On Thursday, June 6th, I ordered the 500,000th burger at the Roadhouse Diner in Great Falls. For being the customer who ordered the landmark sandwich, I received a trophy commemorating the occasion, free meals for a year, and a "Half-A-Million Burgs and Counting" tote full of Roadhouse merchandise. The event was covered by KRTV and a segment appeared on the evening news that day. I am genuinely humbled that I got to be a part of the milestone day for the Roadhouse. A lot of people have congratulated me or commented on ordering the 500,000th burger, but it is really their accomplishment. I was lucky enough to get to be a part of something that was a culmination of the hard work, dedication, and brilliance of my friends, Jason & Tara Beam.
A few folks have teased me about having eaten a half-a-million burgers personally. In reality, by my rough estimate I've enjoyed between 500 and 600 of the half-million. Whenever I am in town, and they're open, there's never a discussion of where I'm eating lunch. I eat at Roadhouse. I put in effort to try every one of their specials, usually on the first day if I can help it, because some of their wilder creations are only offered for a day or so. I've tried all of their menu options and have even ordered some of the staff's personal creations.
Anyone who knows me or follows me on Facebook, is aware of my love for the Roadhouse. In preparation for this article on the half-a-millionth burger, I did an interview with Jason Beam, who owns the Roadhouse with his wife Tara. When I started writing, however, I decided to write about the Roadhouse from my point of view first. In the coming weeks, I will write another piece to share the story from their perspective. Today, I wanted to explain why this accomplishment on the part of the Beams is such a big deal and why the Roadhouse Diner is worthy of appreciation.
My wife and I started eating there around 9 years ago, just a few months after they first opened their doors. Since then, my family and I have become regulars. I participated in their Burger Eatin' Challenge, which they held to commemorate their 1-year anniversary. I have tried nearly everything they have offered on their menu or as a special since they first opened. They did a special and hosted a book signing for me when I released my novel. More than a few people I know have eaten dinner there for the first time based on my fandom and become regulars. For years, family and friends who visit me in Montana have: "Eat at Roadhouse" at the top of their to-do list for being in Montana.
My fandom is based on a handful of factors. It's not just the terrific food, which has garnered many awards naming them the best burger in Great Falls and even recognition on a national level. There are a lot of places that serve good (even great) food. There is more to fandom than simply loving the meals I eat there, though that is certainly a part of it.
The atmosphere of the Roadhouse is no small part of the draw for us, and that is a fun blend of the couple who have dedicated nearly a decade to serving the guests of the Roadhouse. It is welcoming, warm, fun, colorful, and sometimes crazy simultaneously. The character of the owners and staff are often the best side dish served with the award winning, all Montana sourced food.
Jessica and I loved the Roadhouse from our first visit. While we were waiting for our order, we overheard Tara Beam, who opened the Roadhouse with her husband Jason, chatting with the diners at the counter about what she called "pie-atizers" (pie as an appetizer). Her energy, welcoming manner, and cheer sold us on the pie-atizer. It also rapidly became one of the reasons we kept coming back for 9 years. Tara has a huge personality that fills the Roadhouse whenever she is there. She shows care and genuine interest in everyone whom she serves, laughs with you, tells crazy jokes, sings songs, and carries herself with a contagious verve that is every bit the treat to experience as the award-winning food. For a glimpse of what I'm talking about, check out the episode of Food Network's Guy's Grocery Games that she won a few years back (Season 13 Episode 9).
While Tara fills the room with her personality and presence, her husband Jason is present in the Roadhouse in a totally different capacity. Jason was a commercial artist/graphic designer before he and Tara opened the Roadhouse. His art, designs, and style adorn the walls, placemats, ads, menu, and everything else. His artistic expression contributes to the atmosphere and experience just as much as Tara's, but in a manner more in harmony with his more reserved personality. On top of the art, Jason's musical loves are the soundtrack to the Roadhouse experience. The sound system is constantly playing heavy metal classics (which also influence the art and various burger names/specials). Jason also expresses himself through the food he prepares and the recipes he concocts.
The same blend of personalities can be found on the menu and in the specials, with more traditional offerings alongside crazy flavor combinations. I heartily recommend the PB&J Burger, Winchester, and Death By Bacon to more adventurous diners or the Roadhouse Burger for those looking for a more traditional offering made with excellence.
I could go on and on about the various reasons for my fandom. In my interview with KRTV, I compared Roadhouse to Cheers. The place is a joy for those who take the time to enjoy the fare and the character of the people and place. Don't take my word for it. Stop in and check it out. They open at noon on Wednesdays through Saturdays.
