Butcher's Nook opens in new, larger location

The Butcher's Nook in Plains held the grand opening of its new building Saturday and served an estimated 400 people throughout the day, said Jonathan Borntreger, who co-owns the restaurant with his brother, Dan.

The Borntreger brothers opened for business at the new site on the west side of Plains on Saturday at 6:30 a.m. and had a steady stream of people all day. "We were absolutely swamped. We had a very good day. We were very blessed," said Jonathan, who added that they had around the same amount of customers on Monday, too. The new building, which they own, is 6,000 square feet, more than double they had at the former rented space on the east side of town. In addition, they now have parking for more than 50 vehicles.

The Butcher's Nook was established in 2007 by Mike Frye, owner of Clark Fork Custom Meats just west of Plains. The Borntregers purchased Butcher's Nook three years ago, but wanted to expand the business and have more space. They subsequently purchased one acre next to First Security Bank and began construction for the new building a year ago.

The brothers said they were very pleased with their new place, which takes on a lodge-like look, a style that the brothers designed themselves. Dan also did much of the work on the building himself, said Jonathan. The building has a mammoth room, complete with a large fireplace. Dan said they considered a wood fireplace, but went with the cleaner propane one instead. They also have a large room that holds around 30 people, which can be closed off for private parties or conventions.

The former Butcher's Nook could only take 35-40 customers while they now have a total capacity of 98 people. Being able to accommodate more people in the restaurant and parking is a huge plus, said Jonathan.

"Our new building offers a great place to relax by the fireplace, a great atmosphere paired with great food," said Jonathan. "And the large dining room means you don't have everyone listening to your conversation," he added. One of the reasons people love Butcher's Nook is the quality of food, friendly service and good prices, according to Jonathan.

The Butcher's Nook's regular hours will be Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is closed on Sunday. The restaurant employs 11 people, serves breakfast and lunch and has a variety of 15 different deli meats and 17 types of cheeses, along with canned goods, a bakery and homemade noodles. Jonathan said they are also going to sell bulk food products and are planning to have a dinner schedule once or twice a week, though not right away.

Jonathan said the completion is "one of the reliefs of my life." The restaurant closed at the old place on the previous Monday and opened at the new building five days later. "These last two weeks were really crunch time, but we got it done," said Jonathan.