Woolsey Steak & Seafood Grill survives fire, reopens today with Sheriff’s Blessing
Proprietor Austin Woolsey stoked to be reopening in time for Father’s Day.
By Tom Peterson
The Dalles, Ore., June 14, 2025 — Austin Woolsey and family are back in business at The Dalles Country Club.
Woolsey operates The Grill Steak & Seafood at the Country Club but was forced to shutdown due to the Rowena Fire, and that put the kibosh on his Father’s Day festivities.
However, Woolsey got great news today when the The Wasco County Sheriff's Office announced this morning that “due to great work by our first responders, we were able to downgrade the area of The Dalles Country Club to a Level 2 – Be Set Evacuation level, allowing them reopening for business today, June 14, 2025, at 12:00 PM.”
We reached Woolsey this evening, June 14 at 6:30 p.m.
Are you open?
“Oh Yeah,” came the quick response from the affable Woolsey.
That means he is going full steam ahead on his Father’s Day meal prep for Sunday, June 15 at the Country Club clubhouse.
“This reopening marks a significant step forward for our community as we start the recovery efforts following the Rowena Fire. We extend our sincere gratitude to the owners and staff of The Dalles Country Club and The Grill for their cooperation and hard work and to the entire community for their patience and understanding during this difficult time,” the Sheriff’s office press release stated.
“It’s rough,” Woolsey said on Thursday, June 12, after fire came within inches of lighting a propane tank at the clubhouse. The building, constructed in 1922 of cut basalt, was spared, however.
“A guy at the pro shop lost his house, and he can’t find his dog.,” Woolsey said on Thursday.
Woolsey also said he was aware of some other friends who lost their homes to the flames nearby. You could hear the grief in his voice.
“We understand the eagerness of residents to return to their homes, and we are working diligently to make that happen as safely and quickly as possible,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “We are evaluating the Tooley Terrace area and will provide an update when it is safe for re-entry for residents to the neighborhood.”
The Wasco County Sheriff's Office highlighted the resilience and spirit of our community.
“We look forward to seeing golfers on the green and The Grill bustling with activity once again as we collectively take these positive steps toward recovery.”
