Fifteen years of Moosing around

BONNERS FERRY — The Rusty Moose Tavern and Grill first opened their doors at the beginning of August 2004. Since then, they have brought the community a place to dine, originally starting with a lunch menu, and over the years expanding into dinner, coffee, ice cream and more.

“We only served lunch Monday through Friday due to the fact that I had my daughter,” said owner Jill Nystrom. “I was just trying to make a job for myself where I could be home with her more, and the rest of my family.

Prior to her business venture, Nystrom was a bartender and waitress for about 10 years. Having to juggle parenting with work, Nystrom and her husband didn’t get to spend as much time together as they wanted.

“It’s tough not seeing your spouse very much, but we made it work somehow,” said Nystrom.

Throughout the week of their anniversary they had various specials, such as ice cream for 15 cents, $15 Prime Rib dinners, pizza specials, and more. On Aug. 9, the team brought out the barbecue and offered free hot dogs and lemonade as a thank you to the community for their continued support over the past 15 years.

Bonners Ferry Chamber of Commerce members made an appearance to their anniversary celebration, providing a ribbon cutting ceremony.

“The Bonners Ferry Chamber of Commerce loves celebrating with our members,” said Chamber representative Diane Rodgers. “Whether the business is brand new or has been around for years, a ribbon-cutting ceremony provides an opportunity for the Chamber to show our support and commemorate a special occasion, such as The Rusty Moose 15 Years in business.”

Many people took advantage of the food and deals over the week prior to their barbecue celebration.

“It was just such a treat to be able to bring our boys in for the ice cream cones all week and then hot dogs on Friday,” said Amy Schwartzmeyer, a customer of Rusty Moose. “The staff was really friendly and our large family doesn’t often try new places, so celebrating your anniversary was a great way to check you out. Now we are excited to try your prime rib.”

As time went on, they continued to serve lunch with the occasional dinner special featuring prime rib.

“This place would get packed with people for the prime ribs,” said Nystrom.

The business is run by family and friends, keeping the hometown feel for their customers.

“We have had a lot of good employees and family members helping out,” said Nystrom. “We have met a lot of people and made a lot of friends over these past 15 years, with some people still coming in every day over the years.”

When the former Sportsmans Club bar closed, the Nystroms decided to extend their business into that area through some renovations about six years ago, not only enabling them to have more seating room, but an addition to the restaurant.

As their daughter grew into an adult, she moved away and began a family of her own. After she returned to the area, the Nystroms decided to extend their businesses to accommodate an income for her and her family through Goat Mountain Pizzeria, eventually joining the trio into their current building as the space became available.

“Now we have this one little business where everything compliments each other,” said Nystrom.

With the trio of connected businesses, the Nystrom family continues to bring quality food and reasonable prices to residents and visitors of Boundary County.

“When it came to our 15 year anniversary, we wanted to do something to let everyone know how much we appreciate them and everything they have done to support us over the years and help to support us,” said Nystrom. “Here is to 15 years and hopefully 15 more. You never know as time goes on what will happen. Thank you for the support.”

Located in downtown Bonners Ferry at 7211 Main St., The Rusty Moose Tavern and Grill, flanked by Goat Mountain Pizzeria, can be reached on Facebook. Call 208-267-1123 for Goat Mountain Pizzeria, and 208-267-1950 for The Rusty Moose.