Wednesday, January 6, 2010

South Fork Public House of Pullman


This story updated Jan. 13, 2010.

South Fork Public House of Pullman opened Jan. 12, 2010.

Principals of the new eatery are Jim Harbour and Wade Dissmore, both Pullman High School graduates. And, there’s another PHS angle, too. The restaurant’s sign was designed and constructed by PHS grad Brady Boone.

The restaurant is at Wheatland Shopping Center, most of which faces South Grand Avenue, at the corner of Grand and Bishop Boulevard. Street address: 1680 South Grand Ave. It’s located between Henry’s Ace Hardware and Dollar Store.

According to information posted at the South Fork Website when accessed Jan. 6, 2010, the restaurant will “operate …within the parameters of a set of Core Values.

These values will guide the principals and practices of South Fork. The discipline and dedication to these Core Values will differentiate us from the competition both in where people want to eat as well as where people want to work.”

“Our goal is to be the employer of choice in the hospitality industry in the Palouse region,” the posting said.

“Among our Core Values:

--“We Care...about our customers and our employees
--“We Have Fun...we strive to create an enjoyable work environment
--“We Deliver Greatness...every guest, every time
--“We Maintain a Guest first focus...happy customers are repeat customers.

A posting on the iHireJobNetwork prior to its opening says the restaurant is a “new concept…It will have great traditional pub fare with a slightly modern twist to many of the classics. This establishment will be family friendly and hopes to attract many different segments of the market by delivering incredible food and service to each guest every time.”

And, you ask about wine? The restaurant’s printed menu states that it is “proud to offer only premium Northwest wins crafted by wineries with a Cougar connection. WSU alumni have played a large role in Washington becoming known for its world-class wines, with many prominent cellars (featuring) former Cougars as owners, managers, growers and winemakers. This is our salute to the. Order a glass or a bottle and join us in celebrating a great tradition. Go Cougs!”

According to the South Fork Facebook page, payment the restaurant accepts include via Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards. It welcomes groups and kids. There is waiter service. Specialities include lunch, dinner and drinks.

Oh, the name of the restaurant? That’s easy. Pullman's original name was Three Forks, after the three rivers that converging there: Missouri Flat Creek, Dry Fork, and the South Fork of the Palouse River. The restaurant’s printed menu says it “derives its name from the South Fork of the Palouse River, which flows through Pullman on its way to Colfax, Palouse Falls, Snake River, Columbia River, and the Pacific Ocean. It’s a proud nod to our local roots and the ideals we want to project: local sourcing whenever feasible, running an environmentally sound business, treating people right (staff and guests), and having a great time while being the best at what we do!”

Speaking of the restaurant name, it might remind some of Southfork Ranch in Plano, Texas. It was filming location for the "Dallas" television series which ran 1978-1991.

Contact information for the restaurant includes: info@southforkpublichouse.com, 509-332-
FORK (3675).