New ownership at local convenience store is forcing a popular restaurant to relocate

REXBURG – Blister’s BBQ, a popular mom-and-pop restaurant inside Mother Hibbard’s Country Store at 15 North 12th West in Rexburg, is relocating after 13 years of business.

Brady Gardner, the managing partner of Blister’s, tells EastIdahoNews.com a Seattle-based company called Vishnu LLC bought the country store from the previous owner in June and the new owners are terminating the restaurant’s lease, even though the lease is in effect through next year.

The restaurant is a major draw for Mother Hibbard’s, Gardner says, and the new owner’s abrupt decision has left him scratching his head.

“We can’t figure it out,” says Gardner. “I’ve had some really honest conversations with them, explaining ‘I do not think you want to do this. We drive so many people here and they end up filling up with gas and getting drinks and they buy a candy bar on the way out.’ They were like, ‘We don’t agree with you.'”

Gardner and his team bought the restaurant from Duffy McFarland, who owned Mother Hibbard’s for many years.

With no clear answers from the new owners, Blister’s is forced to relocate.

This weekend is the restaurant’s last at Mother Hibbard’s. It recently opened a second location at Teton Lakes Golf Course. It will continue doing business there through the winter until a permanent location is found.

Contact information for Vishnu was not available.

Despite the decision from the new owners, Gardner says being forced to relocate is “a blessing in disguise.” As word has spread about the restaurant’s closure, he’s gotten dozens of calls from business owners throughout eastern Idaho expressing support and offering space or help in finding a new location.

“I’ve been called by a developer in Driggs. I’ve been called by eight different people in Rexburg,” Gardner says. “The way the community has come together for us has been pretty awesome.”

About five years ago, Blister’s BBQ was recognized by the Food Network as one of the top 45 barbecue restaurants in the country. It serves a variety of sandwiches, burgers and sides. One of the most popular items is the brisket sandwich. The pulled pork and tri-tip sandwich are popular as well.

The most popular item on the menu are the loaded fries, which Gardner describes as a fried potato with either pork or brisket and melted cheese on top.

“We pour Ranch on top and give you fry sauce. People love it,” says Gardner.

Many people enjoy buying the restaurant’s turkey breasts for Thanksgiving rather than cooking a whole turkey, Gardner explains, and they also do a lot of catering for community events.

Though Teton Lakes Golf Course is less than a mile away, Gardner says there will likely be a transition period between vacating the current location and moving into a new one. He’s promising the same level of service customers have enjoyed for the last 13 years.

“We know who we are and how we’ve got here,” Gardner says in a news release. “We’re not about to lose that. Our customers have come to know us personally and know the love and care we bring to our food.”

The search for a permanent location is underway. If you are aware of space that’s available, or would like more information about the menu and catering options, call Gardner at (208) 206-6785. You can also send him an email via [email protected].