The Branding Iron

Founded in 1964 by cattle industry legend Ellington Peek, Shasta Livestock Auction Yard is located in Cottonwood, California at the heart of the California, Oregon & Nevada cattle triangle. Experienced ranchers and beginners alike gather here every Friday at the largest volume auction market west of the Rockies. Approximately 100,000 live cattle go through the ring each year and a similar number in country deals. Whether they come to buy, sell or just learn about the industry this is where the western cattleman and woman come together.

Livestock auctions can work up a powerful appetite and the Peek family is proud to offer on-site, down home cooking at the famous Branding Iron Café. Actual brands from ranches around the local country grace the walls of this friendly establishment, making auction goers and all who visit feel right at home.

The menu is full of the kind of good old country cuisine that Ellington himself enjoys. The restaurant features daily specials, homemade soups & chili, and delicious homemade pies & cakes.  Thick cut bacon, along with light fluffy biscuits served with steaming country gravy are just a few of the breakfast favorites served up by manager J.J. and her energetic staff. From a simple bowl of oatmeal with brown sugar and raisins to the huge Trucker’s breakfast containing three breakfast meats,3 eggs,potatoes and a biscuit with gravy, The Branding Iron knows how to feed a cowboy.

No restaurant located right next door to the cattle auction would be complete without the best of beef selections. They feature meat from Kent’s market, another local favorite. Juicy burgers and the cowboy sandwich, piled high with roast beef, grilled onions & jalapeno, homemade BBQ sauce and pepper jack cheese, and then toasted for 5 minutes in a sandwich toaster, are two of local favorites at lunch time. Friday and Saturday nights offer slabs of tender prime rib, cut to order and served with The Branding Iron’s own rich au jous and all your favorite sides.

Open 7 days a week with plenty of parking for your truck or RV come cavort with cowboys, fill your barn and your belly at the Shasta Livestock Auction Yard and The Branding Iron Café. Dine in at 3917 Main Street in Cottonwood or call for orders to go (530)-347-4036. Like them on Facebook here