American Restoration was one of the most popular TV shows on The History Channel.
It ran for six amazing years and made millions of fans around the world. The show started in 2010 and quickly became a hit during the golden age of reality TV shows like Pawn Stars and Counting Cars.
Rick Dale and his talented team at Rick’s Restorations in Las Vegas were the heart and soul of this incredible show.
They took old, broken items and turned them into beautiful, working pieces again. From classic cars to vintage soda machines, nothing was too challenging for this skilled crew.
But then something shocking happened. In the seventh season, the show continued without Rick Dale and his original team.
This left millions of fans confused and wondering what happened to their favorite restoration experts. Many people still ask the same question today: where is the cast from american restoration is today?
The sudden change in the show format surprised everyone. Fans had grown to love Rick, his family, and his team members.
Each person brought something special to the show. Some were funny, others were skilled craftsmen, and all of them worked together like a big family.
After the show ended for the original cast, everyone went their separate ways. Some stayed in the restoration business, while others started completely new careers.
Where are The Cast members from American Restoration Today?

This guide will tell you exactly what each cast member is doing now and how their lives have changed since leaving the popular TV show.
Where Is Rick Dale From American Restoration Today?
Rick Dale was the main star and owner of Rick’s Restorations. He made the show what it was with his amazing skills and friendly personality. Rick could fix almost anything, from old cars to broken vending machines. His passion for bringing old items back to life made him a fan favorite.
Current Business Ventures:
- My Best Font Forward Creations – Rick now runs a laser cutting and embroidery business
- Book Writing – He published a book called “Classic Soda Machines” on Amazon
- Family Time – Spending more time with his wife, Kelly and grandchildren
What Happened to Rick’s Restorations?
Unfortunately, Rick’s original restoration shop is now closed. The business became so popular during the show that fans would pay money just to tour the shop and yard. While this brought attention, it also created challenges for running a normal business.
According to TripAdvisor, there might be plans to reopen the restoration business in a new location someday. However, Rick Dale will not be running it if it does reopen. He has moved on to focus on his new business interests and spending time with family.
Rick’s Personal Life Today:
Rick and his wife Kelly are enjoying their retirement from TV fame. They live quietly and focus on their children and grandchildren. Rick seems much happier now that he can work on projects he truly enjoys without the pressure of filming a TV show.
| Rick Dale’s Career Timeline |
|---|
| 2010-2016: Star of American Restoration |
| 2016-Present: Owner of My Best Font Forward Creations |
| 2020: Published “Classic Soda Machines” book |
| Present: Enjoying family life and new business |
What Happened To Tyler Dale From American Restoration?
Tyler Dale is Rick’s son, who appeared on the show as a teenager. Fans watched him grow up and learn the family business. It was clear that Rick was teaching Tyler to take over the restoration shop someday. Tyler learned many valuable skills while working with his father.
Tyler’s Skills and Abilities:
- Woodworking – Expert-level craftsmanship
- Welding – Professional metalwork skills
- Water Jet Operation – Advanced cutting techniques
- Car Restoration – Specializes in classic vehicles
Tyler’s Recent Projects:
In 2021, Tyler was still very active in restoration work. His social media showed some impressive projects he completed, including:
- A 1962 mini Corvette restoration
- A classic 1950s soda fountain rebuild
- A vintage Ford F100 truck project
However, Tyler stopped posting on social media after 2021. This makes it hard to know exactly what he is doing now. Before he went quiet online, Tyler seemed to be doing well in the restoration business and using all the skills his father taught him.
Tyler’s Personal Life:
As far as anyone knows, Tyler is still single and has not gotten married. He was known for being involved with several charities, especially ones that help animals and disabled children. His charity work included:
- Vegas Shepherd Rescue – Helping rescue dogs find homes
- Camp PossAbility – Supporting children with disabilities
Tyler’s current activities remain a mystery since he stopped using social media. This has left many fans wondering where the cast from American Restoration is today, especially Rick’s son, who seemed destined to continue the family business.
What Is Brettly Otterman From American Restoration Doing Today?
Brettly Otterman is Rick’s stepson and Kelly’s son from her previous marriage. On the show, Brettly often got the jobs that nobody else wanted to do. At first, this seemed unfair, but it actually helped him develop amazing skills that would benefit him later.
Brettly’s Success Story:
After American Restoration ended, Brettly used his sandblasting and media blasting skills to start his own business. He bought a failing mobile sandblasting company in Las Vegas and turned it into a huge success.
Clean Works Mobile Media Blasting Business Details:
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Services: Mobile sandblasting and media blasting
- Equipment: Three professional blasting rigs
- Status: Highly successful and growing
What Makes Brettly’s Business Special:
Mobile media blasting is perfect for customers who cannot bring their items to a shop. Brettly’s team travels to the customer’s location with their specialized equipment. This service is popular for:
- Car restoration projects
- Building renovation work
- Industrial equipment cleaning
- Graffiti removal services
Brettly’s Family Life:
Brettly has built a wonderful family life alongside his successful business. He lives in Las Vegas with his wife, Steph, and their three children. The family seems very happy, and Brettly has found the perfect balance between work and family time.
| Brettly’s Journey |
|---|
| Show Role: Rick’s stepson and worker |
| Skills Learned: Sandblasting and media blasting |
| Business: Clean Works Mobile Media Blasting |
| Family: Wife Steph and three children |
| Location: Las Vegas, Nevada |
Kowboy Is Most-Likely Living The Quiet Life After American Restoration
Kowboy was one of the most interesting people on American Restoration. Fans loved him because he was the “lovable grouch” of the team. He looked tough and intimidating, but his craftsmanship skills were absolutely incredible. Kowboy could fix almost anything and do it perfectly.
Why Kowboy Was Special:
- Expert Craftsman – His work quality was outstanding
- Unique Personality – Gruff exterior but good heart
- Privacy Focused – Never shared his real name on TV
- Camera Shy – Uncomfortable with fame and attention
The Mystery of Kowboy’s Current Life:
Unlike other cast members, Kowboy completely disappeared from public view after the show ended. This makes it impossible to know for sure what he is doing now. Here’s what we know:
- No Social Media – Kowboy has no Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter accounts
- No Public Appearances – He doesn’t attend car shows or fan events
- No Contact with Cast – Other cast members don’t talk about him publicly
- Real Name Unknown – He kept his privacy even during the show
Best Guess About Kowboy’s Life:
Based on his personality on the show, most people think Kowboy is living a quiet, peaceful life away from cities and crowds. He probably lives somewhere in the countryside, maybe on a small farm or ranch. This would fit perfectly with his personality and his desire for privacy.
Kowboy represents the type of person who never wanted to be famous. He just wanted to do good work and live his life quietly. Many fans respect this choice and hope he is happy wherever he is.
Ron Dale From American Restoration Builds Custom Bicycles Today
Ron Dale is Rick’s younger brother, who joined the show to help with the family business. Before American Restoration, Ron appeared on an episode of Pawn Stars called “Time Machines.” His role on the show was as a buyer and picker, which meant he found items for the team to restore.
Ron’s Role on American Restoration:
- Buyer/Picker – Found items to restore
- Supply Manager – Kept materials coming in
- Parts Hunter – Located hard-to-find components
- Team Support – Helped with various projects
Ron’s Life After the Show:
In a recent interview with the Boulder City Review, Ron talked about his life since American Restoration ended. He said he misses the busy, exciting life of filming a TV show, but he has found new passions that make him very happy.
Ron’s Current Passion Project:
Ron has discovered a love for building custom bicycles. He works entirely out of his home garage and creates unique, one-of-a-kind bikes. His bicycle building includes:
- Custom Frames – Built to fit each customer perfectly
- Unique Designs – No two bikes are the same
- Quality Materials – Uses only the best parts and components
- Personal Touch – Each bike reflects the owner’s personality
Ron loves showing off his custom bicycle creations. He takes pride in the craftsmanship and enjoys the creative process of designing something completely new. This hobby has become much more than just a way to pass time – it’s become his new passion.
Why Ron Enjoys His New Life:
Ron appreciates having more personal time and less pressure than during his TV days. Building custom bicycles gives him the same satisfaction as restoration work, but without cameras and deadlines. He can take his time and create exactly what he wants.
Kelly Dale From American Restoration Is A Successful Realtor Today
Kelly Dale, Rick’s wife, was much more important to American Restoration than many people realized. While Rick was the face of the show, Kelly was the business brain behind Rick’s Restorations. She handled many important parts of running the company.
Kelly’s Role During the Show:
- Financial Management – Handled all money and budgets
- Payroll Administration – Managed employee payments
- Customer Service – Took care of client relationships
- Marketing Director – Promoted the business
- Social Media Manager – Ran online presence
Kelly’s Current Career Success:
Today, Kelly has built a very successful career in real estate. She works as a licensed realtor and has become well-known in the Las Vegas area for her professional service and knowledge of the market.
Kelly’s Professional Activities:
- Real Estate Sales – Helps people buy and sell homes
- Market Expert – Knows Las Vegas property values
- Client Advocate – Fights for her customers’ best interests
- Community Leader – Active in local business groups
Kelly’s Community Involvement:
Kelly stays very active in her community and maintains her connection to the automotive world. Her current activities include:
- Car Show Hosting – Organizes automotive events
- Police Board Member – Serves on the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department board
- Social Media Presence – Maintains a strong online following
- Family Focus – Devoted mother and grandmother
Kelly’s success shows that the skills she learned running Rick’s Restorations translated perfectly to real estate. Her ability to manage finances, handle customers, and market services makes her an excellent realtor.
| Kelly Dale’s Career Evolution |
|---|
| 2010-2016: Business manager for Rick’s Restorations |
| 2016-Present: Licensed real estate professional |
| Community Role: Police department board member |
| Personal: Wife, mother, and grandmother |
Kyle Astorga From American Restoration Is Now A Hunter
Kyle Astorga had an important job on American Restoration. He was responsible for taking apart items that came into the shop and then putting them back together after restoration. This required great attention to detail and understanding of how different machines and devices worked.
Kyle’s Skills on the Show:
- Disassembly Expert – Carefully took items apart
- Reassembly Specialist – Put everything back together correctly
- Problem Solver – Figured out how complex items worked
- Team Player – Worked well with other crew members
Kyle’s Dramatic Career Change:
After American Restoration ended, Kyle made a complete career change that surprised many fans. According to his History Channel profile, Kyle became a professional hunter and outfitter. This is very different from restoration work, but it uses some similar skills.
Kyle’s New Life as a Hunter:
Kyle now works as a professional hunting guide in New Mexico’s Cimarron Valley. His hunting operation covers over 45,000 acres of rugged, beautiful land. This gives him and his clients access to excellent hunting opportunities.
What Kyle Does as an Outfitter:
- Hunting Guide – Leads hunting expeditions
- Land Management – Takes care of 45,000+ acres
- Client Service – Helps hunters have successful trips
- Wildlife Expert – Knows animal behavior and habits
Kyle’s Background Preparation:
Kyle’s path to becoming a hunter wasn’t sudden. He had experience with outdoor work from his time working the rodeo circuit. His rodeo background included:
- Bull Wrangling – Working with dangerous animals
- Bronco Handling – Managing wild horses
- Outdoor Skills – Living and working outside
- Physical Toughness – Handling demanding work
Why Kyle Chose This Path:
Like Kowboy, Kyle chose to step away from social media and public attention after the show ended. He wanted a quieter life that connected him with nature and allowed him to use his hands-on skills differently.
The hunting and outfitting business lets Kyle work outdoors, solve problems, and help people have memorable experiences. These are similar to the satisfying parts of restoration work, but in a completely different environment.
List of Team Members Who Died on American Restoration?
This is an important question that many fans ask when wondering where the cast from American Restoration is today. Fortunately, there have been no reported deaths among the main cast members of American Restoration.
Status of Main Cast Members:
- Rick Dale – Alive and well, running a new business
- Tyler Dale – Alive, though private about current activities
- Brettly Otterman – Alive and successful with family business
- Kelly Dale – Alive and working in real estate
- Ron Dale – Alive and building custom bicycles
- Kowboy – Status unknown, but no reports of death
- Kyle Astorga – Alive and working as a hunting outfitter
Why This Rumor Exists:
Sometimes fans confuse American Restoration with other reality TV shows where cast members have passed away. It’s also common for people to worry about cast members who disappear from public view, like Kowboy.
Staying Updated on Cast Members:
For the most reliable information about the cast, fans should check:
- Official History Channel website – history.com
- Verified social media accounts – Only follow confirmed accounts
- Reputable entertainment news sites – Entertainment Weekly, People Magazine
- Local Las Vegas news – Since many cast members live there
The good news is that all known cast members from American Restoration appear to be alive and doing well in their new careers and lives.
FAQs:
- Is Rick’s Restoration Still In Business Today?
No, Rick’s Restoration is not in business today. The shop closed after the TV show ended. While there are rumors about reopening in a new location, Rick Dale is not involved in those plans. He has moved on to his laser cutting and embroidery business.
- What happened to Kowboy on American Restoration?
Kowboy disappeared from public view after the show ended. He has no social media accounts and doesn’t make public appearances. Most people think he chose to live a quiet, private life away from fame and attention.
- How much is Rick Dale worth?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Rick Dale has a net worth of about $2 million. This money came from his TV appearances on American Restoration, Pawn Stars, American Pickers, and other shows.
- Who is Kelly on American Restoration?
Kelly Dale is Rick Dale’s wife, who handled the business side of Rick’s Restorations. She managed finances, marketing, and operations. Today, she works as a successful real estate agent in Las Vegas.
- Why did American Restoration end with the original cast?
The exact reasons were never fully explained publicly. The show continued for a seventh season with different restoration businesses, but Rick Dale and his team were not part of it. This shocked fans who loved the original cast.
- Are any cast members still doing restoration work?
Tyler Dale appears to still work in restoration, though he’s been private about his activities. Brettly Otterman runs a successful media blasting business, which is related to restoration work. The others have moved to different careers.
- Can I visit Rick’s old shop in Las Vegas?
No, the original Rick’s Restorations shop is closed to the public. During the show’s run, it became a popular tourist attraction, but it is no longer operating as a restoration business.
- Where can I watch American Restoration episodes?
You can find American Restoration episodes on various streaming platforms and the History Channel’s official website. Check your local cable provider or streaming services for availability.
Conclusion:
The cast of American Restoration has taken many different paths since the show ended.
Understanding where the cast from American Restoration is today shows us how reality TV stars adapt to life after fame.
Rick Dale found happiness in his new laser cutting business and spending time with family.
His son, Tyler, learned valuable skills but has chosen privacy over public attention. Brettly turned his sandblasting skills into a thriving business, while Kelly built a successful real estate career.
The more private cast members, like Kowboy and Kyle, chose completely different lifestyles.
Kowboy disappeared from public view entirely, while Kyle became a professional hunter in New Mexico.
Ron Dale found joy in building custom bicycles, combining his mechanical skills with artistic creativity.
What’s most interesting about where the cast from American Restoration is today is how they each used their experiences differently.
Some stayed in related businesses, others changed careers completely, and some chose privacy over publicity.
The success stories of cast members like Brettly and Kelly show that the skills learned on American Restoration were valuable in many different careers.
Business management, customer service, marketing, and craftsmanship all translate well to other industries.
For fans who miss the show, it’s comforting to know that most of the beloved cast members are doing well in their new lives.
While we may not see them on TV anymore, they continue to use their talents and skills in ways that make them happy.
The legacy of American Restoration lives on through the cast members’ new careers and the millions of fans who still remember the show fondly.
Whether they’re building bicycles, selling houses, or living quietly in the countryside, the cast members continue to make positive impacts in their communities and families.
