DE BORGIA — Business owners across the state continue to serve their communities despite facing major setbacks in recent weeks. We have the story of one small-town restaurant that’s determined to make it through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Located smack dab between Coeur D'Alene and Missoula, the Hideout in De Borgia is more than just a place to grab a quick bite -- for some, it’s part of their daily routine.
“People that eat here five nights a week. If we’re open, they’re here,” Hideout general manager Michelle Hahn said.
Owner Steve Case says the Hideout is a staple of De Borgia, catering to a small, mostly retired community and truck drivers.
For him, the appeal of the Hideout is simple, “the atmosphere. Just the local people, just really good local, rural Montana people, honest, open, upfront.”
Since eliminating dining options per Gov. Steve Bullock’s mandate, business at the Hideout hasn’t been the same. Employees have been laid off, and sales have plummeted.
“It’s not a walk in the park,” Case told MTN News. “I just hope that we pull through it, I hope some of the stimulus money comes through soon and we can keep our doors open.”
Sales are down 60% at the Hideout and they’re doing everything they can to stay afloat. Hahn says she’s even reaching out to customers individually and encouraging them to order delivery.
“I text a lot of my customers every day. We do curbside carryout and delivery right now, and so a lot of my customers are elderly, and we will deliver the food to them,” Hahn told MTN News.
“So, I just call them and tell them what my specials are for the week and we just pack those meals up for them and they buy them days at a time in advance.”
For those passing through, the Hideout’s spacious parking lot is perfect for curbside pickup. “We also encourage our truck drivers to come in and eat and rest. We have a big parking lot so we can take a few,” Case said.
Until things go back to normal, the Hideout wants you to know, they’re open, “call the Hideout and let us know what you need, and we’ll do our best to get that to you,” Case said.
The Hideout will be posting daily specials on their Facebook page and encourage anyone that’s in the area to order delivery or takeout.
