our business

We are an Idaho-based, family owned hospitality company that operates two boutique properties and a commercial catering and wholesale food production business that sells high quality hand-made baked goods, fresh pasta, gelato and other Northern Italian specialty foods directly to consumers, event organizers, restaurants, and other retailers in the greater Coeur D’Alene area.

Our vision

We strive to be a level above, a trusted sanctuary from the common and routine, and a place that honors tradition, nature, family, and friends. Our food is always fresh, carefully prepared, and delicious. Our facilities are always sparkling clean, well appointed, and comfortable. And our staff is always courteous, friendly, and professional. What we do is art. What we create is joy. No excuses at the Cougar Bay Lodge. Progress not perfection.

Our owners

Cara & Jeff Anthony have been married since 1984, have two beautiful daughters, two french bulldogs and a lab, and love Idaho. They both have commercial driver’s licenses and are certified Food Protection Managers.  Cara has a BA degree from UCLA and Jeff’s BA degree is from Vassar College.  They have travelled extensively, have lived and worked in New York City, Los Angeles, and Seattle and have strong family ties to Idaho.  Cara was raised on a 110-acre farm along the Wood River just South of Hailey and Jeff spent the summers of his youth on Lake Coeur D’Alene at his grandparent’s cabin on Rockford Bay.  They try to visit Northern Italy at least once a year and are excited about the next leg of their journey together at the Cougar Bay Lodge.

Cara is a professional athlete that formerly owned Potcreek Meadow Farm, a top show jumping stable with operations in Redmond WA and Wellington FL. Cara and her staff were responsible 24/7/365 for more than 25 high performance horses and their owners/riders as they travelled the globe in pursuit of this elite Olympic-level sport and lifestyle. After 25 years of being on the road more than 30 weeks a year with her team, Cara decided to sell Potcreek to pursue her other lifelong passion with a new team at the Lake.

Jeff is a financial services professional that has worked with business owners and investors throughout his career as a fund manager and investment banker.  He joined Boise-based investment bank Galena Capital upon arriving in Coeur D’Alene and advises high growth companies throughout the Intermountain West on mergers and acquisitions, financings, and strategic opportunities.  As Cara’s partner, he takes the lead on accounting, legal, vendor/facilities management, payroll/human resources, marketing, and “front-of-house” interactions with customers.