Dana Lee Fruend
A look at the new sign above the new Side Track Restaurant, opening in Caliente on May 23.
On May 23 at 6 a.m., the new Caliente restaurant “Side Track” will be open for business.
It all started in January of this year, when two businesswomen and friends Mary Love and Jamie Van Roekel decided to open a new restaurant. One with a nod to the lovely little railroad City of Caliente.
The new location was last known as the Brandin’ Iron restaurant.
Love holds a degree in business and computers is a programer/analyst, was a former manager for the State of Nevada computer department and does property management. Van Roekel holds a business degree, has worked in big box store grocery retail, sales, general management and worked in liquor and wine sales for Johnson Brothers distributors. The two have roots, family and a connection here in Lincoln County.
They expressed pride and excitement as they prepare to open their restaurant doors.
The new restaurant is located inside an over 100 year old building at the Caliente Mall on Clover Street. The building has been a bar, a bakery and many versions of a restaurant. The building when purchased was in need of deep repairs. It has been remodeled front to back with all new flooring, paint, tables, chairs, bar stools, decorations and equipment. They have kept the interesting ceiling tiles and imported 1900’s Italian bar. The look and feel is a combination of nostalgia, fun, family and modern art.
The menu will feature healthy choices in creative salads, deli sandwiches and wraps, Angus burgers, signature homemade spaghetti, meatballs and chili. Fresh Pizza made with homemade dough is on the menu too.
“We have worked really hard with a small group of amazing workers to be open by Memorial weekend and look forward to people coming in and enjoying our new restaurant,” said Love.
“We feel we have hired great people and will be training our team and working out details in these first few weeks. When we are ready, we will add even more amazing food and drinks items to our menu. We hope people will enjoy our food and keep coming back to try all of our menu selections,” said Van Roekel.
