FireCreek Grill & Ale House gets makeover
FireCreek Grill & Ale House in Lacey, which occupies a building believed to date to the 1970s, is getting a much-needed makeover, the general manager said.
General manager Steve McNelly, now in his 10th year, is also the head golf pro at Capitol City Golf Club, an 18-hole public golf course that probably is best know for hosting the Capitol City Amateur golf tournament.
FireCreek serves the golf club, but it’s also open to the public. McNelly said the building had become “old and tired” and in need of updating.
Work began in January and the reopening is set for April 24.
The building isn’t getting larger — it’s still 3,000 square feet — but the renovation will make better use of that space.
Some examples:
▪ Bar seating will increase to 20 from seven.
▪ Previously the business was bar-oriented, but now the focus will be on the restaurant.
▪ A new rocked-in fireplace is being added, with seating for 42 in that area of the restaurant.
▪ Sliding doors are being added, so that bar patrons can look out over the deck to the golf course.
▪ The pro shop will increase by 200 square feet, creating more room for merchandise.
The overall renovation will give the grill and ale house the feel of a lodge, McNelly said.
The business also will increase the number of beers on tap to 24, including this addition: FireCreek Provisional Ale, a pale ale produced for the business by Lacey’s Top Rung Brewing Co.
McNelly has hired Lacey native Brandon Monk to be the new food and beverage manager. Monk, who grew up on the house-lined golf course, entered the world of food service in Portland.
Monk’s employment stops in Portland include restaurant manager at the Heathman Restaurant and Bar, general manager at Produce Row Cafe and bar manager at Ringside Fish House.
Monk said the menu — which is not going to be completely overhauled — will reflect the rustic decor of the renovation. You can still expect menu favorites such as burgers, steaks and tacos, he said.
Entrees range from $9 to $14, McNelly said.
Rolf Boone: 360-754-5403, @rolf_boone
FireCreek Grill & Ale House
Location: 5225 Yelm Highway SE Lacey
Employees: 20, which includes the pro shop.
Hours: 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays; 7 a.m.-1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served daily from mid-April to mid-September. Lunch and dinner is served daily the rest of the year.
Online: You can find FireCreek on Facebook. Capitol City Golf Club is at golfcapitolcity.com
Capitol City Golf Club: A par 72, 18-hole public golf course that measures 6,578 yards from the black tees.
Did you know? The Capitol City Amateur golf tournament, during the second week of June, has expanded to 200 players.
This story was originally published April 2, 2016 at 4:04 AM with the headline "FireCreek Grill & Ale House gets makeover."