The Resort at Paws Up, Montana’s premier luxury ranch resort set on 37,000 sprawling acres in western Montana, opened its newest dining venue, Shed®, in June 2022. Shed started as a barbecue trailer on the edge of the forest at Paws Up—a wood-fired pizza joint, gastro eatery and roadside smoker all in one. This pop-up for live-fire cuisine became such a popular gathering place near the Wilderness Outpost retail center that The Resort decided to make it a permanent fixture.
Live-fire cooking has been a cornerstone to Paws Up’s food and beverage program and guest experience since the inception of The Resort. The concept of Shed was developed as a way to take the celebration of live-fire cooking and BBQ to the next level and dedicate a stand-alone restaurant focused on this uniquely American cuisine. Chef Ben Scott, who has worked as line cook, private chef and sous chef at Paws Up, will serve as executive chef at Shed.
“I have always been drawn to live-fire cookery,” Scott said. “Over the years, I’ve become good friends with several visiting pit masters at Paws Up, including barbecue legends Tim Byres, Sam Huff and Wayne Mueller. These individuals greatly influenced my BBQ education over the years.” Scott said he envisions Shed as a “fast, elevated smokehouse with made-from-scratch cuisine. I want to showcase the Montana landscape and bring world-class BBQ to Paws Up.”
Shed was designed by nationally renowned and award-winning architect Kristen Becker of Seattle’s Mutuus Studio, who most recently collaborated with the Lipson family to create the Social Haus restaurant at the green o resort, a Paws Up property. Every aspect of Shed invites guests to gather, relax and share tales of their latest Paws Up adventure—from the sublime rustic architecture and its soaring whalebone-like structures to a 250-gallon smoker and a flame that mesmerizes from a stone hearth. This cutting-edge design is unlike any other restaurant in hospitality or the restaurant world in the U.S.
Two 2,000-square-foot outdoor dining pavilions—one of which houses a sprawling open kitchen and a six-foot BBQ grill designed by Senior Executive Chef Sunny Jin, along with the massive smoker. (Guests can witness about 300 pounds of delectable cuts of Angus sizzling and smoking before their very eyes.)
Both structures, built by construction chief Miguel Chavez and his crew, are positioned to frame views of the surrounding, breathtaking landscape. The structures will be illuminated at night and allow for the sun to create beautiful long afternoon shadows during the day. “It’s the perfect spot for an outdoor gathering for guests, where your view constantly changes throughout the day and throughout the seasons,” Becker said. An open roof above the diners allows them to eat under the big Montana sky without getting direct sun.
An existing shed on the project site served as inspiration for the design, according to Becker. “We were inspired by its elemental gable roof form and extruded the gable shape and extended the structure with a series of wood slats that provides both coverage from the elements and frames the views of the stunning landscape,” Becker said. “Using vernacular materials that give homage to the classic woodshed and barn, so iconic of Montana’s farmland, the structure feels both modern and timeless.”
There are many sustainable components of Shed. Recycled doors that were removed from another Paws Up facility during a remodel were utilized and the metal for the signage was taken from the Ranch’s recycling center. Railroad ties used for steps were also collected from the Ranch’s recycling center. The topsoil was taken from pivots at Paws Up, and even an old, original irrigation Shed was retained as a celebration of the Shed concept.
But of course, the real showstopper of Shed is the exceptional cuisine. Besides the aforementioned Angus, other mouthwatering cuts of meat await on the smoker, including beef brisket, coppa ham and pork belly burnt ends. You’ll also find quesadillas, grilled corn on the cob, hominy baked beans and more. On the grill, the chefs prepare burgers, sandwiches and seasonal veggies. A variety of fresh salads and sides are also available as is a plethora of yummy desserts.
Outdoor dining is available at Shed every day during the summer for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A full menu of craft cocktails and beverages is also available for all guests.
Situated on a sprawling 37,000-acre working cattle ranch east of Missoula, Montana, The Resort at Paws Up originated the concept of glamping, with elegant safari-style tents outfitted with hardwood floors, heat and air conditioning, en suite bathrooms with heated floors and Western-accented décor, as well as five-star butler service. The Resort’s private homes, complete with full kitchens, private decks with hot tubs provide panoramic views of the rolling meadows and majestic mountains. With 100 miles of trails, 10 miles of the Blackfoot River—in addition to the one-million-acre Bob Marshall Wilderness Area nearby—The Resort offers one of the most comprehensive lists of four-season activities of any property in the United States.
Image Credit: Notion Workshop
