Hawks Nest Restaurant Renamed and Welcomes New Manager

            ANSTED, W.Va. – Hawks Nest State Park, known for its scenic views of the New River Gorge and a history steeped with reminders of the Civil Conservation Corps, is home to a lodge and full service restaurant. Capturing the imagery of the view, the newly-renamed Canyon Vista Restaurant is open year-round and is becoming an integral part of visitor and guest satisfaction in Fayette County and across West Virginia.

            Tom Norman became the concession operator of Canyon Vista Restaurant in October 2009. Norman and his wife Rebecca are reinventing dining at Hawks Nest.  “Food should always be good. We prepare and have an excellent menu – but a great meal includes a memorable setting and location,” says Norman.  “There isn't any doubt that the vista of the New River area through the restaurant's floor-to-ceiling windows is great. It’s a world class view.’  

            Since 1976, Norman has worked at the Raleigh County Armory Civic Center (Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center) in Beckley, W.Va., where he held the positions of Food and Beverage Manager and General Manager. Tom was largely responsible for growing a small catering/event management business to the largest catering operation in Southern West Virginia.  Tom has returned to a vocation he loves – restaurant operation and meal preparation. He is back in the kitchen and adding a wide range of entrees, sides and desserts to a new state park menu. His specialty is filet mignon and vegetarian selections such as Eggplant Parmesan.

            The restaurant is open daily and accommodates groups as well as lodge guests and the general public. A complimentary continental breakfast is included in the room rate fee for overnight guests and, on weekends, a full breakfast buffet is available and open to the public.  Lunch and dinner are daily and restaurant hours are posted on the Hawks Nest State Park Web site at www.hawksnestsp.com/Canyon_Vista_Restaurant_Menu_web.pdf.

            The dinner theaters at Hawks Nest are in important part of winter events at the park. Two remaining dinner theaters are “Stolen Moments” featuring a jazz quartet from the West Virginia Symphony on March 6 and an “Elvis Tribute” evening on March 20.  Both events will feature Norman’s entrée choices of top quality Filet Mignon, Walnut-Glazed Salmon, or Grilled Chicken Breast with mushrooms, sides, desserts and beverages as part of the special event package.

            Tom and Becky Norman as may be contacted at 304-658-3328 or canyonvistarestaurant@yahoo.com.

            For more information about Hawks Nest State Park, dinner theater reservations and other event, or to view Canyon Vista Restaurant menus, visit www.hawksnestsp.com or call the lodge at 304-658-5212.