Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
The Town of Garfield’s restaurant space is drawing new interest with a movie production investing to improve it and a local man in discussions to use it to open a food operation.
Since December, cast and crew for “The Last Champion,” a movie being filmed in and around Garfield and the Palouse, has used the space. Preparing for filming, the production installed new flooring, new formica on the counter, covering on booths and a new ceiling.
As per the agreement, the estimated $20,000 in improvements will remain in exchange for using the site.
Also last fall, Garfield resident Jeff Rathbun expressed interest in the town-owned location which was operated for year’s as Cher’s Restaurant and later as Smokin’ Papa’s.
Rathbun attended a town council meeting Feb. 8 to talk about his intention for a catering business and possibly a restaurant. Rathbun told the council he has made ties with the WSU Hospitality program and believes there may be opportunities for student internships.
Rathbun and the town have not yet entered into an agreement.
“The Last Champion” is produced by In-House Media and director Glenn Withrow.
A longtime actor, (“The Outsiders,” “Rumblefish”) Withrow also directed “The Mooring,” filmed at locations on Lake Coeur d’Alene and surrounding areas.
“The Mooring” was released by Lionsgate in 2012.
The Garfield restaurant was purchased when residents formed a Public Development Authority to buy the business to keep it in an operational status in Garfield. A fund drive was conducted and grant funds acquired by the authority to make the purchase after the business was posted for sale after one of the subsequent owners defaulted on a loan.
The Public Development Authority has since disbanded, and the property was transferred to the Town of Garfield as the parent agency, according to Mayor Ray McCown.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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