INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – A longtime restaurant space in Incline Village has been given new life under local ownership, as Paxton’s focuses on fresh ingredients, seasonal menus and community ties.
The restaurant, which replaced Austin’s, across the street from the Hyatt Regency, was taken over about five months ago by co-founders Cole Dunbar (Executive Chef) and Jordan Armstrong (Beverage Director) who said they saw potential in the location.
“One of the biggest things was just seeing what the place could be,” said Dunbar. “We just needed direction, consistency and a clear identity.”
The transition began roughly eight months ago, when the previous owner approached Dunbar about taking over the business. After an informal evaluation period, the partners decided to move forward, ultimately opting for a full reset that included new staff, a rebrand and a revamped menu.
The restaurant was renamed to Paxton’s, a nod to Dunbar’s son. The name, he said, translates to “peaceful village,” a concept they hope to reflect in both the atmosphere and the dining experience.
Rather than maintain elements of the previous restaurant, the owners said they wanted to start fresh.
“We didn’t want to carry over anything from before,” Dunbar added. “This is a completely new restaurant with its own identity.”
The updated concept emphasizes scratch cooking and locally inspired dishes. Menus change frequently – sometimes multiple times a week – depending on ingredient availability and customer response. The bar program has also shifted away from pre-made mixes to fresh juices and house-made syrups.
“We wanted to bring everything in-house and focus on quality,” Armtrong said. “Simple, fresh ingredients done well.”
The owners said building trust with local customers has been a key priority, particularly in a small community where dining habits can be slow to change. Early feedback, both online and through word-of-mouth, has been largely positive.
“It’s about consistency,” said Dunbar. “We want people to come in and know they’re going to have a great experience, even if the menu changes.”
Paxton’s has also leaned into its neighborhood identity, prioritizing local hires and aiming to create a gathering place for residents. Weekly specials, such as ramen nights, have helped draw in repeat customers, while tourism traffic continues to provide a steady flow of new diners.
Looking ahead, the owners plan to expand offerings with outdoor service, pre-packaged options for beachgoers and potential additions like coffee and early morning cocktails.
Despite the growth, they said their approach to promotion will remain understated.
“We believe good food and good service speak for themselves,” added Dunbar.
As word of the restaurant spreads beyond the Lake Tahoe Basin – with visitors from cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco already taking notice – the team hopes Paxton’s will continue to establish itself as a staple in Incline Village’s evolving dining scene.
Paxton’s Settlement is located at 120 Country Club Drive #24 in Incline Village, NV. For more information visit them online at paxtonssettlement.com or reach them by phone at 775-298-7900.
