E18: E4: Unfiltered Confessions of a Small-Town Restaurant Owner

E18: E4: Unfiltered Confessions of a Small-Town Restaurant Owner

Author: Jill Winger February 2, 2026 Duration: 32:17

I'm now going on five years of owning a restaurant in one of the smallest towns in Wyoming.

It’s one of the most gratifying things I’ve ever done. It’s also one of the most exhausting.

I’m proud of what we’re building in our little corner of Wyoming. I’m proud of the food. I’m proud of the place. I’m proud that people walk in and feel nostalgia, comfort, a sense of belonging… a remembering.

But in this podcast episode, I’m going to say the parts I usually don’t say out loud because, well… I feel like it. And some of it just needs to be said.

Podcast Episode Highlights:

  • Backstory of our small-town restaurant 
  • Confession #1: The Locals Are Our Lifeblood (And Also… a Lot)
  • Confession #2: I Wish We Could Rate Customers
  • Confession #3: We’re Not Trying to Make Your Life Hard with Our Limited Hours
  • Confession #4: Staffing Is… Complicated
  • Confession #5: I’m Not Getting Rich Off This
  • Confession #6: We Care a Lot About What We Serve You 
  • Final thoughts...

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Find my Old-Fashioned on Purpose planner here: https://www.prairieplanner.com/

Sign up for my Substack here: https://jillwinger.substack.com/

Learn more about Chugwater Soda Fountain here: https://www.chugwatersodafountain.com/

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:


Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!


There’s a quiet but persistent pull many of us are feeling-a sense that our modern comforts have come at a cost, leaving us disconnected from the rhythms that used to define a fulfilling life. Old Fashioned On Purpose, hosted by Jill Winger, meets that longing head-on. This isn't a lecture series; it's a collection of conversations and practical guidance for anyone who suspects there’s more to be gained from getting their hands in the soil, cooking from scratch, or simply slowing down. Jill explores the skills and mindsets that help us reclaim a sense of capability and vitality, drawing from her own experiences on the homestead. Each episode feels like a thoughtful chat with a knowledgeable friend, covering everything from gardening and traditional food preparation to cultivating a home that feels genuinely nourishing. You’ll hear tangible advice for integrating old-fashioned wisdom into a contemporary routine, making self-reliance feel accessible rather than archaic. Tune into this podcast for a grounded perspective on building a life that’s intentionally connected to nature, heritage, and your own two hands. It’s an invitation to remember what we’ve always known, and to apply those truths right where you are.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Old Fashioned On Purpose
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