The Story of The White Horse Inn

Established in 1972 along the banks of the Verde River in Cottonwood, Arizona, The White Horse Inn was the vision of family entrepreneurs Richard “Dick” and Sue Kort. In its early days, the building was home to Two J's Restaurant, which later evolved into The White Horse Inn on one side and the Riverside Butcher Shop on the other.

As the business grew, the Kort's purchased the butcher shop from the Taylor family and began expanding their restaurant. What started as a modest endeavor soon transformed into a beloved local institutional place where families gathered, stories were shared, and meals became memories. Over time, The White Horse Inn not only became a cornerstone of the community but also a lasting symbol of the Kort family's dedication, hospitality, and hard work—a true icon of the Verde Valley.

Throughout the years, The White Horse Inn became more than just a restaurant—it became the heart of the Kort family's story. It was where the Kort children grew up, learned the value of hard work, and were immersed in the daily rhythm of the family business.

Dick and Sue's oldest daughter, Terri, dedicated much of her adult life to the Inn, eventually stepping into the role of general manager, where she carried on her parents' legacy with pride and care. Their middle son, Russ, took the lessons learned within the restaurant walls and channeled them into launching a successful business of his own. Meanwhile, the youngest, Rich, found his calling in the broader hospitality industry, spending many years working at major resorts across the Phoenix-Metro area—his roots at The White Horse never far from mind.

As the next generation of Kort's came along, the family tradition continued. The grandchildren, too, found themselves part of the story—bussing tables, greeting guests, or simply soaking in the spirit of the place that had shaped so many before them. The White Horse wasn't just where the Kort family worked—it was where they lived, laughed, and grew together.

As much as The White Horse Inn shaped the Kort family, it also played a pivotal role in shaping the community around it. For many, it was more than a restaurant, it was a rite of passage. It was the first job for countless local teens, the spot to celebrate turning 21 with that first legal drink, and the go-to place for graduation dinners, birthday parties, and even marriage proposals.

The White Horse was deeply woven into the fabric of Cottonwood life. Each year, it rolled through town in the annual Cottonwood Christmas Parade with festive, elaborate floats. It was known for hosting delightfully spooky Halloween events, lively holiday parties, and taking part in countless community outreach efforts. It was a place where memories were made and shared—where laughter echoed off the walls and stories were passed from one generation to the next.

To this day, the legacy of The White Horse lives on in the hearts of those who knew it. Its historic stories still echo throughout the Verde Valley, a testament to the special place it held in the lives of so many.

But The White Horse wasn't just about the people—it was also, unmistakably, about the food. So much about the food. Guests came hungry and left happy, drawn in night after night by dishes that became legendary across the Verde Valley.

At the heart of it all were Dick Kort's famous homemade soups, proudly featured on the equally iconic all-you-can-eat salad bar. That salad bar became a staple in its own right—overflowing with fresh ingredients and served with a side of hometown charm.

Fridays and Saturdays meant one thing: mouth-watering prime rib, perfectly cooked and served with all the fixings. And for those craving something from the sea, the White Horse delivered with indulgent lobster tails and succulent crab legs. Whether it was a casual lunch or a celebratory dinner, you could always count on The White Horse for a hearty, delicious meal and that unmistakable feeling of comfort that only home-cooked food can bring.

After visiting an up-and-coming sports bar franchise, Dick and Sue knew it was time for a new chapter. After 27 incredible years in the steakhouse business, they made the bold decision to purchase a Famous Sam's franchise—bringing a fresh concept to Cottonwood and signaling the close of an unforgettable era. The White Horse legacy, built on family, food, and community, would come to its heartfelt end.

In 2001, following a life-changing health diagnosis, the Kort family made the incredibly difficult decision to lock the doors of The White Horse for the very last time. What had started as a dream along the Verde River became a cherished part of local history—its impact still felt to this day.

Dick Kort passed away in 2002, followed by Sue in 2012, and their beloved daughter Terri in 2022. Though they are no longer here, their legacy lives on in every story told, every meal remembered, and every life they touched through The White Horse Inn.

Now that you know the history of this iconic gem, the entire Kort family is deeply honored to see the White Horse name carried forward through a new generation with the opening of White Horse Grill—“Honoring the past and savoring the present”

As you step into this next chapter, we invite you to cherish the memories of yesterday while creating new ones today. Whether you're visiting for the first time or reliving old traditions, may the spirit of The White Horse continue to bring warmth, joy, and connection for years to come.

With heartfelt gratitude,