Our Story

The Halfway House Restaurant has been serving the Brinnon community for over 50 years — a roadside gem nestled in the heart of the Olympics, where locals, adventurers, and hungry travelers gather for comfort food, cold drinks, and small-town charm.

In 2023, the next chapter began when the Matheson family took the reins. Owners Michelle and Justin Matheson are proud to call Brinnon home — and even prouder to carry on the tradition of hospitality, home-cooked meals, and welcoming service.

From day one, their mission has been simple: keep the Halfway House a place where the coffee’s always hot, the pie is worth the drive, and the community comes first.

Michelle serves on the Brinnon School Board and is passionate about strengthening local education and small businesses across the region. Justin is a firefighter/EMT with the Brinnon Fire Department, Chair of the Brinnon Fire Commissioners, President of the Jefferson Fire Commissioners and Administrative Professionals Association, and a member of Jefferson Search and Rescue (JSAR) — all while also serving as the Northwest Director for a national political and government affairs firm, Axiom Strategies. His office is just steps away from the restaurant.

Their two sons, Brady and Tyler, are part of the family operation too. Brady is a professional firefighter/EMT with Quilcene Fire and Rescue, and Tyler — a freshman at Quilcene High — plays basketball and football and is a proud youth cadet with the fire department. Fire service runs deep in the Matheson family, with roots stretching back to their grandfather — a Fire Chief with over 45 years of service.

The Halfway House isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a community hub. During the 2620 Road Fire in Brinnon in 2024, the Mathesons stepped up in a big way. Justin was on the front lines battling the flames, while the restaurant stayed open to support responders and neighbors in need — serving over 4,000 meals to firefighters during the incident. That moment captured what the Halfway House stands for: service, resilience, and a whole lot of heart.

”Halfway House restaurant staff supporting firefighting efforts…” -Peninsula Daily News Aug. 21, 2024

Whether you're grabbing a milkshake after a hike, tucking into a hearty breakfast, or just passing through on the way to your next adventure, we’re honored to have you at our table.

Welcome to the Halfway House — where good food meets great people.