New dining, beverage offerings to come at The Lodge at Deadwood
May 20, 2024
This paid piece is sponsored by The Ramkota Companies Inc.
You’ll soon have even more reasons to pay a visit to The Lodge at Deadwood.
“This is one of our flagship properties, so we constantly consider how to improve upon the guest experience” said Josh Schmaltz, president and CEO of The Ramkota Companies, which owns and operates the property.
The latest improvements will involve the hotel’s food and beverage offerings. This season, The Lodge at Deadwood will combine its two restaurants into Oggie’s Sports Bar.
“We’re combining the best of our Oggie’s menu with guest favorites from Deadwood Grille to simplify service and create additional opportunities to expand our food and beverage offerings,” Schmaltz said.
The Lodge will convert half of the former Deadwood Grille space to expanded seating for Oggie’s, offering “more of an intimate setting for those looking for a more quiet experience,” Schmaltz said. “It’s a way to feel like you’re not in the middle of a sports bar surrounded by TVs.”
The rest of the former restaurant area will become Preacher Smith’s Commons & Tap Room, a new cocktail bar offering high-end bourbon and plenty of beers on tap.
Renderings by Perspective
“We’re really excited about the unique atmosphere we see being created here,” Schmaltz said.
“It gives The Lodge a sense of nightlife we don’t have today for those who want to continue the feel of downtown Deadwood and create one more reason to spend their stay here.”
He also anticipates adding live music and special events on some days.
“We will want people to go experience everything Deadwood offers, but this will give a great late-night opportunity on-site we don’t have today.”
The plan is to open in late summer or early fall.
In the meantime, the 185-room Lodge at Deadwood is looking at a busy season ahead.
“The summer tourism season is looking great,” Schmaltz said. “We have corporate groups in addition to our leisure visitors, and from everything we can tell, it’s going to be a really strong season.”
The Lodge at Deadwood is benefiting from other recent improvements too. A new two-story presidential suite with incredible views of the Black Hills “is phenomenal and has been so well-received by guests,” he said. “It’s busy constantly and hard to book but definitely worth planning for the experience.”
The Ramkota Companies also is planning for the future in Deadwood, include a recent 80-acre purchase south of The Lodge.
“Our vision is to make this an all-encompassing resort,” Schmaltz said. “We’re looking at a concept that would bring a variety of cabins to the property, along with about 2 miles of hiking trail to create an additional recreation element.”
The expansion would build on an already comprehensive resort offering outstanding accommodations, food and beverage, gaming, including a new sportsbook, and an indoor water play land.
“The future is exciting at The Lodge,” Schmaltz said. “We know that it’s important to never get stagnant and always offer something new. We’re continually striving to make the experience here even better.”
