Gardiner Business Destroyed in Fire is Seeking Support

After a devastating fire engulfed and destroyed the Cowboy Lodge and Grill in Gardiner during the early morning hours of Monday, July 13th, the business is seeking financial support from the community to provide employees emergency assistance. The Lodge serves not only as a staple restaurant in the community, but housing for its employees now displaced without shelter or income. 

The fire, which originated from a window air conditioning unit in the dish room at approximately 2:30 am, was extinguished through a concerted effort by four local fire departments—Gardiner, Yellowstone National Park, Paradise Valley and Livingston—after nearly six hours. Though no staff members were harmed, the building, equipment and inventory sustained immense destruction—including the kitchen, dining room and residential units, amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars in heat damage. Staff members and two pets were promptly and successfully evacuated yet lost their personal belongings and are either being housed with friends or in local residential apartments.

Natalie Duthoy explained that the business has served the Gardiner community and visitors alike for over 20 years, including 7 years at the current location, owned by Victor Kaufman since 2019. “We launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover the immediate emergency expenses and bridge the gap while we navigate insurance.” All proceeds will be used primarily for food, clothing, temporary housing, and basic living expenses for employees, as well as cleanup costs not covered by insurance. 

Please help them during this time of need. To make a contribution, please visit https://gofund.me/5a7bbdef8.