KEARNEY, Neb. — The Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grills in Kearney and Norfolk are being sold to three couples.

Old West Steak Company, owned by Robby and Jennifer Yendra of Hickman and Cort and Ashley Gracey of Norfolk, as well as Greg and Malinda Villwok of Randolph, will take the reins with the business that will be celebrating 30 years in 2025. 

Together, the Yendra and Gracey families have over 50 years of experience with Whiskey Creek. 

Jim Gardner, the previous owner of the Whiskey Creeks, says, “After 50 years of restaurant ownership, it’s time for me to take a back seat and allow someone else to move forward with these iconic restaurants.”

The menu that features wood-fired steaks, barbecue, sandwiches, salads and more will not be changing in the near future. 

Yendra says, “If it isn’t broken, don’t try to fix it,” on plans for the future of the restaurant. 

Gardner will retain ownership of the brand, trademarks and recipes for ten years and those will be passed to the new owners at that time. He will also retain ownership of the Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill located in Brookings, South Dakota. 

“I want to thank the many friends and guests who had supported these restaurants through the years,” says Gardner. “I also want to wish God’s blessings on all of the thousands of team members who have worked for us for the past many decades. We could not have done it without you.”