Phillips on a roll with new housing, restaurant

In case you hadn’t noticed, things are happening these days in Phillips.
The small village on the western edge of Hamilton County is on a bit of a roll now, riding a wave of momentum sparked by a new housing subdivision launched smack dab in the middle of a pandemic. Partners Jeff Reed and Darren Bartunek took a leap of faith with that project, despite the ominous unknowns of that era, investing their time and money on a belief that Phillips was in fact primed for progress.
Just two years later, their vision is coming into focus now with rows of new houses lining new streets on the east edge of town. I remember taking a photo of Reed and Bartunek in a corn field back when they had just begun planting their own kind of seeds, and few would argue now that they’ve already produced a bumper crop.
Thirty-one new families now call that 55-lot subdivision home and the numbers keep growing. 
Reed offered the latest update this weekend, sharing that eight new houses are currently under construction, six of which are already sold. The plan is to begin digging four new basements for construction this fall, which will leave just six lots left to finish the project next year.
All that energy and new population prompted the partners to take yet another leap of faith, bringing an old friend back to downtown Phillips. Winchesters Restaurant was an anchor in the community back in the day, locals recall, and a new version of a bar and grill by the same name is now open for business. Paula and I made our maiden voyage to Winchester Saloon Friday night and knew before we’d finished our meal that we would be back again, soon.
The new eatery has a feel-good vibe, featuring modern decor, a simple yet unique menu and a wide variety of your beverages of choice. Though I don’t claim to be a food critic, the little extra spice in my tender steak sandwich got a two-thumbs-up review, making me anxious to try other entrees on the menu. 
I noticed lots of familiar faces in the crowd, but also counted numerous 8 and 14 county license plates, which means Winchesters is getting a good look since opening the doors in early May. Based on our experience, many of those folks will be back as well.
It’s also a safe bet that B.K. Heuermann, other alumni and long-time residents who have fond memories of their hometown over the years are as proud as they can be of this new chapter in the story of Phillips, Nebraska. 
And they should be!
KURT JOHNSON can be reached at kjohnson@ hamilton.net