The J. Huston Tavern in Arrow Rock, Mo., will open Saturday, March 26 under new management. Pfoodman Holdings, a food service management and restaurant company, was awarded the contract to operate the J. Huston Tavern.
In a unique partnership, Missouri Valley College and Pfoodman, began a degree program in hospitality and tourism management (HTM) in 2009. HTM students will be required to complete an internship at the Tavern. Pfoodman and MVC students will be involved in bringing additional tourism to Arrow Rock and the surrounding community through festivals and other cultural events.
The historic Tavern was built in 1834 by Joseph Huston, Sr., an early Arrow Rock settler and civic leader from Virginia. It is considered the centerpiece of the Arrow Rock State Historic Site. Built as a four room, two story brick structure, it was originally the Huston family home. Thousands of immigrants heading west passed directly by the tavern. Huston became widely known as a hotel keeper offering the hospitality of overnight lodging and meals to travelers and local citizens. In 1840, the cost for a night's stay was 12 and one half cents, or a "bit," and a meal could be had for the same amount. Bits were obtained by cutting silver coins into eighths. American "hard" money was unavailable and Mexican or Spanish coins were the currency due to the Santa Fe trade.
The year 2011 will mark the Tavern's 177th anniversary of continuous service to the public. The tavern is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While no longer taking overnight guests, the tavern still provides full meal service from Easter to Christmas Eve each year.
Arrow Rock is home to the Lyceum Theatre, which is one of Missouri's oldest professional regional theatres. Throughout theatre season, which runs June through November, the Tavern will serve family-style fried chicken and raspberry-chipotle glazed ham dinners. Dinner menu offerings on non-Lyceum performance nights will include steak, seafood, pasta, and more. Lunch menus will include sandwiches, salads, and other seasonal fare. Pies and cobblers will be featured desserts and full bar service will be available.
Pfoodman Holdings, among other things, develops restaurant brands and dining service programs for private secondary and higher education institutions. They also operate the retail restaurant, The Wolf Public House, in St. Louis, Mo. Pfoodman is committed to "Farm to Table" consumption, with plans to participate in the cultivation and purchase of local produce for this and other Pfoodman operations, and will also be involved in additional green initiatives.
Shellee Peuster, long-time Pfoodman employee, directs the HTM program and will manage the restaurant operation.
"A major focus of the HTM program is to teach students how the hospitality industry can contribute to the sustainability of local communities through the development of tourism and the use of local products and talent," Peuster said. "The Tavern is the ideal venue for students to put this knowledge to use in a practical setting."
Reservations are requested, but not required. The restaurant is able to accommodate 160 guests and is available for groups, receptions and private parties by advance arrangement. Call (660) 837-3200, visit the web-site at www.johnhustontavern.com http://www.johnhustontavern.com/ , or find the J. Huston Tavern on Facebook for more information.
ABOUT MISSOURI VALLEY COLLEGE
Known for its dynamic, richly diverse, and friendly educational environment, Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Mo., offers many opportunities to grow in mind, body, and spirit. Grounded in the liberal arts, undergraduate studies empower students to master interdisciplinary skills needed to succeed in a knowledge-based global society. MVC offers over 40 academic programs, study abroad program, extracurricular activities, and 13 sports. The most popular majors include education and business, and the newest majors are nursing, graphic design, dance, and hospitality/tourism management. Above all, Valley is committed to student success. For more information, call (660) 831-4000 or visit www.moval.edu
--30--