New faces at the Sandtrap

MONTROSE — Tyler Jones is taking over operations at the Sandtrap Restaurant at the Black Canyon Golf Club and is doing so from a local perspective. Jones, who owns the local Rib City Grill with his wife Lori, has some strong personal connections to the area.

Lori is the daughter of Daily Press columnist Marilyn Cox, and when the couple got the opportunity to open their Rib City Grill franchise in Lori’s home town, they were particularly pleased to become a part of the Montrose community.

That opportunity has now expanded to Jones’ new presence managing the food services at Black Canyon. Golf pro Ken Brown sought Jones for the role after the success he saw in the catering work that Jones and Rib City had provided during the previous golf season.

“He’s going to be a great asset to the golf course. I think it will be a win-win situation. It will be good for the golf course and good for Tyler’s restaurant as a locally owned business,” said Brown.

Jones is an enthusiastic participant in outdoor sports and activities. Growing up in southern Idaho, he moved to Breckenridge in 1985. He spent some great summers guidi ng in the Grand Canyon and skiing Breckenridge during the winters.

It was during those years that he began working in the food service business in Colorado to go along with and underwrite his passion for skiing.

He met Lori while in Grand Junction working with the nonprofit organization Colorado Discover Ability. The organization focused on introducing people to skiing in the winter and rafting and camping in the summer.

The couple were encouraged and supported by friends from Florida in the Rib City Grill organization to open their franchise in Montrose. Jones said he “liked the model: simple good food, not overly complicated,” and found himself returning to the restaurant business.

He brings the same approach to the Sandtrap at the golf course. “We have good solid and quick food to either get golfers back on the course or permit folks relax over lunch or dinner with a great view.”

His emphasis is on a lighter fare and informal atmosphere suited to the golf course setting.

The Sandtrap will be open from 11-8 p.m. daily with a happy hour featuring $.25 wings and the addition of live acoustic music in the near future.

Patrice Frawley will be working with Jones at the counter and on the grill as well running the beverage cart. Originally from New Hampshire and a background in the hotel business, Frawley is particularly pleased with the friendly atmosphere in Montrose and the Black Canyon Golf Club in particular. Frawley said, “It’s a beautiful place to be working, and I especially like the nice people in this community.”

Both Jones and Brown are eager to add golf to Jones’ outdoor lifestyle and activities. They also noted their appreciation for the support they’ve received from the community. Brown not only feels it is important to get on the course as a fellow player with golfing patrons as much as possible, he obviously enjoys it. “I want to get Ty out on the course as much and as soon as possible,” said Brown. Jones is also enthused about the prospect of picking up the game and working with Brown, to become part of the Black Canyon environment both preparing food and being out on the course as part of the golfing community.

Brown emphasizes being “welcomed with open arms” by the community and sees the transition Jones is bringing as nothing but positive.