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ABOUT US
Welcome to Bearcreek Saloon & Steakhouse!
Nestled in the heart of Bearcreek, MT in Carbon County, this saloon & steakhouse is more than just a destination for great food and good times—it's a community cornerstone with a legacy of giving back.
Through our renowned pig races, we've raised over $155,000 in scholarship funds for deserving students right here in Carbon County. Our commitment to education and community support has garnered attention from across the globe.
We've been featured on Good Morning America, Fuji TV in Japan, TNN, The Discovery Channel, and in esteemed publications such as Gourmet Magazine and the Wall Street Journal.
At Bearcreek Saloon & Steakhouse, we take pride in combining fun and philanthropy, creating unforgettable experiences while making a meaningful impact on our community.
Join us at Bearcreek Saloon & Steakhouse, where every visit is a celebration of great food, great company, and a great cause.
HISTORY
Formerly the Hootie Owl Saloon, the Bear Creek Saloon officially opened in 1982 under the ownership of Pits and Lynn DeArmond. Initially a small neighborhood bar struggling to survive, Pits and Lynn introduced a series of innovative ideas to keep the doors open, from Cow Pasture Pool Tournaments and Bar Aid Concerts to a Velcro Wall.
In 1988, after the Yellowstone Park Fires devastated the local tourism industry, Pits, along with Pat and Jim "Peewillie" Northcutt, conceived the idea of Pig Racing during a bar conversation. This idea soon brought excitement to the tiny town of Bearcreek, MT.
Pig racing attracted a lot of interest, with many eager to place bets. However, legal challenges arose, requiring changes to existing laws. Local State Representative Alvin Ellis introduced the “pig racing bill,” which authorized pig racing in small towns for fundraising for non-profit organizations.
Since the legalization of pig racing, the Bear Creek Saloon and Steakhouse has raised over $155,000 in scholarship funds for Carbon County students. The races have garnered worldwide attention, featured on Good Morning America, Fuji TV in Japan, TNN, The Discovery Channel, and in publications like Gourmet Magazine and the Wall Street Journal.
In 2020, longtime friends and employees of Pits and Lynn, Tim Ryan and Dawn DeVille, purchased the business at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With tremendous support from friends and the community, the Bear Creek Saloon and Bearcreek Downs continue to thrive.
