Kalispell, MT: After a major renovation, the Hilton Garden Inn of Kalispell announces the reopening of its restaurant and bar in early June.
Freestone is the new restaurant’s name, inspired by the numerous free-flowing rivers that have shaped Northwest Montana. With a menu curated by Executive Chef and Flathead Valley native Jess Wrightson, Freestone features Montana standards as well as unique locally sourced cuisine. Menu items include tomahawk steaks for two, bison strips, yak burgers, trout tacos and seasonal dishes.
Wendy Nguyen, the Hilton Garden Inn’s Director of Food and Beverage, notes that “Freestone’s mission is to offer ‘Fine dining…Montana Style’. We aim to do this through exceptional guest service, signature cocktails, an extensive wine list, and a family-friendly environment. We’ve assembled a very talented team with over 100 years of combined restaurant experience and can’t wait to welcome the public into our beautiful new facility.”
Playing off the freestone theme of free-flowing rivers, the new Bull Trout Bar & Casino will open its doors at the same time and offer a casual dining experience in its newly renovated surroundings. “The Bull Trout Bar & Casino is all about fun and making new friends, both for our Flathead neighbors and hotel guests”, stated Nguyen.
Located at 1840 U.S. Highway 93 South, the Hilton Garden Inn complex was purchased in February 2022 by an affiliate of the Veridea Group, who manages the property. The entire facility has undergone a comprehensive $10 million renovation that is expected to be completed this summer. In addition to the remodel of Freestone and the Bull Trout Bar & Casino, all 144 guest rooms have been fully renovated, the 12,000 square feet of conference facilities received all new finishes, furnishings and state of the art audio-visual equipment, and lobbies and other public spaces were modernized and refurbished.
