Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

29 Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce www.greatfallschamber.org F E AT U R E D Q & A Why did you start your business? Borrie knew there must have been a better way to make a living. He opened a bar and restaurant during the time of the Smelter's hustle and bustle. How many employees did you start with and how many do you have now? We started with five employees in 1938. Currently, we have 38. The pandemic brought many new challenges, keeping employees employed was one of many. We used many different avenues of income to keep our staff employed during the shutdown. We value each employee and knew keeping them employed with steady income was the least we could do during such uneasy and unknown times. What is unique about your business? What isn't unique about Borrie's?! The list is never ending. From the family roots, not many families can attest to working as an operating 4th generation business. Working with family for years and years is simply no easy task. From scraping gum off tables, to salad prep, dishes, bartending, serving, scheduling, hiring, firing, maintenance, sauce making, ravioli rolling, and a whole lot more. We all have taken part in each duty at one time or another. The staff... 20, 30, 40, 50 years of service. Simply amazing! Our employees are as unique as they come. You won't find better! The loyalty and longevity they have to Borrie's is unmatched. The brown spaghetti sauce, handmade raviolis, homemade soups, sauces…. the list is endless. Borrie's is as unique as restaurants come. What has been your biggest success? Condensing our biggest success over 83 years of business would be a daunting task. As Borrie's continues to grow, adapt, and navigate in today's world, the 3rd and 4th generations currently run the daily operations. Given the ever- changing circumstances within the restaurant world today we have been able to flourish and carry out the legacy that was started over eight decades ago. We have always taken pride in the long-term employees, outmatched only by our generational customers. Their devotion by both staff and customers is a true definition of success. We sustain our core values and continue to pride ourselves on consistency. Being honest, consistent, kind, compassionate and empathetic will bring you the best staff and customers. We have and always will be "where friends meet and become our friends, too." Our biggest success is pursuing a dream created before our time. Carrying out the dream, legacy and heirloom created within our family. Keeping the values and carrying on with integrity thru such uncertain times. The daily challenges of running a family business for 83 years, as a family, four generations later, remains one of proudest victories. Borrie's remains a testament to enduring values, amazing food and family ties that will never go out of style. What has been your biggest challenge? Our biggest challenge has been all predominantly covid related. The increased cost of products and keeping our best possible price for customers. The small businesses have suffered immensely throughout the past year and a half. We stand proud now and will continue too as we have navigated our way through these mysterious times. We came to know and love running events where we could increase revenue and give back at the same time. The family dynamics in running a business over the years, and the 3rd generation working hand in hand for over 40 years is definitely a test in itself. Keeping family and business separate is critical, and a constant challenge. What are your plans for 2022 or in the future to grow and develop your business? Our goal for 2022, is to remain a staple within the community. Continuing our legacy for future generations to enjoy for a lifetime. We will continue navigating the challenging times of inflated prices and offering the best possible price and dining experience to our customers. Anything else you would like to share or let people know about your business? We thrive and enjoy being a part of the community through our events of giving back, feeding football teams, schools, homeless shelters, teachers, hospitals, and everything in between. During COVID, we implemented many unique events where we donated 10% of our profits and gave back to various charities, events, and families who lost lives during covid. We remain open keeping our reliability for the community during these trying times. We are blessed for the opportunities we have been given to support our small business and the community simultaneously. We are grateful for the small things, big things and all things in between to make a difference throughout our community. Photo by Photo Solutions

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