Biz Buzz: Restaurant design and supply store celebrates over 50 years of business in Idaho

Do you want to know what’s happening in the eastern Idaho business scene? We’ve got you covered. Here is a rundown of this week’s business news across the valley.

BIZ BRIEF

IDAHO FALLS

A look inside a restaurant supplier’s warehouse

IDAHO FALLS – In the northeast corner of Idaho Falls at 925 Turnbull Drive sits a 20,000-square-foot building called BSR Design & Supplies.

The store has been in operation locally since the early 2000s. Company spokesman Tink Boehm tells EastIdahoNews.com the business works with contractors to design and build restaurants. It also provides equipment and supplies for restaurants.

“Any piece of equipment that’s in a restaurant, whether it’s a hood ventilation system, a deep fryer or a spatula, we provide all that,” Boehm says.

Providing supplies and equipment is not all the business does. Boehm says its No. 1 priority is taking care of customers. The focus of the business is making sure each client gets the best product for its needs within budget and that each client is sufficiently educated about the product.

The company also helps install equipment and solve any potential problems that may arise.

“We take calls that range anywhere from … helping facilitate warranties. We act as a liaison between the user and the manufacturer,” he says. “We have HVAC professionals on staff. We install gas equipment, wall shelves, stainless backsplashes (and more).”

The most common purchase, by far, is refrigerators, Boehm says, and every product is also available for the general public to purchase.

Some of the company’s biggest clients include Cafe Sabor, Sandpiper, Mahana Fresh, Burger Theory inside the new Holiday Inn at Jackson Hole Junction, Jakers and Colette Cabin in Jackson.

BSR Design moved to its current location about seven years ago, but it was originally on 1st Street. It first opened in Twin Falls in 1968.

“My grandfather (Norman Carroll) started it with six partners,” Company President Andrew Carroll says. “It started small, peddling a lot of used equipment.”

Tim Carroll, Andrew’s father started working there straight out of college and took over as CEO when Norman retired in 1993.

The business has continued to grow over the years with a Boise location and an expansion of the Twin Falls and Idaho Falls locations.

“A lot of our growth is attributed to (Andrew’s) work ethic. Not only is he president, trying to run two stores, but he’s also an incredible designer.” Boehm says. “Half of our 20,000-square-foot building is warehouse space we use for staging our contract sales and big projects.”

Boehm says BSR recently acquired Spokane Restaurant Equipment in Washington, which will allow them to establish a greater presence throughout Washington and Idaho and better serve customers.

BSR Design & Supplies is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visit the website or Facebook page to learn more.

Get a look inside in the video player above.

BIZ BITS

Sanitation collection delayed in Pocatello due to Thanksgiving holiday

POCATELLO – Thursday and Friday’s garbage, recycling, yard waste and leaf collections for Pocatello residents will be delayed by one day because of the Thanksgiving holiday. Place compostable bags out for pickup Friday, Nov. 27 by 7 a.m. Residents with a Friday pickup are asked to place their autocarts and compostable bags on Saturday by 7 a.m. The Sanitation Department will resume its regular pickup schedule beginning Monday, November 30. The Bannock County Landfill will also be closed on Thanksgiving.

Annual winter restrictions go into effect for Caribou-Targhee National Forest

IDAHO FALLS – Days are becoming shorter and we are trading in our tennis shoes for snow boots as we make way for winter recreation opportunities on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. In response to seasonal changes, and to protect winter range, some roads and areas on the Targhee Forest will begin to close between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15. Lower elevations tend to be used heavily by wintering wildlife and protecting this habitat is essential to their survival. Winter travel restrictions also prevent conflicts with competing recreation uses. Traveling over snow creates a couple of hazards prior to Nov. 27 as a mix of wheeled and track vehicles use the same roads and backcountry hunters are in areas that illegal snowmachine use may scare off animals. Snowmobiling is not allowed in designated wildlife winter ranges or Wilderness Areas. Snowmobilers need to be careful to not damage vegetation by riding only where there is adequate snow cover. Hikers and other motorized users should be aware that some trails and areas are closing, even though they may still be passable due to the lack of snow. Please be responsible when using the great outdoors. Winter recreationists are urged to obtain a current map before traveling in the Forest. You can also find maps and other useful information available for free online.

Local bank collecting blankets for those in need

RIGBY – DL Evans Bank is hosting a blanket fundraiser for the Upper Valley Child Advocacy Center in Rigby. Donations are being taken at the Ammon, Idaho Falls, Rigby and Rexburg locations. Staff are hoping to collect 300 blankets per location. Cash donations are also accepted.

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