Bushwackers Steakhouse & Saloon reopens under previous owner

Bushwackers Steakhouse & Saloon reopened to the public on Friday, August 30, just in time for the busy Labor Day Weekend.

Dan Lerum returned to Lincoln after surgery on the coast this summer and decided to re-open the doors due to an outpouring of people who requested him to do so. He considers their opening night a success and was thrilled with the positive response from the community.

The establishment was previously owned by Lerum and leased to Steve & Leona Cannon beginning last July. While the Cannon's tried to make a go of it, they ultimately decided to close the doors July 29 and they returned the business to Lerum.

Lerum's goal this time around is to raise the bar combining quality, consistency, and a variety of specials. "I want everyone to feel comfortable here, from grandkids to grandmothers," he said.

He's also open to suggestions and welcomes folks to stop in, say hello. Plans for other in-house events are underway and will be announced soon. 

One of Lerum's favorite things about being back is seeing the looks on people's faces in response to the quality of food that his team puts out.

'I'm the boss, but we're all a team and work together to provide the best experience for our customers," he said.

Lerum would like to recognize his returning staff, Jimmy Craig, Shannon Garman, Karyn Good, Catherine Going, and Meleya Joyce, and welcomes his new staff members Elyssa Longston and TJ McAlpine, as well as new manager, Sarah Muse.

The establishment boasts a private casino with "5-for-5" specials to seniors 60 years of age and older. Drink and meal specials for gamblers are coming soon. Regular lunch & dinner specials are available and Dan invites people to stop in and check them out until he has the new Facebook page up and running. The restaurant also features pies by Rose Frisbee, free wifi, and catering for special events. A banquet room can be reserved for meetings by calling the restaurant at 406-362-4424.

Bushwackers is a member of the Lincoln Valley Chamber of Commerce and Lerum is big on supporting the local community, especially the kids. He believes it's important to help the kids be active in things other than just spending time on their phones. Some of the ways he's looking to support the kids is through the school and the Powerhouse Gym. In the past, he has sponsored scholarships for students at the Lincoln school and has plans to continue with it. He also believes it's important to support the families and organizations in the community and is looking forward to doing so.

They are open seven days a week from 11 a.m. until close. Once they have more help, they will look at opening for breakfast. The trouble, as is the case with other local businesses in town, has been finding quality employees to fill positions. Those interested in working at Bushwackers should stop by in person to fill out an application. All positions are available, with an emphasis on cooks and hospitality specialists at the moment.