Tyra Lytle, right, looks forward to providing good food and good service to her customers. Lytle, seen here with cook Wes Reed and waitress Theresa Mora, took over June 17 as the new owner of the Brandin’ Iron restaurant. (Rachel Williford photo)
As of June 17, Tyra Lytle is the new owner of Brandin’ Iron Restaurant in Caliente.
Lytle says she has been in food service from the age of 17, and did everything from the bottom up, from washing dishes to waitressing to cooking. Lytle said, “I love to cook,” and wants to provide good food and good service to the residents of Lincoln County.
Lytle said the former owner, Stephanie Barnett, “was wonderful to work with me. She gave me tips about the building, and is a great business woman.”
While Lytle will be keeping the traditional name, “Brandin’ Iron,” and the same workers, something new to the restaurant is the bakery, offering fresh, individual pies rather than the traditional slices served. Wanting to keep the home-made desserts, Lytle said the bakery now offers fresh cookies, muffins, brownies and other traditional sweets on a regular basis.
For the month of July, Lytle wants to promote the restaurant and say, “Come on in Lincoln County,” in hopes to “reacquaint with all.” The idea is that on specific days, a particular town of Lincoln County is offered to come in, order any meal and receive a free dessert. “We just want to see you,” Lytle said.
Mondays will be dedicated to the areas of Pioche, Eagle Valley and Caselton. Tuesdays are dedicated to the Alamo, Hiko and Rachel areas. Wednesdays will be dedicated to Panaca, and Thursdays will be for Caliente. However, for any of the small outlying areas such as Elgin, Carp, Geyser Ranch, and the others, they are offered to come in any day and receive their free dessert with a meal.
Lytle says there is also a suggestion box, and that after the month of July, she will take the input and decide what to do for August.
One theme Lytle is passionate about are the brands that decorate the walls with ranches in the area. She invites everyone to bring in their brand so they may get them on the wall, and also in the future, possibly get the family brand histories, as they are an attraction for the tourists that come through.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity, and want to see what we can put together,” Lytle said, and is, “excited to provide tourist info” about the parks and activities.
