From Talk to Action: How Tony Ruse is Breathing New Life into Walker Lake
When Tony Ruse returned to Mineral County in 2021, he didn't just come home – he came with a vision. After years of running successful businesses across Europe and Asia, Tony knew it was time to give back to the community that shaped him. And he set his sights on a gem many locals feared was losing its luster: Walker Lake.
"I remember spending many hours at Walker Lake with my high school buddies," Tony recalls. "We'd swim, duck hunt, cliff dive and hang out by the shore. The place was always full of life - families camping, boats on the water, folks from all over stopping to enjoy our little slice of paradise. I knew we could bring that energy back."
But Tony isn't one for just talk. As a businessman, he understands that vision without action is just a daydream. So, he put his money where his mouth is and purchased The Bighorn Crossing, a local establishment that had seen better days.
"The place had good bones, but it needed some TLC," Tony explains. "Just like our lake, it had so much potential waiting to be unleashed.
Over the next year, The Bighorn Crossing underwent a remarkable transformation. Tony didn't just give it a fresh coat of paint – he reimagined it as a gateway to Walker Lake's beauty and a hub for community gathering.
The renovated Bighorn Crossing now boasts a beautiful lakeside patio where visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in breathtaking views of Walker Lake. Inside, local artwork adorns the walls, celebrating the natural beauty and rich history of Mineral County.
But Tony's vision goes beyond just one business. He's been working tirelessly to promote Walker Lake as a destination for visitors from all over.
"We're not just serving food at The Bighorn Crossing," Tony explains. "We're creating an experience that showcases the beauty of Walker Lake and the warmth of our community."
The results are already showing, and people are taking notice. In less than a year since opening, The Bighorn Crossing has garnered significant attention from local and regional media. Local news stations and newspapers have featured stories about the restaurant's impact on the area.
Most notably, the prestigious "Travel Nevada" magazine recognized The Bighorn Crossing as "one of the best restaurants on US 95," dedicating a post and an article to the establishment. This recognition speaks volumes about the quality of experience Tony and his team are creating.
"It's incredible to see people from all over Northern Nevada and beyond making the trip to Walker Lake," Tony says with pride. "They're coming to dine with us, but they're leaving with a newfound appreciation for this beautiful area we call home."
Visitors are not just coming for the food – they're staying to explore Walker Lake and the surrounding area, bringing new life and economic opportunities to Mineral County.
“Tony’s vision for The Bighorn Crossing has brought fresh energy to our community. He’s not just opened a restaurant; he’s created a space that celebrates Walker Lake and inspires others to get involved. It’s exciting to see how his leadership by example is encouraging more people to participate and bringing our community closer together.”
As Tony runs for County Commissioner, he's bringing this same can-do spirit and vision for progress to every aspect of Mineral County's future. "What we've done at Walker Lake is just a taste of what's possible," he says. "With the right leadership and a community working together, there's no limit to what we can achieve."
From a returning son of Mineral County to a catalyst for change, Tony Ruse is showing that with vision, hard work, and community spirit, we can turn talk into action and create a thriving Mineral County for all.
