Restaurant owner serves up good time, food at dual birthday celebration

When country singer Sue Thompson walked into the Bob Ruud Community Center on Sunday, this signaled the start of what would become a major family-friendly community occasion.

More than 300 gathered to celebrate Thompson’s and her pal, Bruce J. Locke’s birthdays as well as the 10th anniversary of Red Sky BBQ &Catering.

During Thompson’s nearly 90 years, she rose as a famed pop and country artist whose voice resonated with viewers of the “Hoffman Hayride” television show. She also sang at countless venues around the country and overseas before settling in Pahrump nearly 20 years ago.

In her younger years, she hit the stage at the Pahrump Nugget, as well as the Maverick Saloon and Dance Hall as well as performed with fellow country musician Jack Reeves.

Thompson is known for her distinctive voice on popular tracks from the 1960s such as “Sad Movies (Make Me Cry),” “Norman” and “Paper Tiger.”

At the Red Sky event, Thompson lit up at the early birthday wishes and community support she received.

She spent time engaging with longtime friends, fans who requested autographs and family.

“There are so many great people in this town,” Thompson stated. “I’m glad so many people came out [for the celebration].”

Attendees also included Thompson’s daughter, Julie Jennings; son, Greg Penny, as well as grand- and great-grandchildren. Counted among the supporters were the Cross family. Their daughter, Melissa, created a DVD highlighting Thompson’s extensive music career, including when Thompson belted out tunes for troops in Vietnam.

“Everywhere [Sue] goes, people remember her,” Jerry Cross said.

Just like many locals, Thompson, who turns 90 on July 19, and Locke, who turns 92 on July 12, are regulars at Red Sky BBQ &Catering. The two befriended Red Sky Owner Carmelita “Carmel” Mahunik, who organized the event as a way to give back to the community.

Locke said he’s been eating at Red Sky for six years. “(Carmel) is wonderful to us. She often sits and talks with us,” he said.

From helping with event set-up to greeting regular customers, Mahunik zipped around the festivities of the community center last Sunday afternoon. She seemed content to watch Thompson, Locke and other attendees have a good time while she dished out complimentary offerings from her restaurant.

“Carmel was a nurse before she started the restaurant. She likes to take care of people,” said Samuel W. Schlager, Mahunik’s husband.

Mahunik especially wanted to honor Thompson and Locke, who she considers dear friends, according to Schlager.

“I have a lot of repeat customers,” Mahunik said. She added that she appreciates all of her customers and hopes to have more years of serving them good food.

As several regular customers attested, Mahunik’s personable disposition is one of the main reasons they dine at Red Sky – other than the food, of course.

Tom, a regular customer who preferred not to disclose his last name, remarked, “(Carmel) is awesome. She goes to great lengths to make sure everyone is content.”

Mahunik grew up in the Philippines where she was inspired by her late father’s love of cooking large meals for his family and staff.

“I wish (my father) was still here to see the success of the restaurant,” Mahunik said.

After settling in Pahrump, she opened Red Sky BBQ &Catering at 90 S. Emery St. on June 24, 2005.

The Philippines will always be close to Mahunik’s heart. Not only does the majority of her family still live in her homeland, but she also sponsors a school there. As part of the event, Mahunik and her husband asked attendees to donate to the school.

“Most of the money (raised for the school) comes out of (Carmel’s) pocket,” said Schlager. “The donations are going toward buying used computers.”

The community event also counted as Mahunik’s last hurrah before she takes some much-needed time off to focus on her health and visit family in the Philippines.

Locke said that he’ll miss having Mahunik around town for the next 2 1/2 months.