HISTORY OF THE SAGEBRUSH BBQ est. 1998

·      1910-1938    Our original building has a story all of its own!

Picture of the Original LaFay Building, operated as a Bar & Barber Shop by Clarence LaFay.

·      1938-1994    The older building was removed, and replaced by the new LaFay’s Place ran by Bud and Marsha LaFay, Bud was the barber for 55 years where Marsha kept on top of ‘the goings on’ in Meadows Valley. This building housed our current antique backbar  and the Moser Hartman soda fountain, Antique Pool Tables, Slot Machines, a little food and lots of Beer.

·      1994             Marjorie Hobbs and Karen & Rick Burden purchased the LaFay building and did a full remodel using opening first as Beyond The Trees antique store featuring the old soda fountain and backbar.  This was the Burden’s first introduction to food service as they tested the waters serving ice cream, espresso and sandwiches from the soda fountain. 

·      1998             Karen & Rick turned it into The Sagebrush BBQ specializing in Texas Style BBQ.  There was a stage for live music and the 1938 maple hardwood floors were kept in use, complete with the caulk boot marks from loggers coming into the watering hole straight outta’ the woods.  We heard from the Dryden Family that the cowboys would bring their horses right into LaFay’s place to share a pitcher of beer after loading stock into the railcars.   

The Sagebrush operated from 1998 to 2001 before expanding it into the neighboring building. 

·      2001             The Load N Chute Bar was purchased and added to the Sagebrush format.  The restaurant was expanded to have a much larger stage, dance floor, banquet room; and a separate bar; complete w/ pool tables, darts, and another stage.  Along with its outdoor seating under the shade net, The Sagebrush had three stages and could seat half the town of New Meadows without breaking a sweat!

 “We built her a little too big at first and ran our fool legs off trying to get around the Texas-sized restaurant.” –Karen Burden 

·      2007             After a two month remodel in the spring, we have finally settled into the right size space for the restaurant.

You can enjoy sitting in front of the antique backbar if you’re old enough!  Grab your soup and salad from the soup and salad bar, (the tile surround is part of the old soda fountain) and sit by the toasty fireplace in the cold months of winter. The booths and tables and many of the wooden touches were made locally by our owner, Rick Burden! The entry wall is made of fence rails that were in use for 100 years or more right here in Meadows Valley prior to their current location.  The floor is host to the brands from most of our Meadows Valley Cattle Ranchers, while the chair rails and trim boards host more brands from other nearby area ranches and ranchettes.  The hats and boots are genuine as are the Americana treasures adorning the walls and shelves.  Feel free to look around.

We’re glad you’re Here!