Today we’d like to introduce you to Kennedy Bodiford 1966 Bar & Grill, Tokatee Golf Club.
Hi Kennedy Bodiford, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I stepped into the Head Pro role in 2022, and not long after, in 2023, a group of us—Myself and Logan Bodiford (husband), along with Austin and Kara Willhite—took a leap and purchased the restaurant. None of us had owned a restaurant before, so it came with plenty of learning curves, long days, and figuring things out as we went.
Along the way, though, it’s turned into something really special. We’ve built great friendships, created a lot of fun memories, and put a lot of energy into improving the overall experience—from the food and drinks to the atmosphere. We’ve also leaned into creating more of a community space, bringing in things like live music and bingo nights to give people more reasons to gather and have fun.
Seeing sales grow and watching people genuinely enjoy what we’ve created has been incredibly rewarding. We’re still learning every day, but we’re proud of how far it’s come and excited about where it’s going.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Like any new venture—especially as first-time restaurant owners—there have been plenty of challenges along the way.
One of the biggest has been finding the balance between what we want to offer on the menu and what’s actually realistic for our kitchen, staff, and pace of service. We’ve had to learn how to simplify, stay consistent, and make sure we’re executing things really well rather than trying to do too much.
Staffing has also been a challenge, especially in a smaller community where it can be tough to find and retain team members. That naturally ties into scheduling as well—figuring out how to staff appropriately for busy and slow times while still taking care of our team.
That said, every challenge has pushed us to get better, more efficient, and more intentional about how we run things.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about 1966 Bar & Grill?
1966 Grill is a casual, welcoming restaurant located right at Tokatee Golf Club, but we’ve worked hard to make it more than just a “golf course restaurant.” Our goal has always been to create a place where both golfers and the local community feel equally at home—whether you’re grabbing a quick bite after a round or coming in for a full meal, drinks, and a fun night out.
We focus on elevated comfort food with a lot of attention to quality, consistency, and flavor. From fresh, thoughtfully crafted menu items to a strong drink program, everything we do is centered around creating an experience that feels approachable but still a step above what people might expect. We’re especially proud of our craft cocktails, which have become a standout part of our identity—creative, well-balanced, and easily some of the best you’ll find in Oregon.
What really sets us apart is the sense of community we’re building. We’ve introduced things like live music and weekly bingo nights to create more than just a dining experience—we want to be a gathering place. It’s been really special to see both locals and visitors come together, build relationships, and make memories here.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of how authentic everything feels. Nothing is overly polished or forced—it reflects who we are, the area we’re in, and the people we serve. We’ve been intentional about creating a vibe that’s warm, fun, and a little bit unique to us.
At the end of the day, we want people to know that 1966 Grill is a place where you can expect great food, standout craft cocktails, genuine hospitality, and everyone’s welcome.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Come see us!!
Pricing:
- Breakfast / lighter items: ~$10–$16
- Lunch / Apps: ~$14–$20
- Happy Hour Mon-Wed!
- Craft cocktails: ~$10–$14
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.1966grill.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1966barandgrill/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1966barandgrill
- Other: https://www.tokatee.com
