dining. Take a seat Tuesday through Saturday from 11am until sold out to experience their Old West Texas barbecue service, or stop in Friday through Sunday, 5 to 10pm, for Old West Texas full-service. Meals also available for takeout.
Pop-Out Box
Grand Opening! Join Old West Texas BBQ/Steakhouse on Saturday, July 4, starting at noon, for a free barbecue, prizes and Texas-style hospitality!
Old West Texas BBQ/Steakhouse at The Hemlocks
73400 Highway 2
Moyie Springs, Idaho 83845
208.267.4363