By Tara L. Simmons
Three years ago, Cody and Jennifer Gudgel turned their family farm in rural Litchfield into a whiskey lounge and private event venue known as Gudgel Ranch Saloon.
And I’m going to tell you more about that remarkable transformation in a little bit.
But first, I want to tell you about something else that grew from the business – something Cody and Jennifer never anticipated when they opened their doors, but has become a very important part of what Gudgel Ranch represents.
It’s called the GRS Foundation, and its mission can be summed up in three simple words: Give. Reach Out. Support.
“Everyone knows there are people in need in every community,” Jennifer explained. “But we didn’t realize how great that need was until we started a business. The requests for assistance, in every way imaginable, are never-ending.”
They wanted to help – but also realized the need was far greater than anything they could address on their own.
So they created the GRS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing funding and resources to people and organizations in need.
The Foundation and Gudgel Ranch Saloon are completely separate entities, but because one grew from the other, their logos intentionally share a similar look. And the initials GRS have taken on a whole new meaning.
For the business, GRS represents Gudgel Ranch Saloon.
For the Foundation, it stands for Give. Reach Out. Support.
“That is exactly what our mission is: Give. Reach Out. Support.,” Jennifer said.
“We believe in the power and strength of the community and the impact it can have. Our goal is to provide funding and resources to those in need.”
Turning Fun Into Help
Since its inception, the Foundation has organized a wide variety of fundraising events, including Kentucky Derby parties, meat shoots, Queen of Hearts drawings, shoe drives, Ribfest and more.
But while the events themselves are designed to be fun, their purpose is serious.
Proceeds have helped feed families at Thanksgiving, provided assistance to cancer patients, made Christmas possible for families who otherwise might have gone without, and funded scholarships for graduating seniors.
The Foundation is also a regular supporter of Sharp Brothers Outdoors, an organization whose mission struck a chord with Cody and Jennifer.
“Sharp Brothers Outdoors is not a business – it’s just brothers who love to be outdoors, love to hunt and want to instill that love and opportunity in children,” Cody explained.
The group takes children hunting at no cost to their families, providing the equipment, ammunition, safety instruction and skills necessary not only to hunt, but also to learn what happens after a successful hunt, including harvesting and processing the meat.
Most recently, the GRS Foundation hosted its annual Ribfest, a competition that brings together some of the area’s best cooks for a day filled with food, fun and fundraising.
I only wish I had learned more about the Foundation a little sooner so I could have told you about Ribfest before it happened.
Fortunately, it’s an annual event – so make yourself a mental note for next September.
And you certainly don’t have to wait that long for another opportunity to support the Foundation.
Fall Fundraisers Ahead
The GRS Foundation’s Queen of Hearts drawing is held every Sunday at 3 p.m. at Gudgel Ranch.
Tickets are just $1 each and may be purchased at the Ranch Tuesday through Thursday from 1-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m.-2 a.m., and Sundays from 1-2:30 p.m.
Another popular fundraiser, the 2026 Fall Meat Shoot, will be held Sunday, October 18, beginning at 11 a.m.
A 12-gauge house gun will be available, although participants may bring their own 12-gauge if preferred. No scoped or rifled barrels are permitted, and shells are provided.
Rounds are $3 each, with 20 participants per round, and the person shooting closest to the target wins a bundle of meat.
Because the shooting portion takes place inside the Saloon venue, the event will be held rain or shine.
There will also be two additional shooting lines: a $5 money round, with the winner receiving 50 percent of the proceeds, and a $5 Powder Puff round for the ladies.
Cody also noted that participants do not need a FOID card to take part in the meat shoot.
The family-friendly event will include live music by Lazy Lester from 3-7 p.m., a variety of raffles, and food available for purchase.
Jennifer said the Foundation is also planning a gala that would bring area nonprofit organizations together to coordinate a larger community give-back project.
“We love giving back, but the need is beyond what we can do as a business or as a couple, and that is why the Foundation was created,” Jennifer said. “These events are fun for the community and help us get closer to meeting the goals of the Foundation.
“We are committed to creating lasting change and improving the lives of those in need.”
So how can you help?
The easiest way is simply to show up.
Attend a fundraiser. Buy a Queen of Hearts ticket. Participate in an event. Volunteer your time. Tell your friends. Follow the Foundation on Facebook and share its posts.
Because when enough people give a little, reach out a little and offer their support, a community can accomplish a lot.
How Gudgel Ranch Began
Now, as promised, let me tell you how Gudgel Ranch Saloon came to be – because its beginning is almost as unexpected as the Foundation that eventually grew from it.
Cody and Jennifer purchased the family farm in rural Litchfield without any intention whatsoever of opening a business there.
Then a family member asked if they could hold a wedding in the large shed on the property.
It went so well that another family member wanted to get married there.
Then another.
Before long, guests attending those weddings began asking Cody and Jennifer if they could hold their weddings there, too.
Wait a minute.
This wasn’t a business.
It wasn’t even supposed to be a venue.
But…why couldn’t it be?
The Gudgels decided to transform the shed into a private event venue. The need for ADA-compliant restrooms led to construction of an adjacent building – and once they were building it, they decided they might as well make the space serve another purpose, too.
That idea became a whiskey lounge.
And Gudgel Ranch Saloon & Venue was born.
What began with a family wedding in a farm shed has grown into a destination that welcomes visitors from near and far.
And along the way, it created something even bigger: an opportunity to help the community that helped support it.
That may be the best part of the Gudgel Ranch story.
For information about the GRS Foundation, find them on Facebook, visit thegrsfoundation.com or email grsfoundation25@outlook.com.
Gudgel Ranch: Four Unique Experiences – One Destination
Gudgel Ranch Saloon Whiskey Lounge & Venue features a curated selection of premium bourbons and whiskeys, handcrafted cocktails and mocktails, live music, weddings and private events, all surrounded by peaceful country views and sunsets. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, along with a firepit and covered stage for live entertainment.
The Saloon Suite provides overnight accommodations in a modern, boho-inspired suite designed for couples, weekend getaways, wedding guests and Route 66 travelers.
Harvest Hosts & Route 66 Travelers are also welcome at Gudgel Ranch. Guests traveling by RV, motorcycle or classic car can make the Ranch part of their trip while exploring nearby Route 66 attractions, Lake Lou Yaeger, mountain bike trails, local restaurants, shopping and so much more.
Rooted Salon & Spa LLC offers on-site salon services, bridal styling and personalized beauty services to complete the experience.
Gudgel Ranch Saloon
14365 East 2nd Road, Litchfield
Open Tue-Thu 1-10pm • Fri-Sat 1pm-2am • Sun 1-10pm
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