Washburn Trailside now open along ITS 83
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
WASHBURN — A new diner, convenience store and gas station — Washburn Trailside, 1094 Washburn Rd. — has opened in town, filling a spot left vacant about eight years ago following the closing of Griffin’s One Stop.
The new business is owned by Brad and Alice Bragg, with some assistance from their daughters: Mariena, Carly and Journey.
The decision to open a store has been more than a year in the making.
“We looked at purchasing the facility when Art (Griffin, former owner) had it, but we couldn’t reach a deal on a price. We decided now was the time to make our move,” said Brad Bragg.
Bragg said he and his wife agreed the town could use a business like this.
“The town needs this. We’re tired of seeing the site vacant. We’ve bought and renovated houses in town, so we decided to give this a go,” he said. “I’ve been a life-long resident of the area. We felt this was a needed option for folks wanting to do business here, rather than travel to neighboring communities.”
The store and diner are designed with convenience in mind.
“We carry a selection of groceries, soda, beer, you can order food to eat-in or grab and go,” said Bragg.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite on the way to work or stopping in for lunch or supper, there are plenty of selections to choose from.
“We have coffee and donuts, pizza by the slice, burgers and steamed hot dogs on occasion for those wanting something quick. We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, with daily specials offered. Menu options range from burgers, pizzas and subs to full breakfasts, and dinner options like pot roast and salmon. We also have a selection of desserts,” said Bragg. “We also have selections like chicken finger meals, clams, scallops and shrimp.”
The facility also features an ice cream machine.
“We have a window on the side of the building and plan to put picnic tables on that side, so in the summertime customers can walk right up to the window for ice cream. They won’t have to come inside to get it,” he said. “We’ll have banana splits, sundaes and what we’re calling our Trailside Blender with Reese’s Pieces in it.”
Bragg said he wants to see the place become a location folks feel comfortable coming to meet friends and family. He added business has been good since he first opened in mid-November.
“Feedback has been good. I’ve had a couple ladies come from Caribou just for our coffee. We want this to be a place people feel comfortable coming to enjoy a meal or grab a coffee and doughnut and chit chat with others,” he said. “The diner seats 28, so there’s plenty of room.”
Stopping in Dec. 3 for what’s becoming a routine was Al Van Scooter, of Washburn.
“I had the veggie omelet, home fries, toast and coffee. This is about my fifth time eating in the diner. I’m originally from Buffalo, N.Y. I’m glad they opened this place. I like it,” said Van Scooter, who used to run an engine shop in Washburn. He and a friend didn’t leave a scrap behind, having their leftovers wrapped to go.
Bragg said he supports other local businesses whenever possible.
“I get whoopie pies from Coreen Singletary’s of Up The Country Creations. I use potatoes from Steve Marr and Rob Blackstone,” he said. “We also carry Little Lad’s gluten-free popcorn. We’ll have wood pellets.
He called the site a “work in progress,” since he’s trying to take customers’ suggestions and make them a reality.
“I’m hoping to add Wi-Fi capability in the future. So many people use their phones for work and fun, this would give them a place to come grab a pizza or other meal, hang out and stay connected at the same time. I’m looking at adding lottery tickets. We’ve sold a few wreaths my wife’s made,” he said.
Bragg is particularly interested in promoting the fact the business is conveniently located along ITS 83 — the railbed recreational trail that runs through the heart of town.
“We’re about 20 feet off the trail. The Washburn Trail Runners Snowmobile Club will be dragging to our door — to both ends of the building. We’ll be putting up signage on the trail to let snowmobilers and ATVers know we’re open,” said Bragg.
He’ll also have supplies on hand for outdoor enthusiasts.
“We’re going to carry snowmobile oil, have ordered some belts, canned Heet, two-stroke oil, some spark plugs and other things.
The majority of the building will be used by the store and diner, with the garage space rented to another individual.
“The building itself is 100 feet by 40 feet. That’s approximately 4,000 square feet. About 1,500 of that is the shop. Justin Bell will be using the bays to service vehicles, ATVs and snowmobiles. He’ll be opening that in the near future,” said Bragg.
Bragg said more plans are in the works for the site.
“We’re looking at doing something special in the summertime. Perhaps some form of outdoor entertainment, with local Scouts selling popcorn. We’re open to suggestions,” he said.
Business hours for the store are Monday-Sunday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; diner hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Sunday. Gas is available 24/7.
“We serve Gulf and our pumps take credit cards. We also have diesel available. Look for our daily specials on our Facebook page. We accept credit/debit cards, cash and checks. We also have gift certificates, just in time for Christmas,” said Bragg.
For more information or to place an order with the diner, call 455-8200.
