LONE WOLF — A “great initial opening” at Quartz Mountain’s new restaurant Lookout Kitchen has its operators feeling good about the future.
Lookout Kitchen replaces Foggy Bottom, which was run by Swadley’s BBQ until a state Tourism Department scandal forced the owners of Foggy Bottom to end its relationship with the state. Lookout Kitchen is located at all of Oklahoma’s six state lodges. The restaurant is owned and operated by La Ratatouille, an Oklahoma-based company that also owns Falcone’s Pizzeria, Jonny Cakes Bakery, multiple food trucks and a catering business that has served the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Zoo Amphitheater and other businesses in the state.
Lookout Kitchen’s grand opening at Quartz Mountain was held July 14. The Quartz Mountain restaurant was last to open because of the Summer Arts Institute, which was held in June.
“People loved the food,” said Joshua Dorl, regional director of operations for Lookout Kitchen. “We brought on people who are eager to serve. We have people who want to serve. I see our future as an amenity that adds to the state parks.”
Dorl also oversees the restaurants at Roman Nose and Lake Murray state lodges.
The company plans to add food trucks around the Quartz Mountain state lodge with a smaller menu including pizzas from Falcone’s pizza restaurants in Oklahoma City, Edmond and Tinker Air Force Base.
“We’ll also be putting them (food trucks) out for events and busy holidays,” Dorl said.
The restaurant also will offer orders to-go and delivery to rooms and boats. In addition, Lookout Kitchen will offer a full-service bar with high-end cocktails and a sit-down area with tables. Restaurant patrons also will be treated to musical acts on Saturday night and eventually on Friday nights, Dorl said.
“We want this to be family friendly and a little lively at times,” he said. “We have a good amount of autonomy. We have a great team and foundation, and everybody wants to do well. We have a lot of support from the state (Tourism department),” he said.
Eventually, Lookout Kitchen will host live music at the Quartz Mountain amphitheaters and other entertainment such as trivia and karaoke nights inside the restaurant.
Lookout Kitchen officials understand they’ll be watched closely by state officials considering the issues Foggy Bottom experienced with the alleged financial improprieties.
“We know we’ll be scrutinized with our financials,” Dorl said. “It doesn’t worry us, and it doesn’t concern us. We don’t see it as a problem. We want Quartz Mountain to be special. We want to build it (the restaurant) as a root in the community.”
In April 2022, the state cancelled its contract with Swadley’s after allegations of fraudulent activity and improper bidding practices were made. Swadley’s received $16.7 million from the Tourism department to renovate and operate the restaurants. After the allegation came to light, the state filed a lawsuit against Swadley’s for breach of contract. Swadley’s later filed a countersuit against the state.
Rustic looks,
classic cuisine
The restaurant has a rustic look accompanied by two fireplaces and large windows that overlook the peaceful waters at Lake Altus-Lugert and the mountains surrounding the lodge. Another pleasant part of the restaurant is the patio fountain that is part of the outdoor dining area, which seats about 50 people. All total, the restaurant can seat 148 people, according to owner J.P. Wilson.
“We’ve had a great outpouring of support and we’re thankful for that,” Wilson said. “We’re getting support from all the outside communities and not just Altus.”
With beautiful aesthetics in place, Dorl and his crew turned to the menu which is Oklahoma-based with favorites such as country fried steak, fried okra and a double meat patty melt. As Lookout Kitchen tried to separate itself from Foggy Bottom, the chefs “tinkered” with the country fried steak recipe until they hit it just right.
“People are loving it,” Dorl said. “This is Oklahoma and there are certain classics you include on the menu.”
The breakfast menu includes several favorites such as biscuits and gravy with homemade gravy to go with country potatoes and two eggs cooked any way the guests want. There’s also breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches and healthier options that are served until 11 a.m. Brunch is also served on Sunday mornings, Dorl said. Special Sunday brunches will be served on Mother’s Day, Easter and other designated days. The restaurant will also be open on holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas.
For lunch and dinner, there’s a wide variety of burgers, salads, sandwiches and a choice of seven homestyle dinners that include two sides and a roll. There’s also a choice of six appetizers listed on the menu.
The restaurant’s summer hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Lookout Kitchen is located at 22469 Lodge Road in Lone Wolf. For more details, call (580) 563-9174 or visit www.thelookoutkitchen.com/quartz-mountain.