When Ryan and Jennifer Chadwick play music together, creative ideas flow.

In 2016, while jamming, they hatched an unlikely plan: "If we're self-employed together, we'll have more time for music." With a knowing laugh, Jennifer adds, " That’s not exactly how it worked out."

However, the idea created some beautiful twists and turns, which led them to where they are today.

The Cedars Public House in Brush Prairie (the former clubhouse for The Cedars Golf Course) represents more than just a restaurant to the Chadwicks. "We love entertaining people. The real appeal is having an amazing space to create experiences. We wanted to build a hub that allows people to come together."

The couple describes themselves as “Renaissance" people. Their restless creativity permeates everything they do. Ryan built a guitar from scratch just for fun. "I want this thing and can't afford it, so we're going to figure out how to do it" is a philosophy that has guided them through numerous ventures.

This entrepreneurial spirit led them to small business consulting and cleaning up commercial properties for listing before taking on The Cedars. "Our team spent a couple of weeks cleaning this place so it could go up for sale," Jennifer recalls. As they were doing it, they saw enormous potential and often found themselves saying, "This is what we would do if we owned this place..."

That visionary mindset eventually culminated in acquiring The Cedars for themselves!

Before taking the plunge, they locked themselves in their home office for nearly two months, studying the restaurant industry to determine feasibility. They digitized original blueprints to estimate table layouts and potential revenue. Those detailed plans have evolved into a destination restaurant, bar, event space, and so much more.

While food service anchors The Cedars, the Chadwicks envision it as a creative campus. Their recently completed ballroom hosted 14 private events in December 2024 alone. A coffee shop and mercantile (a boutique mini-mart) are almost ready to open. A large pavilion for outdoor events is also on the horizon this year.

Next on their ambitious roadmap are guest suites (Airbnb) and a day spa. The 10,000-square-foot basement will eventually house three small living room theaters and perhaps even a virtual driving range for practice during rainy months.

In the long term, they plan to transform the garage into artist studios with large glass windows where resident artists can work and showcase their creations.

Of the ultimate goal, Ryan says, "We hope it feels like a college campus where there's always something going on.”

That's the mess we're making," Jenn adds with a smile. "Our heart is to give people the best dang experience they can have!”

The Chadwicks are passionate about honoring the legacy of their historic building. "Local history matters," Ryan insists. They've preserved found artifacts like course guides and old Cedars Golf Course pencils discovered during renovations, and they encourage patrons to share their memories of the space.

"Come get away and forget your cares. Remember why life is fun, valuable, and worth doing. That's what we want people to experience when they're here," Jennifer elaborates. We want them to be at peace with themselves and connected to others."

"Our people will find us," she adds confidently, embodying their authentic approach to business. They envision families celebrating milestones at The Cedars for generations.

The Chadwicks, self-described "chief mess makers," have created more than a business; they've built a creative sanctuary where memories are made and the community thrives.

As they continue adding elements to their vision, local residents can look forward to concerts, theater performances, and unexpected delights at this evolving local treasure.