Kyle Zumwalt, the owner of Seeley Lake's newest business It's Ah Wrap, stands next to his business located on Highway 83 just south of Cory's Valley Market. Zumwalt has been a resident of Seeley Lake for 12 years and has been interested in running a business since he was in DECA during high school.
SEELEY LAKE - When Kyle Zumwalt was a manager at Noodle Express in Missoula, the company required that he read a book called "Good to Great." It detailed how companies can go above and beyond when serving their customers. Zumwalt, 30, hasn't stopped thinking about what he read since, especially when it comes to his new sandwich shop, It's Ah Wrap.
"Since I've been a kid, I wanted to open a restaurant," he said. "The food industry has always fascinated me and I love being in the kitchen."
Zumwalt, who has lived in the Seeley Lake community for the last 12 years, felt there was a need in town for a gourmet sandwich at an affordable price.
"We have high quality meats and cheeses. It's been hard [to meet that price point] but you can get out the door for $10 with a meal," he said.
One thing Zumwalt wants to cater to is the on-the-go customer.
"If you're going to the woods, we make sack lunches. If you're going to the lake, we have sandwich trays, things people can grab," he said. "There's a 30 minute lunch at the mill. If you call ahead of time, we'll have your food ready for you when you get here."
For customers who want to order on arrival, It's Ah Wrap offers what Zumwalt calls a build-your-own, Subway-type atmosphere. Customers can choose from a salad, sandwich or wrap, then add the meat, cheese, veggies and dressing of their choice. The restaurant also offers party platters for meat, cheese and fruit.
In the future, Zumwalt hopes to add more amenities to the restaurant, including delivery.
"I am approved for delivery. It will launch soon, once we know the need so we can do it right," he said. "I would love to hear feedback and I'm open to suggestions."
For now though, Zumwalt's goals for his sandwich shop are to be able to stay open until Dec. 1. If things go well, the restaurant may stay open year-round, but currently, It's Ah Wrap is only seasonal.
So far, he said, people in town have been supportive and receptive. It's Ah Wrap opened Wednesday, May 23 and Zumwalt said the business sold 20 sandwiches in the first hour.
"I've just been focused on getting to right here," Zumwalt said. "My friends and family have been helpful and supportive ever since I first brought it up. There's been countless hours of me and my best friend sitting up until 1 a.m. making plans."
Zumwalt credits his friends and family for helping him to achieve his own "American Dream," which, to him, means that he can own his own business and do things his own way. On the restaurant's opening day, they were there to help. One of the best things Zumwalt's friends and family have done for him, he joked, is put up with his attitude when he's acting grumpy.
"I do want to thank my family and friends for everything they've done for me," he said. "The support has been phenomenal."
Drawing on the book he read years ago, Zumwalt said he wants to serve a great product at a great price and give people a great experience.
"This has been so cool to do," he said. "It's been a really fun project and it's going to be really great for town."
It's Ah Wrap is located at 2996 Highway 83 N in the parking lot of the Wilderness Gateway Hotel. They are open from 10 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday - Thursday and 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Call ahead and order at 406-210-9779.
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