An era closes: The Bulldog ends nearly 50-year run

The final closing of the Bulldog doors on Friday, May 15, 2015, marks the end of an era of fine dining and entertainment that spans seven decades of Kalispell’s history.

The original Bulldog was located in the former lobby of the Montana Hotel on Second Street East. It was opened by Moose and Shirley Miller (of Moose’s Saloon) in 1966. Shortly thereafter it was purchased by Tom and Shirley Jones. (Tom and his brother also owned the Appleway Supper Club at the intersection of Appleway Drive and U.S. 2, which later became Orly’s.)

The Bulldog pub was a replica right out of old England with gas lanterns and could seat 22 at the bar with a total capacity of about 70. On Friday night, that could double or around Christmas triple with the sound of joy and laughter spilling out the front and back doors.

Their signature item was a thick-cut sirloin steak grilled at the bar to perfection and served on a wooden platter with a slice of Texas toast. A few logger patrons could eat four steaks in one sitting. Thousands of steaks were delivered by Jess Ayers from Meats Supply, where they were prepared as the “Bulldog cut.”

A colorful cast of characters that spanned the gamut of occupations patronized the “original ’Dog.”

Some of the more memorable include Harry Lattin, Clyde Smith, Bill Heineke, Holly Larson, Lum Owens and Bill Osborne. Tom Jones, Clyde Smith and Lum Owens all served in the Legislature, so visiting politicians including the governor often visited the premises.

For a short while, Dr. Winegardner owned the Bulldog with the intent of moving it to Evergreen, where it would anchor a bowling alley. But circumstances kept it downtown.

The Bulldog was then purchased by George Edna and Jerry Begg (Kalispell Laundry and Cleaners) who enjoyed the friendly competition of Carmen’s Steakhouse across Second Street in the back of Jack’s Tavern. Donna and Barb Spencer also served fine steaks and founded Spencer & Co. north of Kalispell.

The Bulldog was eventually moved to the Kalispell Mercantile Building and located on the southwest corner off the alley in the freight room. The KM building was owned by Francis Bitney and Lawrence Larson. The interior was transformed by Pat Murray and crew.

The original wooden bar was in need of TLC and was refurbished to a most excellent condition by Col. Bud Skinner. Bud served as the last commander of the Lakeside Radar Base and as the executive of the Kalispell Chamber and was also known as the only person to ride his horse through the original Bulldog.

Of the hundreds of wonderful servers that “worked the plank” some of the most outstanding were amazing Grace Joyce Murray (24 years) and Christie Knopp (23 years).

As the menu grew so did the need for space, and the Bulldog was sold to Bill and Bob Lincoln (Del’s and the Scoreboard) whose operation brought many a smile and sighs of satisfaction when pushing back from the table. You could surprise a guest by whispering to the waitress to bring his soup in a “dog bowl.”

With the changing of times the Bulldog was again relocated and left downtown when it was moved to the Outlaw Inn.

In the early 1950s, the predecessor to the Outlaw was Henessey’s Steak House, operated by Hugh and Mickey Henessey. Their seafoood buffet was the talk of the town. In their famous “stump room” was mounted a 50-pound king salmon. My dad was present when that monster was landed at Campbell River, British Columbia. You can still view the original motel rooms on Third Avenue East behind the Outlaw but the restaurant building was demolished to make room for the convention center.

Buck and Rusty Torstenson operated the Outlaw in a magnificent fashion with the assistance of such capable employees as Michael Hayes. The Outlaw even hosted the National Governors Conference. Rusty was chair of the Flathead Tavern Association, and I had the privilege of working with her as vice chairman.

Much of Kalispell’s success can be credited to this dynamic duo who retired to open La Dump, which later became Fenders. (Both the Torstensons passed away this year; services for Rusty are being held this week.)

Special credit needs to be given to the wives involved, as the entertainment business can be much more difficult when viewed from the other side of “Mahogany Ridge”!

I felt fortunate to have experienced a truly vibrant downtown bustling with shops and friendly folks and saddened as the end of an era moves to corporate America in Newtown North, but that they say is progress.

I would encourage the Inter Lake to search their archives for articles, photos and adverstisements that would capture these times for posterity.

So long “Dog,” nice knowing ya!

Jerry Begg is a resident of Kalispell and a former owner of The Bulldog.