What makes a restaurant last for a decade in a small mountain town? According to Chris Corbin of The House Restaurant, it starts with putting community first and business second.
Today, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Chris Corbin and Shanine from The House Restaurant as they prepare to celebrate their remarkable 10-year anniversary in Show Low. Their story isn't just about good food and drinks—it's about creating a genuine community space where people can disconnect from technology and reconnect with each other.
Chris, who grew up in the White Mountains before spending 15 years working in Valley restaurants, always knew he wanted to come home. "The choice to move to the community came first. The restaurant actually came second," he explains. This community-first philosophy has defined The House from day one. Unlike traditional restaurants focused on turning tables quickly, they created a space where people can relax, hang out all day, and enjoy quality time together without digital distractions—you won't find TVs on their walls.
What began as a simple restaurant has expanded over the years to include the Creamery Café, the Yard Bar, cornhole courts, and regular live music performances. But through all their growth, their mission remains unchanged: be a place where families and friends can unplug and connect.
Perhaps most telling about their success is their staff loyalty. Many team members have been with them for five years or longer, creating a family atmosphere that customers immediately feel. As Chris puts it: "I can teach you how to flip a burger, how to make a drink, how to run a POS station. I can't teach you how to care."
The House is celebrating their milestone with a community party this Saturday from 5pm to 9pm, featuring local vendors, sponsors, live music by Ryan Orr, and a toast to the town that supported them. It's their way of saying thank you to the community that embraced them for a decade.
Join us this Saturday to celebrate a local business that proves when you put people before profit, success naturally follows. After ten years, The House has become more than a restaurant—it's become home.
