By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News
It’s been one year since Jeff and Marissa Byrge took over ownership of Juniper Kitchen. In the time since, the couple has stayed true to the same incredible Juniper taste while looking to bring new additions to one of the area’s premier restaurants.
Both Byrges joined the KOAL newsroom to reflect on their first year in the driver’s seat while also looking ahead to what may come next for Juniper Kitchen.
“It’s been going really well,” said Marissa Byrge. “It was a very big transition from cook to owner, but I think it’s been going well lately.”
Initially, the Byrges wanted to keep the same menu that the Castle Country had grown to love. But throughout the year, the couple has added a few of their touches to the menu. “We’ve been making different kinds of desserts. We’ve added a few different drinks for the summer. It’s been really good. I’ve been enjoying it,” explained Marrissa Byrge.
The duo has also been focusing on off-the-menu changes, including the addition of a new trivia night for the community to enjoy. “We used to do it downtown, and then we moved to the new building, so we cut it for a little while so we could get used to the new building. But we have a good girl coming in to help us, Kendra, and she’s going to do it once a month on a Thursday. And we’ll keep it updated on Facebook.”
This month’s trivia night will take place on Thursday, Aug. 14, and be themed around pop culture.
Speaking on his favorite part of owning Juniper, Jeff Byrge shared,” My favorite part is my workers. I just love them. They’ll step up and do anything as needed. They help out a lot..” He added,” And also the donation. I love helping the community, so I’ve been loving the people that come in. We love the community … Our main thing is building a culture and a family, and we’re pretty much there.”
Looking to the future, Jeff Byrge discussed what could be coming next for Juniper. “With this upcoming year, now that we have got the business aspect down, I want to do more events like Community Dayz and International Days. I want to start putting my stamp on all these events and just doing more.”
This community outreach begins on Tuesday, Aug. 12, as the restaurant celebrates its anniversary with a live Summer of Fun broadcast on KRPX 95.3 the Peak from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. “We’re going to have the prize wheel, handing out some free drinks and some free desserts as well from our dessert case. But just come in and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s a good place and vibe to be.”
Closing our conversation, Jeff Byrge shared,” I want to say thank you to everyone for the overwhelming support you guys have given to us.”
Located at 150 Hospital Drive in Price, Juniper is available for dine in and takeout Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. For more information or to view the menu, visit juniperrestaurantandcateringllc.com or visit the restaurant’s Facebook page here.