Longtime Kalispell restaurant unveils its new addition for Thanksgiving

Sykes’ Restaurant is unveiling an expanded dining area with large windows and new restrooms just in time for the traditional free community Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 25.

On a recent morning, new owner Ray Thompson was huddled with facilities manager Dave Jolly, tweaking building plans on the fly, as the new addition on the front including a renovated entrance takes shape. Although much work remains, Thompson was confident his team would finish in time for the holiday.

He pointed out a stream of sunlight pouring through a temporary glass door leading into the new dining area and patio on the south of the building. When the new windows get installed, the wall was to come down, connecting the new area to the old.

“We’ll get all that sunshine in here,” Thompson said.

This project follows a lightning-fast interior and exterior renovation undertaken when Thompson, founder of Semitool, purchased the landmark business from Doug and Judy Wise and reopened it Oct. 4. He noted the restaurant just celebrated its one-month anniversary.

“The reception has been terrific,” Thompson said. “We’ve gotten a lot of good feedback.”

Thompson’s son Mike co-manages the restaurant with Jayson Peters, a former employee of Semitool who works for Thompson on several of his businesses. Both Thompson and his wife frequent Sykes’, which they purchased to preserve for the community as a way to give back.

The next phase of the project tackles the old section of the former grocery store to repair the foundation and reconstruct the area for a meat market and specialty grocery store emphasizing local meat, fresh produce and bakery items.

Thompson remains more committed than ever to the endeavor that he looks at as a kind of personal mission.

“I didn’t fully understand how valuable this whole operation is to the neighborhood,” he said.

On Tuesday morning, groups of seniors were gathered a various tables chatting. Former owner Doug Wise, 93, sat at his old table just in front of the kitchen.

His feet rested on the small square of worn floor that Thompson preserved as a memorial to the many years the Wises spent building Sykes’ and serving the community.

“Doug comes in every day,” Thompson said. “To me that’s such a compliment.”

Wise gave his stamp of approval to the changes made and those in progress, calling it ‘beautiful.” 

Thompson provided a tour of the work in progress that includes a complete renovation of the main entrance to include an new canopy. The dining-room addition was designed so the area can be sectioned off with a long folding door for special events.

Two additional rooms on the west end of the new area hold a new freezer and cooler in anticipation of the next phase of the renovation. Eventually, the equipment will move to the other side and leave more space for special events.

Thompson said the new dining area will accommodate the piano and have space for bands and other musicians who traditionally have entertained in the restaurant. His said his wife has been playing the piano in the afternoon at Sykes’.

Glass doors in the new addition open to a small, partially covered patio/sidewalk area separated by a half wall from the parking lot. In summer, diners can eat in the patio area while, in winter, warming equipment under the concrete will keep the sidewalk clear for customers to walk safely to the main entrance.

The new addition also has heating built into the floor to keep customers’ feet warm. Thompson said he want to add a fireplace somewhere to increase the cozy factor in the gray winter months.

By Thanksgiving, customers will have access to three new restrooms just off the restaurant. .

Peters said the renovations provide a balance of maintaining the character of Sykes’ for longtime customers while attracting new, younger customers who will sustain the restaurant over time. He said the counter to the back looks like the traditional restaurant while the front area includes updates for future clientele.

Thompson said the key is that local folks approve and want to come to Sykes’.

“That’s what business is — it’s about the customers, not the suppliers,” he said. “It’s up to you to check the relationship and see if you are still in business.”

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.