Restaurant reopens after winter storm damage

One of the Valley’s longest-running restaurants is back in operation after a major repair.

Settlers Bay Lodge opened its doors to diners for the first time since late 2025 with a sold-out Easter buffet last Sunday. It was nearly four months to the day since the popular eatery was shuttered Dec. 6, after losing a large section of roof and a bunch of HVAC infrastructure to the high winds that ripped through the Valley during the first big winter wind storm.

Owner Joshua Broda, a trained chef, has a long history in fine dining and a self-proclaimed passion for food. In addition to overseeing the roof repairs over the winter, he stayed busy running his other local restaurant, Chop House at Lake Lucille, as well as the Angry Salmon in Anchor Point.

He said he’s looking forward to getting back to regular service at Settlers after the long closure.

“We’re grateful to be back, and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back in,” he said. “The support from this community over the past few months has meant a lot to us. It reinforced that Settlers Bay Lodge is more than just a restaurant – it’s a place people care about.”

Broda and his staff honored that community support by keeping the menu unchanged. Along with the usual great steaks and burgers, Executive Chef Nathan Michaud and his kitchen staff are serving up all the customer favorites, from Halibut Provençal and Seafood Mac and Cheese, to Blueberry Lamb Chops and Chicken Oscar.

“Guests can expect the Settlers Bay Lodge they know and love. Nothing’s changed by design,” Broda said. “We’ve kept all the dishes our guests come back for.”

Broda has also retained a lot of the staff that keep customers coming back, too. In addition to Michaud, Kasey Batliner returns as general manager, along with customer-favorite front-of-house staff like “legendary” bartender Jason Fuller, server Brittany Otenbaker, and many other longtime staffers who have helped make Settlers Bay Lodge a dining destination.

“For years, this has been a place people return to for great food, genuine hospitality, and an atmosphere that feels welcoming without being overdone,” Broda said. “Whether it’s a special occasion or a casual night out, the goal is the same – to make sure every guest feels taken care of.”

Making new customers is also part of the plan at Settlers. Broda encouraged local foodies who appreciate an elevated dining experience but have not previously eaten at the restaurant to check it out.

“If you haven’t been to Settlers Bay Lodge before, this is the perfect time to experience it,” he said. “Settlers has always been part of this community, and that’s what makes it different. It’s where people gather, celebrate, and come back to – and we’re excited to welcome you into that.”

The restaurant is open seven days a week. Service is from 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 4 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The lounge opens daily at 3:30 p.m.

Broda reiterated his appreciation to the community for its patience and support during the long closure for the roof repair.

“More than anything, I’d just say ‘thank you,’” he said. “And I can promise you this: we’ve put every roofing nail in the Valley into this place to make sure we’re here to stay.”