Arispe restaurant prepares to serve its last

ARISPE - For Sue Rahn and Susan Willett, family needs became a bit more important than customers’ needs.

Because of that, the two who have owned the Roadside Bar and Grill for the past six-and-a-half years have decided to close. The last day will be July 15.

“I’ve had the thought, ‘I don’t want to do this anymore’ go through my head,” Rahn said after finishing a lunch rush last week. That thought was motivated by upkeep on the building, kitchen equipment maintenance and the schedule to renew the needed licenses to run the establishment.

“I also got my first Social Security check,” she laughed. “It’s not easy.”

Rahn is already planning time with her grandchildren, ages 1, 6 and 9, which has been limited because of the Roadside. Willett took more control of the family’s trucking business after a death in the family last fall.

“I thought I’d do this until I’m 120,” Rahn smiled.

Rahn said she was motivated to have her own eating establishment after working years at other restaurants in the area. After having those conversations with others, Willett made the suggestion to see if the Roadside would sell. Even Rahn’s daughter gave mom a nudge.

“I thought she was crazy,” Rahn said.

The building has been a longstanding business in Arispe right on U.S. Highway 169. It had been known in the past as the Longhorn. Rahn and Willett started taking notes from many other people about how to run a restaurant. They applied fresh paint to the floor and hung some decorations to complement the woodwork as the Roadside has a American West theme.

Although the number of total employees has changed during their time, they have five. Rahn said they all have contributed to the compliments over the years.

“We have the best food ever had,” she proudly stated. “We know people come here from miles and miles.” Rahn puts the prime rib tops on their list.

“We serve the best.”

Other than the logistics and paperwork of running a restaurant, Rahn said those things are put aside as they developed a relationship with their customers.

“We usually get tons of people from the lake, especially on weekends.”

The taste of the food is equivalent to the feel of the good friendships and customer interactions. Rather it’s conversations over the bar or even catching up with the pop delivery man, Rahn said it’s those moments she won’t forget. Rahn said the restaurant business is a great way to meet many people.

Knowing the popularity of the Roadside and its condition, Rahn said she is optimistic it won’t stay closed very long.

“I feel someone else will want this place,” she said. “And I know people are talking,” after the announcement to close was made in late June.

Rahn said she will consider showing the next owner how to run the Roadside.

“I’ll even teach how to cook the prime rib.”