A South Dakota Pheasant to Get Much Needed Facelift

With hunting season right around the corner, South Dakotans can rest easy knowing the pheasant isn’t going anywhere; in fact, one of them is about to get a much-needed facelift.

And no, I'm not talking about the state bird that’ll be in the sights of many blaze-orange-vest-wearing hunters in just over a month

I'm referring to The Pheasant, as in one of the most legendary eateries in the state, perched just 50-ish miles north of Sioux Falls in Brookings.

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The Pheasant Restaurant and Lounge in Brookings just landed a $50,000 grant from the Backing Historic Small Restaurants Grant Program. Dakota News Now reports that the grant will be used to help update the exterior of the 76-year-old South Dakota restaurant.

According to Dakota News Now, The Pheasant’s origin story is practically a slice of Americana: it started as a gas station/café combo in 1949, where you could fuel up both your car and your appetite. Eventually, it evolved into the full-fledged restaurant and lounge that locals, SDSU students, and out-of-towners flock to today.

The grant program awarded funds to 50 small restaurants nationwide, all with rich histories, allowing them to reinvest in their businesses.

Dakota News Now reports that The Pheasant in Brookings has decided to use its grant money to refurbish the exterior of the structure in an effort to showcase the restaurant's rich history in the state.

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Pheasant General Manager Michael Johnson told Dakota News Now, “We’re super honored to have this grant, and we know that we will never be able to freeze the building at any point in history because of all the changes, and we really want to showcase it as a place where not only is there heritage, but something that is alive and thriving today.”

If you’ve never visited The Pheasant, you’ll find it tucked just off 8th and Main in Brookings. It’s a beloved hangout for SDSU students, Brookings locals, and pretty much any foodie who enjoys good food, good vibes, and maybe a little gravy.

The Pheasants restoration project is still in the planning stages, but one thing is for sure: the team plans to showcase the restaurant’s journey through the decades. So, whether you're a fan of the '50s, '90s, or somewhere in between, there’ll be a little something for everyone.

Source: Dakota News Now