Introducing 1908 Saloon: Sandpoint’s newest community gathering space By Jillian Chandler| Photo by Olyviah Cameron Photography and Yellow Goat Studio
Sandpoint is home to a new space for the community to come together to enjoy food, spirits and good times—1908 Saloon. Housed where A&P Bar and Grill once resided, 1908 owners, and husband and wife, Bill and Kathy—who met 43 years ago while working together in a restaurant—have embraced a sensible approach to providing new amenities to the local community through their business and place in the community. Through this new venture, the couple is looking to create a meaningful experience for the entire community.
“Behind the 1908 Saloon is a partnership formed to shed new light on the downtown food and spirits experience,” shares Bill. “The partnership includes an incredible executive chef, Josh Dorrell (owner of Drift Lakeside Kitchen & Bar in Hope), who brings his extensive background and exciting new menu.”
The beauty of the partnership lies in the spontaneity in which it manifested. The team of diverse backgrounds and skill sets (culinary arts, design, development, construction) was drawn together by their shared callings to create. “Through each of our individual convictions to externalize our passions, we united on this vision in perfect harmony. Doors opened for each of us to meet in perfect coordination along the way,” reflects Kathy.
The team began working on the 1908 Saloon concept in July of this year. By early September, they were scrubbing floors, deep cleaning kitchen equipment, repainting walls and rewiring electronics. They designed a new logo by the end of that month and soft launched the new menu on October 2. As of press time, they were entering the final phase of cosmetic updates with plans to launch sometime in November. Keep an eye out for an official launch date announcement on Facebook, Instagram and Yelp.
“Creating an experience requires rethinking and envisioning the ‘brand’ from the top down and again from the bottom up, leaving no stone unturned,” states Joe Vitello, designer. “Every element of the experience—the food, the way the menu looks, the sign, the entertainment options, the social media presentation—all must represent the core concept. For us that core concept entails a historic saloon embodying a place where diverse folk in the spirit of Sandpoint’s incredibly diverse people can come together and add to our incredible heritage. It’s the energy we exude, the things we create, and the impact we leave on others. The whole branded product offering will reflect that core concept by the time our buildout is complete.”
At 1908 Saloon, the local vibe aims to celebrate Sandpoint’s history and North Idaho heritage. This is complemented by the local fare, mindful cocktails, and a diverse offering of weeknight and weekend events, where people of different backgrounds, age groups (21 and older after 10pm) and hometowns can come together and celebrate. When it comes to the cuisine, guests will be treated to simple meat and potatoes, locally sourced North Idaho fare, with a down-to-earth charm and clean and modern presentation; rustic but relevant. The menu features four sections: 1. Food for Sharin Folk - Shareables like Cowboy Bites, Sweet Potato Waffle Fries, Bacon Deviled Eggs, and a Bratwurst Board of chef-select wild game and pork brats; 2. Locally Farmed Greens - Simple salads, a light and refreshing option; 3. Big Ole Idaho Potatoes - Spuds in three varieties, Loaded Original, Broccoli Cheddar and Pulled Pork; and Food for Salty Folk - Sandwiches on brioche buns like their 1908 Burger and locally sourced Bison Burger, and hoagie rolls House Smoked Tri Tip Sando and Fried Chicken Sando.
Pair your meal with a simple and affordable signature cocktail from their full bar, made to order with a light and refreshing twist on the classics. According to Josh, “The 1908 Original, Pencolada, Bar Dog, River Water and Smokin Bear evoke smokey, herbal, salty nostalgia reminiscent of the frontier West and Panhandle flavor.”
As Bill reminds, “Great restaurants serve a function in the community where people can be known, exchange their stories and warmth, see familiar faces and form memories that will last a lifetime. Great restaurants provide an experience that exceeds the food and its sensory delights. Generations come together, wisdom is shared and lessons are learned. Our partners desire to create on the level of human interaction and opportunity, and a saloon is the perfect concept.”
Be sure to stay tuned, as the first phase is not quite complete. They are currently addressing interior design elements, sprucing up the entrance to the bar, and building out a weekend events calendar. They look to have their new vision completed by the coming of the new year.
1908 Saloon 222 North 1st Avenue Sandpoint, Idaho 208.263.2313 1908Saloon.com
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