New Western restaurant opening at Conklin’s site this summer

From wild game entrees to steak or a Ploughman’s Platter, The Grange will offer a new choice to Sisters residents wanting to dine out this summer.

The husband and wife culinary team of Juli and Ramsey Hamdan are planning to offer “contemporary Western style that has global influence.”

Ramsey is the chef and brings an international approach to his cooking. The former Conklin’s Bed & Breakfast site on the corner of Camp Polk Road and Barclay Drive is now being transformed into the new restaurant with an opening planned for July.

The Hamdans are known for opening the Jackalope restaurant in Bend which they sold this past December. They also enjoy catering, which they have done for clients including Camp Caldera.

Their new restaurant will seat 85 and will have a full bar and outdoor seating. They recently removed the large glass solarium from the house. They will replace it with what resembles a screened-in porch in keeping with the style of the farmhouse and to allow diners to enjoy the sweeping view of the mountains. However, the seating area will be completely enclosed and ready for any extremes of Sisters’ weather.

The Hamdans are planning to convert the barn on the property into a place for special events. They want to participate in Sisters’ community events such as art strolls and to plan their own events such as cooking classes and wine tasting dinners.

Juli Hamdan said the atmosphere will not be formal or for special meals only.

“It will be very comfortable and approachable,” she added.

Hamdan wants guests “from the second they step in to be completely transported” by the historic property, the wonderful food and the local artwork.

The Hamdans co-own the restaurant property with Shane Lundgren, President of Dutch Pacific Properties. The Grange is one part of a 40-acre plus development that curves around the restaurant. Dutch Pacific is building 25 cabins on the corner of the property and is completing the infrastructure for Sun Ranch Business Park.

Lundgren said the business park is designed as light industrial and he expects high-tech companies to be one of the main types of businesses in the new park.

The buildings can be designed with living space on top of the business on the first floor. He imagines colleagues will stroll along the walking paths to The Grange for lunch or coffee.

Lundgren has already sold about 10 of the 20 lots.

Lundgren said some of the cottages will be completed this year with all 25 completed in 2007. He said some type of fencing will be added at the corner of Camp Polk Road and Barclay Drive to offer privacy for the cabins.

Lundgren said this kind of large multi-use development might not have seemed possible a few years ago. However, with the improved infrastructure in Sisters, including the new high school, the area is appealing to more people including former urban dwellers.