Holly Arnold Kinney

WHEN HOLLY ARNOLD Kinney’s father passed away in 2006, she became sole owner of The Fort, her family’s award-winning restaurant in Morrison famous for its unique Native American and mountain man cuisine. They call it “New Foods of the Old West.” Being proprietress of the nationally acclaimed restaurant is Kinney’s earned legacy.

She grew up in the adobe structure built in 1962 by her parents, Sam and Elizabeth, as the family home. Avid historians and admirers of Santa Fe architecture, they designed “an adobe castle” in the likeness of Bent’s Old Fort, an outpost on the Santa Fe Trail from 1833-1849. It’s now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

When money ran out during construction, the bank suggested running a business in the lower level to raise funds. A history museum came to mind, but they needed something more to generate daily income. A restaurant seemed a natural choice since both parents enjoyed cooking.

By Claudia Carbone