Staff writer
After going several years without a restaurant, Goessel area residents showed their support last week with a steady stream of patronage during the Branding Iron’s first days open for business on Goessel’s Main Street.
“We just came to show our support,” said Rannie Schmidt. “I’m so glad to see this place open and it is real good food.”
Schmidt and his wife, Meribeth of rural Goessel, stopped in at the Branding Iron Saturday during the evening hours of Goessel Harvest.
“This has been a very busy day,” co-owner Ron Soller, Jr. said. “Our customers really seemed to like the pulled pork special so we’ll probably have to bring that back on the menu for special occasions.”
The small restaurant was also busy on opening day October 1.
We had 37 tickets on October 1,” Soller said. “We sold more than 75 hamburgers and almost 40 hotdogs, and it really hasn’t slowed down yet.”
Soller and co-owner Rod Boese met and decided to become business partners while employed at Bethesda Home in the maintenance department. Boese was a local cattle and crops farmer, and Soller had past experience in the restaurant business.
“I just decided it was time to do something different,” Boese said. “I wasn’t going to get any richer farming, so I sold the cattle and leased out my land. This is my retirement now, I guess. I’ve always wanted to get this restaurant open for the people of Goessel. We need some place like this.”
Soller didn’t hesitate when Boese offered him the opportunity to get back into the restaurant business. It was something he had enjoyed doing before, and joining up with Boese to support the local community felt right for him.
Boese said a lot of good help from family volunteers made opening the restaurant possible.
“We are all excited about it,” he said. “My help is just the best.”
Boese’s wife, Sherry, and Soller’s wife, Kyline, who put in many hours helping get the restaurant ready, now take orders, serve food, and clean tables. Bob and Connie Boese, and Jeff and Kristina Conrady, as well as other children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends join them.
Open hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday. The Branding Iron is closed on Sundays and Mondays.