River Roadhouse opens, sets summer event

The River Roadhouse, located along Highway 200 between Thompson Falls and Trout Creek, officially opened Memorial Day weekend. Owner Machelle Brossman opened last weekend in time for the holiday.

“This will be an opportunity to meet the owner and the staff,” Brossman said last week. The kick-off weekend also served as a first run for the restaurant. “It’s a brand new business, and we’re all new to each other and getting to know one another,” Brossman said.

She is looking forward to meeting the community and hearing their feedback. During the kick-off weekend, Brossman wanted to hear patrons’ suggestions and ideas, which will allow her to fix any hang ups before the restaurant’s grand opening June 18 and 19. “If people want to see something different, I want to hear from them,” Brossman said. “Hopefully folks will give us some good ideas.” With the option of pizza, burritos, burgers and fries, there is something for everyone, Brossman says.

As Brossman works toward the grand opening, she is also working to remove the old fuel pumps in front of the restaurant, left over from the previous tenant, a gas station.. The owner received a grant from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality Brownfields Program. Funding will help with removal costs. This is the first Brownfields grant awarded in Sanders County -- one that will hopefully open the door for others who are interested in applying.

Brossman employs six people, with the hope of hiring more as she gets closer to opening her food truck and coffee stand.

“Providing jobs in the county is something that has always been very important to me,” Brossman stated.

Nick Mariasson of Thompson Falls has been hired as a head cook for the restaurant. Mariasson says by combining his experience with Brossman’s, they will be able to provide only the best for those who visit The River Roadhouse.

“I’ve cooked for different charities over the last four years,” Mariasson said of his experience. “We will see what people like, what people don’t like, and we will make improvements and modifications from there,” he said.

Another key figure in Brossman’s restaurant is her sister, Brenda Ellis. She will serve as Brossman’s right hand in the restaurant. Ellis will be bringing her vast experience in the food industry to help make The River Roadhouse a success.