By Roger Porter
Another changing of the guard.
This time the change has taken place in West Yellowstone where Jim and Marsha Gray have turned over the reins of the Totem Complex to Dennis and Jackie LaFever.
Unlike many new owners Dennis and Jackie are no strangers to the tavern business. Most tavern owners who attended the 1999 Montana Tavern Association Convention held in West Yellowstone will remember Jackie as the catalyst who was in charge of the party, and a helluva party it was.
The complex consists of three businesses including a tavern/casino, liquor store and restaurant. The tavern has been renamed Bullwinkle' West to differentiate it from the LaFevers' original establishment located around the corner.
The pair initially turned their attention to the tavern, left the liquor store pretty much untouched and closed the restaurant temporarily.
Having been in this pub prior to the recent remodeling, I must say the new look is very fetching and inviting. Obviously I am not alone in that opinion as former owner Marsha described it as "beautiful."
Although most of the available space is used for seating, machines or the other accouterments of the trade, the appearance is bright and airy.
Perhaps one of the reasons being the choice of a sea mist green paint for the interior with a muted green carpet which complements the walls. The walls themselves are tastefully decorated with framed posters depicting area fish and their habitat.
Entering the tavern from the street a visitor is greeted by five video gaming machines lining the walls on either side. Five more machines are located at the back of the building sporting a sign that identifies the area as the "Canyon Street Casino." The machines at the front feature lighted domes from which greenery flows lending the area a subtle touch.
Opposite the bar are high round tables (which will soon be replaced by buddy bars) adjacent to windows which look out on the street. Looking out the windows patrons can see a new soffit which runs the length of the building.
Sports fans will find a welcome refuge as a number of flat screen TV' are viewable from every conceivable place within the tavern. Placed directly above the back bar is a super sized flat screen which almost makes the viewer feel they are seated on the 50-yard line.
Friday and Saturday, Sept. 15-16, marked the grand opening of Bullwinkle' West and, true to form, Jackie pulled it off without a hitch... except for the weather which caused patrons to wonder if perhaps they were in a time warp and might experience some of the wintry weather for which the village is famous.
Alas, the fears were groundless and wishing for the white stuff had to be satisfied with about 10 minutes of flurries. However those who had grown tired of the hot summer weather could rejoice in the 25 degree temperature that Friday night.
One of Jackie' strong attributes, and one which was widely admired at the 1999 convention, is imagination. One example at the grand opening was the serving of appetizers in small galvanized buckets which were set on each table. Naturally the appetizers were both tasty and served in abundance.
After feasting on barbecued meat balls, mucho nachos, mini tacos, smoked trout, crab cakes and other delicacies, which this party-goer missed to his disappointment, the celebrants were refueled and raring to go throughout the night.
Later in the evening the guests had an opportunity to get in the groove with music provided by Jackie' sister-in-law, Diane, an innovative disc jockey who performed following the 2004 Montana Tavern Association banquet held in Billings.
Diane' act is a great one to catch because in addition to spinning discs she dresses in a wide variety of costumes and enhancements guaranteed to keep "em rolling in the aisles.
The only glitch was mother nature who attempted to pour a little water on the celebration which was scheduled to be held in a tent under the stars. Fortunately, mother nature was thwarted by the large heaters brought in to warm up the tent.
An added bonus Friday night was the two hours of hosted drinking courtesy of Jeff Flatness of Rocky Mountain Gaming. Flatness will long live in the hearts of those who quaffed down the drinks.
Saturday dawned and once more the crowd gathered at Bullwinkle's West. In addition to locals the celebration attracted a considerable number of out-of-staters, friends of the hosts. A great part of the day was spent schmoozing and watching the Saturday football games.
As the day passed, the natives grew restless in anticipation of the food to be served later. Not to disappoint, the evening's fare consisted of three pigs pit roasted with chickens in the cavities, and turkeys injected with a secret marinate, then deep-fat fried. In addition to the main entrees, salads and side dishes crowded the sideboards.
Originally scheduled to be served under the big top, the venue was moved to the vacant restaurant with its numerous booths which made for a great impromptu setting.
Later that might Diane was scheduled to once more perform, however this time in the restaurant area.
This marked the witching hour for this cowboy who, after a week at the Montana Tavern Association Convention and two days at Bullwinkle' West, was a prime candidate for rehab. Thank goodness for medicare.
In closing, all agreed it was a great party and we all join in wishing Jackie and Dennis the best of luck. Please contact us when you decide to buy the rest of the town.
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, Oct., 2006, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.