Skogen Kitchen in South Dakota was recently honored as the Restaurant of the Year by the South Dakota Retailers Association. This prestigious award is given to a restaurant known for its outstanding food, excellent service, and inviting atmosphere.
Skogen Kitchen, known for its chef-led approach, provides a one-of-a-kind dining experience that changes with every visit.
Skogen Kitchen: A Culinary Journey from California to Custer
Chef Joseph and Eliza Raney, the owners of Skogen Kitchen, first crossed paths in the restaurant scene of southern California. They later moved to Custer, where, after gaining experience in various local eateries, they decided to open their establishment in the summer of 2017.
Skogen Kitchen, drawing from Joseph's Norwegian roots, means "forest" in Norwegian, a name that beautifully fits its scenic location.
Skogen Kitchen's menu is a dynamic blend of American culinary traditions, featuring fresh ingredients from nationwide, including a selection of locally sourced items. Eliza speaks highly of her husband's culinary skills, describing his creations as masterpieces filled with exciting flavors, akin to a "party in your mouth."
Nathan Sanderson, Executive Director of the South Dakota Retailers Association, commends the Raneys for achieving their aim of being distinctive yet approachable. He praises Skogen Kitchen for its exceptional menu and service, noting that it consistently receives glowing reviews from locals, national visitors, and food critics alike.
Joseph emphasizes the intentional small scale of their restaurant and menu. This approach, he explains, allows them to provide excellent care and service to each customer. He believes in the power of pursuing dreams and encourages his staff to do the same, reminding them to appreciate their current setting in South Dakota.
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Retailers Association Honors Top South Dakota Businesses
The South Dakota Retailers Association annually honors exceptional businesses with its Retailer of the Year and Community Service Award. This year, they spotlighted three local businesses, celebrating their dedication and impact beyond their immediate communities.
The Association highlighted these businesses' deep-rooted passion and commitment towards South Dakota. Winning the Restaurant of the Year award was a significant milestone for Skogen Kitchen. Chef and owner Joseph Raney expressed his excitement and gratitude for this recognition.
"It's a fantastic start to the new year and a true acknowledgment of our team's hard work and care," Raney said. He emphasized the special significance of being recognized by the Retailers Association, underlining the value such an accolade holds in the business community.
Since 1982, the South Dakota Retailers Association has hosted its annual member awards at the SD Retailers Business Conference. These awards are a way to honor individual owners or families who run remarkable businesses in South Dakota.
This year, the South Dakota Retailers Association is calling for nominations for three esteemed awards: the South Dakota Retailer of the Year, Restaurant of the Year, and the Community Service Award. These awards are an opportunity to recognize the outstanding contributions of businesses in the state.
Skogen Kitchen, already known for its excellence, is no stranger to prestigious accolades. Last year, Chef Joseph was a nominee for the esteemed James Beard Award, adding to the restaurant's list of honors.
The restaurant's name, Skogen, reflects Joseph's Norwegian heritage, meaning "forest" in Norwegian. This name is particularly apt, considering the restaurant's scenic location nestled among nature.
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