Bigfoot Burger opens in Manson with community ribbon cutting

MANSON — A longtime dream became reality June 25 as community members gathered to celebrate the ribbon cutting for Bigfoot Burger, a new locally owned restaurant in Manson.

The ceremony, hosted by the Manson Chamber of Commerce and the Manson Community Council, took place at 11 a.m. and recognized owners Kelsey and Ricardo “Ric” Chavez as they opened the next chapter in their business journey.

Before the ribbon was cut, Manson Chamber Executive Director Mary Lynn Thompson welcomed the new business to the community.

“Welcoming a new business to Manson is always exciting because it reflects the energy, entrepreneurship, and sense of community that make this valley so special,” Thompson said. “Kelsey and Ric have long been business owners in Manson and supporting all of their hard work and genuine passion for serving our residents and visitors is our pleasure. On behalf of the Manson Chamber of Commerce, we're thrilled to welcome Bigfoot Burger as a new gathering place in town, and look forward to seeing them become a beloved part of our community for years to come.”

The Chavezes are lifelong Manson residents and graduates of Manson High School. Married since 2013, they are parents to three children: Penelope, Izaiah and Axl. Their approach to business reflects their connection to the community they call home.

Before opening Bigfoot Burger, the couple operated The Coffee Cabin and previously managed Rio Vista Wines. Ric Chavez also serves as athletic director for the Boys and Girls Club, where his work has helped provide more than 300 valley students with opportunities to participate in sports.

Bigfoot Burger is an independent, locally owned restaurant with no connection to any national franchise. The Chavezes chose the name as a nod to the Pacific Northwest and the sense of adventure, mystery and familiarity associated with the legendary creature.

The idea for the restaurant began developing in December 2025. The couple spent months researching, planning and developing a menu based on what they believed would serve the Manson community.

Their goal is to create more than a place to order a meal. They envision Bigfoot Burger as a gathering place where residents and visitors can enjoy quality food, connect with others and feel welcomed.

A large carving of Bigfoot greets guests outside the restaurant and serves as a photo opportunity. The piece was created by Twisp artist Chase Burgett.

The Chavezes said quality, consistency and customer service are central to their vision for the restaurant.

“At the end of the day, if people walk out saying the food was fantastic and they were treated incredibly well, then we’ve done exactly what we set out to do,” Kelsey said.

Bigfoot Burger is located at 226 E. Wapato Way in Manson. The restaurant offers indoor seating and an expanded outdoor seating area. Summer hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Takeout is available by calling 509-687-1179. The menu is available at www.thebigfootburger.com/menu.

Norm Manly Contributed to this report.