Bill White began in the restaurant business at age twelve, cooking french fries at a drive-in restaurant in Northern Michigan. At age 22, he enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. There, Bill excelled in his studies, and upon graduation, he decided to expand his culinary experience by traveling throughout Europe and working at esteemed and highly rated restaurants. B
ill furthered his education by enrolling at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and earning a finance degree. Upon graduation, Bill moved to Utah, where he purchased the Alpine Prospector Hotel in Park City. Bill successfully orchestrated a significant renovation and reopened it as our flagship restaurant, Grappa, in 1992. Bill is the owner-operator of Chimayo, Pine Cone Ridge, Windy Ridge Café and Bakery, Ghidotti’s, Sushi Blue, and Billy Blancos. More recently, Bill began restoring the 1938 Historic Hixson Farm, located on Highway 224, to create The Bill White Agriculture, Education and Sustainability Center (a 501(c)3), known locally as ‘The Farm’. The Farm is designed to support and preserve the agricultural history that once defined the Park City community by engaging in agricultural techniques aimed at sustainable food production and land conservation. Our Company + History
Grappa - Bill White opened Grappa in 1992. The building is over 100 years old and sits at the top of Main Street. It was home to a brothel, bed and breakfast, and a bar, to name a few. Grappa has three dining room floors and patios offering beautiful gardens and water features highlighting five different levels. Grappa serves regional Italian food. Bill weaved his influences from abroad and used his French Culinary influences to blend in the flavor and textures of Italy. We incorporated three important business factors that we use today: Food, service, and Ambience. The next four years would prove a positive one because it was then, in 1996, that we opened Chimayo Southwestern Restaurant. Chimayo - Chimayo is located toward the middle of Main Street. It offers rustic décor reminiscent of Old World New Mexico and serves eclectic Spanish-influenced food. The word “Chimayo” means “sacred place” and is designed after The Chimayo Mission in New Mexico. It is believed that the actual dirt from the mission has a healing power. Windy Ridge Cafe - In 2002, we opened the Windy Ridge Café. The café has since become a favorite of Parkites and offers a gourmet deli, Bakery, and café. The café serves lunch and dinner and has become more popular than ever. The patio is also a summer highlight! The Windy Ridge Café is located on Ironhorse Drive. In 2005, we finished the construction of our new Bakery and serve fresh bakery items, specialty cakes, and soups. Ghidotti's - Also completed in 2005, Ghidotti’s Italian Restaurant was the next phase of our Restaurant Group. After over a decade of hard work, with great employees and the three factors, we stand as one of the most successful Restaurant Groups in Park City, an honor we share each day. Sushi Blue - In April 2012, we took over the lease of the previous restaurant Hapa Grill, slightly reworked the menu, updated the kitchen, and decorated the interior. Sushi Blue has a variety of unique items, from fresh sushi items to the Kobe Beef Hot Dog and Korean Street Tacos. Sushi Blue took on a more casual atmosphere while still upholding service standards within the company. Billy Blanco's - In July of 2013, construction was completed on Billy Blanco’s Motor City Mexican. Blanco’s is located in Quarry Village, just off the Jeremy Ranch exit. Blanco’s offers an eclectic menu ranging from tacos and fajitas to fried chicken and burgers. It sports a casual atmosphere inspired by Bill’s hometown, Detroit, from the original Graffiti to Bill’s collection of motorcycles and cars. Blanco’s takes casual dining to a whole new level. Pine Cone Ridge - Our newest restaurant and bar concept was established in December of 2022. Serving elevated contemporary American cuisine on historic Main Street. Our menu focuses on fresh ingredients, a thoughtfully curated menu by Chef Gudrun Thorne-Thomsen, and various craft cocktails and extensive wine lists from around the globe. A reimagined dining room surrounded by local artwork that captures the undeniable beauty of Park City. Custom emerald green velvet tufted booths, hand-laid antique tiles, Brazilian hardwood flooring, and a full-service bar create a relaxed yet upscale ambiance with something for everyone.
