Ron and Julie Zion
If you have lived in the area for a while, then chances are you have been to Beesley's at the Toledo/Vader exit. Recently Dan and Dixie Beesley sold Beesley's to a local husband and wife team and they couldn't have left it in better hands.
Ron and Julie Zion took over July 1 and you can see it in their faces that they are happy to be there. Ron is a local boy he stated, "I have lived here all my life, eaten a bunch of burgers here, and decided it was a great opportunity. We wanted to carry on the long tradition of homestyle foods. We haven't changed anything, but we added chicken fried steak and we have specials." Julie continued, "We also have specials such as fresh peach shakes and halibut."
You can tell when you talk to Julie, this is her new baby that she is taking great care of it, "It's a lot of fun, I enjoy meeting people. It's become rewarding, people are noticing we haven't changed anything and people will say thank you for not changing it,' stated Julie. The main thing that has changed is they now take credit cards with property identification.
Beesleys also offers breakfast items, such as the traditional eggs, meat and hash browns along with biscuits and gravy, and more. The best part is, it's got the same feel, just a fun place to go and get a good burger or a hot dog off the grill.
They have inside seating for 40 plus and two different eating areas so if you wanted to have a large group, you can all be seated together in one of their areas. You can have birthday parties, baby showers, or just a simple gathering of friends.
Beesley's has been around since 1976 when Dan and Dixie opened it up, it started as a little burger stop along I-5. Many of us in the area have worked there, one time or another and had a great time working there. It's become an institution for those who drive between Portland and Seattle often, they know they can go there and get a great burger every single time.
If you are new to the area, Beesley's is a great place to go for a seeing logging memorabilia, and they also showcase local artists. They have left the decorations the same as well, they are doing what many new restaurant owners don't do, they have continued with everything because it has worked for so many years.
Next time you want a burger, the halibut special or my favorite grilled hot dog, stop by Beesley's, you will be so glad you did.