CHUGWATER, WY — Nestled just off I‑25, the Chugwater Soda Fountain has been a roadside staple since 1914. Owner Jill Winger, a former Idaho‑born cookbook author, completed an extensive renovation that transformed the aging space into a modern yet historic‑preserving restaurant.
From humble beginnings to a full‑service kitchen
Originally a drug store, mercantile and soda fountain, the building had operated for decades with only a microwave and George Foreman grills in the bar area. Recognizing the need for a proper kitchen, Winger and her husband purchased the property in spring 2021 and set to work. Over the course of nearly a year, they replaced the makeshift equipment with a commercial‑grade kitchen, added prep stations, and restored original pharmacy cabinets and antique seating.
“It needed some TLC,” Winger said, noting that the renovation was largely sweat equity. The team kept the soda fountain open throughout the construction to retain staff and avoid losing paychecks, a decision Winger called “ambitious” but necessary for the community.
Local flavor and a new supper club
The revamped menu highlights Wyoming producers: Chugwater Chili, locally roasted coffee, and regional beef. A decades‑old liquor license now allows the fountain to serve wine from a Cheyenne winemaker, complementing the new monthly supper club. Once a month, the regular burger‑and‑shake menu is replaced by a multi‑course, candlelit dinner featuring dishes inspired by Michelin‑star recipes, adapted for the small kitchen and given a distinct Wyoming twist.
Reservations for the supper club sell out quickly, with service at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. The effort has drawn diners from across the state and even abroad, as Winger noted recent visitors from Italy and New Zealand.
Community impact
Local residents see the soda fountain’s revival as a boost to the town’s modest economy. “It was in a state of decline,” Winger said, pointing to a recent surge of new businesses, including a nearby boutique and the reopening of the historic Mercantile. The fountain’s guest book reflects a steady stream of travelers stopping on the highway, adding to Chugwater’s visibility.
Beyond food, the soda fountain preserves a slice of early‑20th‑century history. Restored pharmacy cabinets now display antiques and curiosities, while the original living quarters above the bar remind patrons of the building’s past as a pharmacist’s home.
Looking ahead
Winger and manager George Aitchison continue to refine the menu and explore additional events, aiming to make the soda fountain a lasting destination for both locals and road‑trippers. Their commitment to local sourcing and historic preservation underscores the role small businesses play in sustaining the character and vitality of rural Wyoming communities.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
