BUHL - Cathie and Gregg Owen hope their luck continues.

Instead of blowing their $1 million Idaho Lottery prize that they won in January, the couple is going into the restaurant business. They will open That One Place in December, at 1003 Main Street in Buhl.

"It really has been a dream to do this," said Cathie. "Without winning, none of this would be."

The couple purchased the large building earlier this year and has spent countless hours, and nearly $200,000, in renovations. They've removed drop ceiling, added walls to create "cozier" space and even revealed historic architecture along the way.

"We were going to put windows in the banquet room but when we got into the wall found that windows were already there," Owen said.

The front dining room, still under construction, has a rustic, western feel. Wooden beams support the architecture and add to the home style ambiance, while providing separated, intimate dining areas.

"I tell her, you get the food and I'll get the ambiance," said Contractor Andy Henning, with Gary's Woodworking. "We want it warm and inviting. I'm an avid beer drinker and this is someplace I'd come and hang out."

Large screen televisions are planned so games can be watched among friends and good food.

Owen said she understands the battle they face in drawing customers and is a little nervous, especially since Buhl has seen two restaurants, including the sports grill that operated in the building, close shop over the past 18 months.

She said the style and food offered will set them apart.

"We've put a lot of work into the building…we're going to be completely different," Owens said. "We're going to serve fresh foods, make our own hamburger patties and fries and stay away from the processed stuff as much as possible."

To prepare for running a restaurant she quit her job as a medical assistant, a position she held for 19 years. Gregg Owen has kept his employment as a foreman for Clear Springs Food.

"He even says this is my thing but eventually the goal is to have him here as well," she said.

Owen has been learning about bookkeeping, taxes and health department regulations so the business can remain viable.

"This is our future. When you look at everything you have to accomplish it looks daunting but once you get into it and start finishing things, it isn't so bad," Owen said.

She hopes the business will be as much a family affair as possible.

She's lined up the help of her sister-in-law Janet Eggleston, of Buhl, to help manage the establishment.

"This experience has really brought the family together. We're closer now than we were before. Everyone is pulling together to see this dream become reality," Eggleston said.

Other family members will run a microbrewery at the restaurant as well.

"Right now, our focus is on getting the restaurant up and running. Then we'll focus on the microbrewery," Owen said.

Remaining in Buhl was important to the couple, who both grew up in the area.

"It's sad to see Buhl dwindle like it has. I want to help turn that around. Buhl has a lot of talented people and so much potential," she said. "We wouldn't run our restaurant anywhere else."

While family will help operate the restaurant Owen said she plans on hiring others as well, including three cooks and up to five waitresses, with more added to the payroll if needed.

Blair Koch may be reached at 208-316-2607 or blairloch@gmail.com