Our Story, Our Table

FAMILY + COMMUNITY + LOVE

The Story of Lakeside Grill

In 2018, Deborah Huyer and her family opened Lakeside Grill in Estrella Mountain Ranch — the result of perfect timing and shared passion. A chef, a restaurant manager, and a trainer came together as a family just as the Starpointe location became available. After 30 years in business, and driven by a love for food and wine, Deborah turned to her sons and daughter and said, “All the stars lined up for this one. Let’s dare greatly.”

Today, Lakeside Grill welcomes both locals and visitors “from down the hill,” offering a warm, inviting place to enjoy delicious food, great drinks, and breathtaking views of the lake and mountains. It’s everything Deborah envisioned — a place where the community can relax, share a meal, and watch the sun set with a glass of red in hand.

FORREST WILLIAMS + executive chef

Chef Forrest brings over eight years of fine dining experience to the table. He has served as both Front and Back of House Manager at Pappadeaux’s Seafood Restaurant and as Executive Chef for Compass International Group, overseeing dining operations at the State Farm Campus in Tempe, AZ — including Matt’s Big Breakfast. A proud graduate of NAU’s Franke College of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Forrest is equally skilled at juggling and feeding a crowd — a talent well-honed as a father of five.

BRENDA WILLIAMS + Operations Manager

With over 15 years of restaurant and customer service experience, Brenda is dedicated to ensuring that exceptional service and core values shine through with every guest interaction. Her background includes roles as Front of House Trainer and Culinary Trainer for Pappadeaux’s Seafood Restaurant, Trainer for The Cheesecake Factory, and Lead Trainer at Fox Sports Grill. Passionate about great food, Brenda admits her favorite indulgence is cheese — in any form!

DEBORAH HUYER + OWNER & Business MANAGER

For the past 15 years, Deborah Huyer has worked as a business consultant, blending her professional expertise with a lifelong passion for food and dining. She began her culinary career apprenticing under a European chef and rose to Sous Chef at the Vail Athletic Club, later holding the same position at the Denver Petroleum Club. Deborah went on to open her own restaurant, Northwest Cellars, featuring Northwest regional cuisine and wine just outside Seattle, Washington. A proud Estrella Mountain Ranch resident since 2011, Deborah loves any food that pairs well with wine.