Markleeville's Cutthroat Tavern is ‘our spot’

“Come with a story and leave with a new one,” invite the new owners of the Cutthroat Tavern in Markleeville. They are continuing in the spirit of previous incarnations, holding a reverence for the importance of those who have come before, and a welcoming respect for the new road ahead.

When it closed this last year, the Cutthroat left a hole in the soul of the region. Clint Celio and JT Chevallier reached out to gauge interest. They have gathered together a group that has the stamina and dedication to steward the historic establishment forward.

The tie-in for them? “We all have our own personal histories with Alpine County that have created an intense passion for it.” says Clint, “Almost to a fault, our hearts are here.” “This place drew us in,” continues JT, “It is ‘our spot’.”

Like so many who have spent time in the hallowed landmark space, the walls reverberate with memories: miners telling tall tales and laughing, firefighters’ heavy boots echoing through the halls after a call, close-knit families singing happy birthday, sweethearts sharing a meal together on a breezy spring evening.

Acknowledging the new era, Clint says “It’s our turn to guide this place until the next generation steps in.” The legacy is of great significance to the Sierra Nevada oriented culture. There are seven Alpine focused owners, two of them anonymous, and a general manager.

All have worn “many hats”. That kind of adaptability is a requirement for Alpine living. The question in any mountain environment with a small population is always “What needs to be done?” “And then you just do it,” smiles Clint.

Growing up in Woodfords, Clint is more than well aware of the operational realities of doing business in a small town. The old-timers here influenced his way of looking at the world, advocating both freedom and knowledge. He worked at Sorenson’s Resort all the way through high school, allowing him to buy his own car. He had enough autonomy to be able to do what mattered to him.

After graduating from Douglas High in 1992, he earned a degree in Forestry, and then a masters in computer mapping from Colorado State University. With a wide range of services, he is continuing to run his time-honored family business, C.G. Celio & Sons. He has acted as Wildfire Projects and Restoration Coordinator since the devastating Tamarack Fire in 2021. He raised both his son and daughter here.

Being able to take care of yourself is part of the Alpine ethos, but giving back to the community is even more important. Deeply involved in the volunteer fire department and search and rescue, he was also one of the founders of the Fire Safe Council in 2003. His strong background in emergency management highlights the fact that he “likes challenges”.

JT Chevallier lived in Las Vegas but went to the Montana wilderness on a regular basis to visit family, fish, and hunt. He was a music professional with a wide range of styles. Having written two albums, he regrouped when it all fell apart, moving to Tahoe to become a ski bum.

His first question on arrival was “Where is the best place to fish?” and that landed him right in Alpine County. He has an emotional tie to the forests, mountains, and rivers. He says it is where he finds peace and clarity.

”I performed every kind of music, at every bar and location in Tahoe,” says JT. He played regularly with Ike Marr, owner of the Pink House in Genoa and musician from Ike & Martin. “Ike is my idol. It only makes sense that we both find ourselves owning historic establishments and celebrating music.”  

Beginning in 2007, he was a host for Outside TV for the next six years. Excelling in marketing at ski resorts, he eventually ended up working in government. “I am happy to be able to serve in Alpine County.” reports JT. He currently holds the position of Economic Development Director. For him, the Cutthroat is another opportunity to bring benefits to Markleeville. Get ready to hear JT play his guitar and sing for you there.

Other owners include the talented Chef Dave Lofgren. His culinary warmth and skills have been impressing diners for over 30 years at some of the best restaurants in Lake Tahoe. His attachment to Alpine County and mountain cuisine created a perfect recipe for his investment in the Cutthroat Tavern. Chef Dave lets his food speak for itself. He is looking forward to providing delicious and memorable meals for guests.

Owner Chris McNamara has lived in Tahoe for 20 years. He is part of a group that aspires to make the Sierra Camino Section (of the much larger Orogenesis Trail) one of the world’s most iconic multi-use routes. It spans the length of the Sierra from Susanville to Lone Pine. Markleeville is his favorite stop along the route, holding a special place with the Cutthroat at its center. After a long day of outdoor exploration, Chris envisions somewhere people can gather to share stories and enjoy delectable food and drinks. He hopes the Cutthroat will become all that and more.

Known for capturing stunning images of outdoor sports, athletes, and landscapes, owner Corey Rich is a renowned adventure photographer, writer, and filmmaker. His work has been featured in major publications, including National Geographic, The New York Times, and in campaigns for top outdoor brands. In partnership with Chris McNamara, he started Ski Run Presents, an event series concentrated on bringing world-class competitors, photographers, and creatives to revitalize the street and champion non-profits through the art of storytelling. They are excited to provide these incredible experiences to Alpine County.

Ali Fite, the tavern’s General Manager, has always answered the call whenever someone needs her. She grew up making meals for her sisters after her mother died, teaching herself as she went along “how to prepare potatoes every which way.” “Whatever you have, there is always a delicious way to put that together.” she says.

Ali is a people person and not shy, but like the traditional Alpine personality, she likes to be by herself as well. Raised in Tahoe, going to Grover Hot Springs and then having a meal at the Cutthroat was her “happy place”.

She had her own food truck called “Wheelies”. That was followed by wonderful times working for the Hope Valley Cafe. In 2010 the green building in Markleeville that held The Swan Saloon in 1864, became Ali’s Cafe. It was warm and popular, and Ali ran it for 6 years, working a full shift there, followed by 4 hours at La Ferme in Genoa. She has always worked two or more jobs.

Her son was born during this busy time, followed by a daughter just 3 years ago. After Tahoe, she relocated to Gardnerville, where she did accounting and ran her own landscaping and handyman business.

“Come sit with the locals. There is something for everyone.” says Ali. ”This is casual, family-friendly dining at its best”.

“There have been so many fingerprints on this place. Multiple generations of owners, customers, and visitors have left their mark here,” says JT. “It is where traditions are made”. The 162 year old building is a centerpiece in the area.

All of Alpine County and the surrounding lands are the home territory of the Washoe Tribe. When gold seekers and emigrants began pouring in, the landscape was changed forever. Silver Mountain City, located on today’s Ebbetts Pass was the original county seat, a “boom and bust” site that revolved around mining.

The prominent three story Fiske Hotel, built in 1863 stood empty just 20 years later. As owner of the Hot Springs Resort, Alvin Grover dismantled the building, bringing it down board by board and resurrecting it on the central corner in Markleeville. By 1900, it was called the Alpine Hotel. Reinventing itself time and time again to adapt to the needs and desires of the people here, it remained an ever-changing central hub.

Eventually becoming known as the Cutthroat Saloon, it earned quite a reputation. The ceiling was festooned with an amazing quantity and array of bras, a reflection of the celebratory nature of its patronage. In the early 2000s, it was rebranded as Wolf Creek, but the Cutthroat name remained in use. There were extensive renovations during this period, but the historical integrity was retained. In 2018, under new ownership, it became the Cutthroat Saloon once more, followed by the Cutthroat Brewing Company, finally morphing into The Cutthroat Tavern today.

Mountain living is not for everyone and filled with trials.

“You have to want to be here,” says Clint. “It has to be in your bones and in your blood. Otherwise you are not going to survive. When something breaks, you are the one called upon to fix it. Self-reliance and independence are required traits.”

For many, the remote lands here are a refuge. They leave behind the worry and grief of their everyday lives, finding a sense of comfort in the snow capped peaks, the flowing rivers, and the wide open skies filled with endless stars. The camaraderie of sharing a meal at this cherished gathering place is a big part of a ritual visit to Alpine. Follow the legacy at cutthroattavern.com.

All the people involved want to “give back” and be invested in the place they love.

“We all have skin in the game.” says JT. “My father passed away tragically, and I wish that he was here to enjoy this next chapter with me. He always loved local bars, good stories, and a frosty beer. His spirit, like many others, will be keeping us all company at the Cutthroat.”

The presence and loyalty of this new group of owners has already generated a big impact. They are changing the world one meal at a time, because every smile truly makes a difference. Ali reports that “Once you come here, this will actually feel better than being at home.”