Ribbon Cutting at Sugar Knoll Chicken!

It was a sunny, windy December day for the ribbon cutting at Sugar Knoll Chicken. The

Mt. Carmel Junction eatery is part of the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort group and had

opened earlier in the year. The Kanab Area Chamber of Commerce facilitated this

ribbon cutting with the restaurant team to celebrate bringing this successful year to a

close while looking forward to 2026.

Pat Guerrero, with the Chamber, welcomed everyone with a few words about the

excitement and importance of new businesses to give choices to local residents and

visitors alike. She then turned the time over to Justin Millard, Food & Beverage Director

for Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, who told the story of how his great grandfather

bought land and opened Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort nearly 70 years ago. More of

the family moved down from northern Utah decades later and have since expanded by

opening other businesses in the Mt. Carmel/Orderville area, including the newly

remodeled 89 and 9 Motel, formerly Golden Hills, which is adjacent to the restaurant.

The idea for the restaurant came about because of the small number of area dining

options. Manager Lyle Goulding and his son did a lot of the remodeling, and Goulding

said he came up with the name when he was out with a group of visitors near Sugar

Knoll, a prominent summit in Orderville known for its striking views and rugged terrain.

Once the ribbon was cut, the crowd of about 20 people enjoyed the eatery’s delicious

chicken and cheese bread, while taking time to socialize. The restaurant is open

Monday thru Saturday, dine in or take out, with online ordering. Those attending from

Kanab won points with family not in attendance by ordering takeout for dinner to delight

those at home.