With more than 26 years between them in the food and service industry, John and
 Kris Knapp figured it was time to forge out on their own. So was born the
 Slate Creek Grille in Hill City.

This family-friendly restaurant was reborn last April when the couple took over
 ownership and decided to name it after Slate Creek, which flows north of the
 city. John, who ran the food and beverage service at Mount Rushmore for 11
 years, says it was always his dream to own his own restaurant. “I grew up cooking
 with my mom. I enjoy cooking and meeting people and talking with them. This has
 been a great change for us,” he says. His, wife, Kris, was kitchen manager for
 about 15 years at Mount Rushmore.

After nearly a year of serving up traditional American fare — which includes
 hamburgers, steaks, chicken, shrimp, fish, pork chops, salads and soups — and
 listening to customer suggestions, the Knapps are about to expand their menu.
 Additions will include a variety of pastas and a Portabella mushroom sandwich. “I
 think the pasta will be a big hit. We had a lot of people ask about that last
 summer. At lunch we’re going to be adding the Portabella mushroom sandwich and
 trying to take care of our vegetarian customers,” John says.

The Slate Creek Grille’s most popular items are the 14-ounce Porter House pork
 chop and the rib-eye steak for dinner, and burgers or fish sandwich with fries
 for lunch. But the restaurant serves up three meals a day, including a spice
 cake French toast for breakfast. Other signature offerings include daily lunch
 specials, country fried steak dinners, and the Saturday night prime rib. Prices
 range from $6.50-$15.99.

The entire restaurant, including its full-service bar, is smoke-free. The bar,
 which offers an eat-in area, is decorated with two themes — Cincinnati Reds for
 sports fans and an outdoorsy theme for wildlife enthusiasts. The main dining
 room features art from locals and a flat-screen TV.

Located at 158 Museum Drive in Hill City, the Slate Creek Grille is open seven
 days a week with breakfast served from 7-11 a.m.; lunch from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.;
 and dinner from 4-8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 4-9 p.m. Fridays and
 Saturdays. Reservations are not required.

Call (605) 574-9422.