Sunnyside Announces Partnership with Chef Mark Estee and Local Food Group
LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — As the sun rises on a new chapter in Sunnyside's storied history, we proudly announce that Local Food Group will assume management operations later this year. Led by acclaimed chef and restaurateur Mark Estee, Local Food Group has earned a reputation as one of the region's most respected hospitality companies. Together, Local Food Group and Sunnyside ownership will build upon the property's rich legacy while thoughtfully guiding its future as one of Lake Tahoe's most beloved waterfront destinations.
For Estee, the opportunity represents a lakeside homecoming. Before launching Moody's Bistro in Truckee and building Local Food Group, he served as Executive Chef at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe's Lone Eagle Grille. More than 25 years after leaving the lake, Estee returns to waterfront dining, bringing decades of regional operations leadership back to the shoreline.
"We're incredibly excited to partner with Mark Estee and Local Food Group as we begin Sunnyside's next chapter," said Mike Dumke, President of Sunnyside. "Their deep Tahoe roots, commitment to hospitality, and passion for creating memorable guest experiences make them the ideal team to help steward our iconic property. We share a vision of honoring everything that has made Sunnyside special while thoughtfully enhancing the experience for generations to come."
The new partnership also marks the beginning of significant investments across the property. Plans include a comprehensive remodel of the lodge and expanded private dining spaces designed to better serve weddings, celebrations, and group gatherings. At the heart of the improvements is an expansion of the restaurant's kitchen, providing the infrastructure needed to elevate culinary operations and enhance the dining experience for all guests. Together, these investments, along with continued enhancements to the marina and waterfront experience, reflect leadership’s long-term vision for the property.
"Sunnyside has earned its place as one of Tahoe's most iconic gathering places, and we take that responsibility seriously," said Estee. "While we're excited about the investments ahead, our approach is rooted in preserving the qualities that made Sunnyside so special. We see our role as stewards of an incredible legacy, and we're honored to help write its next chapter." That legacy was shaped by many dedicated individuals over the years. Ownership would like to thank TS Restaurants for almost four decades of dedicated stewardship. Their contributions helped shape Sunnyside and many of the traditions and experiences that guests continue to cherish today.
Building on that foundation, Sunnyside's future is now guided by a shared commitment to thoughtful stewardship and long-term success. Ownership and Local Food Group are focused on preserving what makes Sunnyside special while creating new opportunities for guests to gather, celebrate, and experience Tahoe's iconic waterfront destination. As the sun rises on this new era, a new generation of Sunnyside memories is waiting to be made.
About Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge
Nestled along the shores of Lake Tahoe's West Shore, Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge has welcomed generations of guests with lakeside dining, mountain lodge accommodations, and one of the region's most iconic waterfront settings. Known for its expansive deck, warm hospitality, and spectacular lake views, Sunnyside remains a cherished gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
About Local Food Group
Founded by acclaimed chef and restaurateur Mark Estee, Local Food Group is a vertically integrated hospitality company with seven restaurants across the Reno/Tahoe region. The company is built on a commitment to fresh, local ingredients, strong relationships with farmers and producers, and creating dining experiences that connect communities back to their food. In addition to its restaurant operations, Local Food Group includes food manufacturing and regional distribution capabilities that support quality, consistency, and efficiency across its concepts and partner companies.