Skyway set to celebrate the departure of the Hornors posted on 12/01/2022
Skyway Bar and Grill owners Tracie Anderson and Tom Baker
had one big question for chef Jason Hornor when they approached him to manage
the Mountain restaurant's kitchen when it reopened in 2007.
“They said, ‘Can you make BBQ?’ I said, ‘I’m from Texas,’”
Hornor recalled about his initial role creating the menu and helming the
kitchen.
Jason’s mission to “up the game,” of food on the Mountain
with unique and different takes on classics often highlighted a fun and playful
sense of humor, such as serving rabbit on Easter.
Over the past 15 years Jason and his wife, Ally, who has
worked as front-of-house manager since 2010, have helped the Skyway establish
itself as a mountain institution for distinctly Northwest BBQ with great
hospitality.
“Jason will always come up with something a little different
but awesome,” Ally said.
But as all good things must end, Jason and Ally will leave
the Mountain establishment to pursue new goals in the new year after assuring
the Skyway is in good hands with new management. A send-off celebration for the
couple will be held on New Year’s Eve.
The Hornors met through the Skyway and have been
instrumental to making the restaurant a much-loved local destination with a
reputation that extends far from Mount Hood.
“The Skyway has really been central to our lives for years.
We’ve celebrated every big moment there, from our wedding reception to our baby
showers,” Ally said. “It’s not just a job. It’s a family for us.”
The couple’s decision has been bittersweet for the community
and Skyway’s current owners, Tracie Anderson and Tom Baker, who credit the
couple with being the face and the backbone of the restaurant for years.
“They’ve helped us in so many ways build this place up. The
Hornors are fair, honest, straightforward and really fun,” Anderson said.
“They’re very well liked in the community and will be missed.”
Regulars of the Skyway will be relieved to learn that the
Hornor’s are planning to remain in the region.
“We’re calling it our retirement from the restaurant
industry,” Ally said. “With both kids in school it was obvious how little time
we have together as a family.”
The Hornors live in Rhododendron with their two school-aged
children: daughter Maizie is eight-years old and is in third grade and their
son, Jadon, is five and just began kindergarten this school year.
“Weekends, evenings and holidays are what you work in the
food service industry,” Anderson said, adding the schedule can be difficult to balance
with family-life and school-aged children.
Anderson noted the couple went above and beyond assuring the
Skyway would continue its reputation for excellence at their departure. The
Hornor’s announced their intention to leave in May and have been working to
assure a smooth transition.
Current Skyway bartender Ben Deacon will take on the role of
restaurant manager. Sous Chef Joey Parisie will take over the day-to-day
operation of the kitchen.
“We are leaving it in good hands,” Jason said. The couple
stated they wanted to feel good with where the Skyway was heading when they
left and had prioritized helping get the business through the pandemic.
“Their heart is here too. They want to see us succeed,” said
Anderson.
The Hornor’s last night will be on New Year’s Eve when the
Skyway will celebrate their time and contribution to the restaurant.
A big New Year’s Eve
party is planned with a live band and Jason’s family is flying in from Texas to
join in the celebration. Community members are invited to come share their
memories and wish the Hornor’s well.
“It’s been a great chapter in the book,” Ally said.
Skyway Bar and Grill is located at 71545 Hwy. 26 in Zigzag.
More information, including menus, is available online at
https://skywaybarandgrill.com.
By Ben Simpson/MT
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