Restaurant gets more local

Call it a redo, call it a new way to keep greenbacks local and customers satisfied. John and Barb Mosher have decided to leave "Subway" behind and convert back to the "Old Mill."

After ending a 20-year contract with the national restaurant franchise Subway, the Moshers decided it was time to give a voice to the local customers, who they feel should decide what menu items will be served while having more control over enhancing the local economy.

"We will now be able to control our own menu," Barb stated, in contrast to having to serve only what Subway allowed; which was not always what the locals wanted.

Manager Carole Jensen said that in addition to having more freedom with menu choices, "we don't have to use their products and this way our money can stay local." She used the example that products used by the Old Mill can be purchased from local businesses and farmers whenever they see fit.

Jensen also commented that all ingredients are sliced on site and this ensures fresher products.

"I spent two weeks thinking of ideas how to keep prices down, so everyone can afford to come here," Jensen said. The idea of preparing the food themselves was not only a tastier choice, but also a large cost savings, secondary to the fact that they are no longer required hefty franchise fees.

The Moshers decided on the "Old Mill" name as it holds historical value. The original property owner (Mr. Nichols as Barb referred to him) operated a large specialty wood cutting mill at the location. At one point in time, Mosher said, Jehovah's Witness' had used the green log building for religious services as well. In the 1990's, the Moshers purchased the property and constructed a new building, as the old log building was no longer suitable for use. The new building was erected to serve as a restaurant of some sort in the future, although they were not sure what that would be at the time.

Barb stated that they decided to join the Subway franchise after watching where bus loads of kids stopped to eat after extra-curricular events. She realized that Pizza Hut and Subway were the top choices. The Moshers settled with Subway after learning that hopping on board with Pizza Hut was going to cost a pretty penny. The franchise required them to purchase 10 locations at a time, and they sold for a very large purchase price.

The Moshers gave plenty of kudos to Subway, and they will apply many of the same ideas and lessons learned as they continue operations at the Old Mill.

"Subway taught us a lot during the 20-year contract time. But it was time for us to branch out. We went with what worked, and now we will be able to make it better," both Moshers and Jensen contributed in agreement.

For the last year, they have spent countless hours deciding on what ingredients and menu items will be served at the Old Mill. They even went to the Sysco kitchen in Billings to taste test every food item available for their restaurant.

"We spent four hours testing textures and flavors to decide what products to bring in," Barb stated.

The restaurant opened last Thursday and according to Jensen it was a success. Top sellers included the chicken bacon ranch sandwich and tacos.

"Menu wise, we have gluten-free buns and the biggest thing are the tacos, especially for kids," Jensen commented. "We have a signature bread, blue cheese crumble. White bread rolled in blue cheese crumbles."

The Old Mill menu includes kid's meals, tacos, burritos, cinnamon rolls, muffins and fourteen different sandwich choices (including bread, vegetable and condiment choices).

The main goal was for Jensen to get the restaurant up and running in a short amount of time. With help from the entire Mosher family it only took two and a half weeks to accomplish, now she's looking forward to the near future.

Monthly specials will be offered. Jensen gave a sneak-peak for April; chicken aioli sandwich and chicken kale salad and sandwich. By mid-spring the drive through will also be open.

"I wanna be so busy!" Jensen said with enthusiasm. Currently she has four employees, but she is looking for more help.

The Moshers are no strangers to business ownership. They currently operate Mosher Transportation, Conoco Feed & Fuel, The Highlead Smokehouse and now, the Old Mill.