2 popular restaurants change hands

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Two popular Amado-based restaurants have changed hands in the past two months, with one new owner vowing changes while the other says they’re not touching a thing.

The Cow Palace Restaurant, formerly owned by Frank Bertolino, was purchased by husband and wife team Tom and Jessie Hinsen of Tucson. They took over April 1.

Tom is a former jewelry store owner and spent 30 years at the trade. After discussing his future with his wife and two sons, he decided to give the restaurant business a try. He had food service experience in his early working career.

“I’m changing nothing,” he said of the frequent tourist stop.

“It’s kind of big shoes to fill,” he said. “Frank worked long and hard to make this place what it is today down to the checkered tablecloths and the Western gear on the walls. It’s what makes this place special.”

The new owner said he is also going to keep the staff and the original menu which features burgers, steaks, chicken dishes, Mexican fare, fish specials, soups and salads.

The Cow Palace is also a morning destination for breakfast eaters, serving up a slew of early morning favorites.

“I know for certain that I want the Cow Palace regulars to feel as at home with me in charge as they were with Frank,” Tom said. “We will still have entertainment and we’ll also accommodate the groups that meet here on a regular basis like the Car Nuts and the Cowbelles.”

Changes at Stockman’s

East of Interstate 19 at Amado Territory Ranch is the Stockman’s Grill, recently purchased by Chef Jeff Clock and his partner, Catherine Rodarte, from Mike and Darcy Fisher.

Clock is no stranger to the Santa Cruz Valley restaurant scene. He worked as executive chef at the Tubac Golf Resort and at Esplendor Resort in Rio Rico. Clock has also assisted PBS’ Steve Raichlen, host of “The Primal Grill” and “Barbecue University,” when the celebrity journalist and cooking teacher filmed in Arizona.

“I’ve always wanted a restaurant of my own. To be honest, I’ve been looking for a place since I moved here years ago,” he said. “I fell in love with the kitchen here at Stockman’s, and the patio. The whole layout was just perfect. We negotiated and now we own it.”

The Fishers touted Stockman’s as a supper club where customers were encouraged to make an evening of dining and sometimes entertainment.

Clock and Rodarte want to change that image, since many patrons, they said, want to enjoy a leisurely dinner but may have other events to attend in an evening like a show or art event in nearby Tubac.

“Cathy was in the local real estate business for a while so she knows this area very well and knows that people respect a good restaurant,” Clock said. “We pride ourselves in using good basic ingredients and serving recipes that have been perfected through the years. I can be creative with my entrees since I’m running the show. I want the customers to suggest something they’d like to see on the menu and I’ll do what I can to make something happen.”

Stockman’s Grill serves a full lunch and dinner menu featuring savory steaks, seafood, specialty entr/es, Angus burgers, sandwiches, salads, and desserts.

They offer prime rib on Friday and Saturday nights.

Stockman’s Grill has become a popular destination for Sunday brunch which is served from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Clock will also cater special events or parties and the restaurant is available for meetings and private functions.

rford@gvnews.com

If you go

The Cow Palace

28802 Nogales Hwy., Amado, Exit 48 on I-19

Open everyday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner

520-398-1999 or www.cowpalacerestaurant.com

Stockman’s Grill at Amado Territory Inn

3001 E. Frontage Rd., Amado, Exit 48 on I-19

Lunch: Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.

Dinner: Tues.-Sat., 5 p.m.- 8 p.m.

Sunday brunch: 10:30 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Reservations: 520-398-2651 or www.amadoterritoryinn.com