SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – A very popular place to watch airplanes come and go from the South Shore has reopened under new ownership after a remodel, reconfiguration, and rebranding.
Flight Deck Grill & Golf Club opened its doors on July 3 with a soft opening and is ramping up to have a grand opening with a new menu and crafted drinks, all served at the Lake Tahoe Airport.
Hundreds of people came through the restaurant to check it out during the July 3 air show, and many have stopped in to eat since then, either as a new guest or as a returning fan.
The entrance to the Flight Deck has been relocated, along with the helicopter tour offices, to make room for the remodel.
“The support from all of the City staff has been amazing,” said the Bar Manager. John Delvulian. “They have been giving us every opportunity to succeed.”
John’s wife, Cara, is the general manager, and together they are excited to open.
John has been in the beverage department at Golden Nugget/Hard Rock for years, and Cara was also there in food and beverage. She was also at Coyote Grill and Elements. Together, they will be concentrating on creating a “fantastic hospitality experience” for customers with an elevated menu and atmosphere. They have a staff of 35 people, and several of the previous team are back, including Patti and Heather.
John said that in their first four days of business, he was enjoying the doors being opened and sharing the experience with everyone. The remodel may have changed the restaurant and bar, but the warmth and comfort of a familiar hangout are not gone. A full wall leather booth is coming soon, so the current table layout will change, and soft, comfortable lounge chairs and the golf experience area are a welcome addition.
Once the full menu is introduced, reservations will be available.
During the annual American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe, the airport is a bustling place with private jets bringing celebrities and high rollers to town for the golf tournament. The restaurant at the airport has always been a popular place to watch the planes and try and catch a glimpse of those arriving and departing. The outside deck at Flight Deck is a great viewing area.
Basketball great Charles Barkley is well known for stopping by the Flight Deck when he arrives and again when he leaves the American Century Championship. John said they have created the “Chuck Bucket” can of beers.
They will have some themed menus at the bar, including “In Flight Service” and “Course Classics” to highlight the airport and golf experience. With the outside seating at an airport, there are FAA rules they must follow.
“We embraced the ‘nos’ and made them ‘yeses,'” said John. For instance, they cannot have glassware on the deck, so instead of plastic, they will be serving martinis in stainless steel. They already had their first mishap Monday with a jet blast taking out four of their umbrellas, even though there are signs on the tarmac that say “no blasts.”
But besides the great views, the reimagined Flight Deck has golf simulators and lots of televisions for catching your favorite game.
The golf is $66 per hour for up to six people, and monthly memberships are being planned.
In late August, the Flight Deck will start a Sunday brunch for football fans (though they are open at 10 a.m. every day, so food is available before lunch). They will be carrying all the sports packages on the numerous televisions.
The restaurant and bar will be open late for food service. Those who are looking for late-night dining options know how rare that is. They will close nightly at 11 p.m., with the kitchen closing at 10:30 p.m. There will also be a loyalty program, giving users a $10 coupon for every $100 spent.
Another change that will start next week is a Happy Hour, something coordinated with Lake Tahoe Golf Course’s bar so they aren’t competing, but collaborating, said Kera.
A new website will be created, and it can be found on Instagram HERE.
