Mike and Tanya Baxter
As we continue our special 35th anniversary road trip, we’re excited to introduce The Roadside Grill as Community Futures Wild Rose's next success story! Established in 2014 by Mike and Tanya Baxter, this family-owned restaurant in Bassano, Alberta, has become a local favourite. With dine-in and take-out options, The Roadside Grill offers a delightful menu of Western food, an all-day breakfast, and even a frozen food line. Customers rave about the fast, friendly service, and the exceptional dishes, with one patron proclaiming, "Tara can cook a mean steak!" Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy atmosphere, great burgers, or a child-friendly dining experience, The Roadside Grill is a must-visit destination. Read on to hear their story…
My husband and I ventured into the food business almost by accident. He had been working in the oil field for years, but we decided to take over a local arena kitchen on a whim. A friend had been encouraging us to buy her business, and since we both loved food, we took the plunge. This decision led to my husband leaving the oil field and changed our lives completely.
Owning the business has been both challenging and rewarding. What started as a restaurant has now expanded into a frozen food line and a sandwich business, supplying local stores. The journey hasn't been easy—especially during COVID when we had to diversify to stay afloat—but it has been worth it. I now work much longer hours, wearing multiple hats, but the satisfaction of growing the business is immense.
One of my proudest moments as a business owner is seeing the growth of my employees. We work with a lot of young people, many of whom are at the beginning of their careers. It's rewarding to help them develop and move on to bigger things. We’ve created a family-oriented workplace, and I realized how much we've grown when I did payroll for 20 employees.
For me, it's about more than just the business; it's about community. We sponsor local sports teams, donate to events, and build strong relationships with our employees. Our goal is to support the community while creating a lasting impact through our business and the people we work with.
The success of The Roadside Grill is a testament to the resilience, passion, and community spirit that Mike and Tanya Baxter have poured into their business. From a humble start in an arena kitchen to expanding into new ventures, they have built a thriving enterprise that not only feeds their customers but also nurtures the local community. Their dedication to quality, service, and the growth of their employees has solidified The Roadside Grill as a cornerstone in Bassano. As they continue to grow and give back, Mike and Tanya embody the entrepreneurial spirit that Community Futures Wild Rose is proud to support.
The Roadside Grill
Phone: (403) 641-4293
Website: https://www.theroadsidegrillbassano.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRoadsideGrillHwy1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theroadsidegrillbassano/
