Whiskey Creek Hits Its Stride

WAITSBURG – Whiskey Creek Sports Bar & Grill was thrown a curve ball when their general manager was benched due to health problems just as the restaurant opened. But the restaurant's owners think they've hit a home run with new general manager, Sara Cunnington.

Cunnington lives in Walla Walla and was formerly employed at Applebee's where she says she began as a server, moved to the bar and then into management. "When I heard about this position, I went for it. I'm really excited about it," she said.

In a matter of weeks, Cunnington has revamped Whiskey Creek's menu, planned special events, and has the Grill ready to open seven-days-a-week, beginning in August.

The updated menu includes items like the Bourbon BBQ Burger, Chicken Fried Steak, a Blue Cheese Burger and Shrimp Scampi Linguini.

"We put the Scampi on special recently and it was flying out the door, so we decided to add it to the menu," said Cunnington.

She said she plans to update the menu every three or four months, adding items that have been especially successful when run as specials.

Next, Cunnington says she'll be tackling drinks for "happier hour" (every hour should already be happy!, she says) and she wants to eventually add dessert items such as Blooming Apples and beignets.

The Grill will host special events, with the first taking place Sunday. From 2-5 p.m., children (and parents) are invited to enjoy Ice Cream with Elsa on the Grill's patio. For $5, kids can build their own ice cream sundae, visit with Elsa, the character from the movie "Frozen," listen to music from the movie and have their picture taken with Elsa to take home as a souvenir.

Cunnington said there are lots of exciting things to come, especially once football season starts, but she refused to spill the beans. (There was mention of a Beast Mode Burger, however.)

The Grill is now open at 6 a.m. daily and Cunnington suggests following Whiskey Creek Sports Bar & Grill on Facebook to keep informed of specials and events.