The Scout Guide Jackson Hole had the chance to ask Brooke Siegler and Nicole Davis of the Blue Collar Restaurant Group (BCRG), two of the three daughters of Joe and Denise Rice, some questions about their family company and the things that set their local businesses apart. In Jackson, BCRG owns and operates Merry Piglets, Noodle Kitchen, Bubba’s, Blue Lion, Sidewinders, and Liberty Burger. In addition to these Jackson Hole mainstays, BCRG has extended to Bozeman, Montana with restaurants Sidewinders, Tanglewood, Hachi, and Foxtrot.  

TSGJH: Where did the name Blue Collar Group come from?

 BCRG: Blue Collar came from our parents, Joe and Denise Rice, because they always appreciated and represented the blue-collar working men and woman. Our parents had to work extremely hard, and still do, to get the company to where it is today, so Blue Collar was born. They never wanted to forget their roots, and always taught us that if you we wanted anything in life we would have to work for it. Blue Collar people are hard workers and that’s what we are and want to be known as. 

 TSGJH: There’s a strong family aspect behind BCRG, tell us more about that!

 BCRG: It is a family run business through thick and thin. Our parents, the founders, are still involved in the day-to-day operations and the growth of the company. It wouldn’t be what it is today without them. Nicole is the oldest daughter and is the Regional President for all our Jackson Restaurants. Ellie is the middle daughter and is the HR Director for all our Bozeman locations. Brooke is the youngest daughter and is the regional vice president for the Jackson restaurants alongside Nicole. Blane is Ellie’s husband and is the Regional President in Bozeman Montana. Not only are we all a family, our staff feels like a big family. We have people that have been working with us since we were young girls; like Tracey, our HR Director in Jackson, we have know since the early 90’s. We grew up around the staff, have created relationships and if we don’t know someone that well we make a point to get to know them. It may sound corny but we really are a giant family.

TSGJH: What was the first restaurant concept? How did it all begin? 

BCRG: Merry Piglets was the first restaurant concept, it began in the Crab Tree

Corner as a small, summer only, taco stand. When our parents moved to Jackson in 1989, they had no plan and no money, so they bought The Merry Piglets and ran with it. They would operate it in the summer and then our dad would fly fighter jets in the Marine Corps Reserve to make money in the winter. In the early 90s they moved to our current location where it is still thriving today! We call it the “OG.”

 TSGJH: The BCRG is very Americana and supports the military is some very neat ways can you speak to that point?  

 BCRG: Our dad was in the Marines – he says all the values and lessons he learned from the Marine Corps it what has made him who he is today. Our parents built the company from these values, and this is what sets the tone for our company culture. We believe this is one of things that separates us from other companies. 

 TSGJH: What’s it like serving 4 million visitors each summer?

 BCRG: It’s crazy busy and a lot of fun. Tons and tons of hard work goes into running a restaurant and we wouldn’t be able to do it without our staff and our whole team. Summer is a time we all look forward too!  

 

TSGJH: What is on the horizon for BCRG and where do you see the business headed?

 BCRG: We have a lot of big goals. We have a senior leadership team that makes up both the Bozeman and Jackson markets and we all want to continue to grow and expand, which is really exciting. Right now, our primary objective is opening Sidewinders West Bank in the old Roadhouse building. This location is projected to be open beginning of next year. We will also be looking forward to an addition on the Blue Lion next year, and a couple years down the road opening a Merry Piglets in Bozeman.

 

TSGJH: Which do you think is your most well-loved restaurant and what is its signature dinner? 

 BCRG: That’s hard to say because they are all so loved and very different. Merry Piglets maybe because it’s a Jackson staple. People come to Jackson year after year just to eat at Merry Piglets. Hands down, the Carne Asada and our scratch-made salsa is the most raved about.

 TSGJH: Is there anything else you would like people to know about BCRG?

 BCRG: We really care about our people, and we pride ourselves on service first. We know everyone who works for us on a first name basis and enjoy knowing people’s lives outside of work. BCRG isn’t just a job you come to clock in and out. Everyone is family here and we’ve had people working for us for over 10, 20 plus years because of what we believe and how we operate. 

 TSGJH is proud to stand with this local business that has made a huge impact on day-to-day and seasonal life in Jackson Hole, and we can’t wait to see what comes next from our friends at BCRG!

The Blue Collar Restaurant Group