Saundra McDavid

www.andrewsribshack.com

Andrew’s Rib Shack opens in Meridian and Receives a Warm Welcome from Meridian City Officials and Businesses

Meridian - Popular restaurateurs Andrew Petrehn and Saundra McDavid, owners of Eagle Rib Shack, have opened their second restaurant, aptly named Andrew’s Rib Shack, in historic downtown Meridian at Idaho and Main Street. The new restaurant offers the same menu as the Eagle location, including the award winning ribs, tri tip and the ever popular smashed potatoes. “The first comment people made after tasting my food during the first week of opening the Eagle Rib Shack in 2004 was that I needed a bigger place,” Petrehn commented. “We’ve been looking for the perfect location to open a larger restaurant for the last year and were thrilled when this opportunity presented itself.” Lines for lunch and dinner frequently snake out the door and to the street at the original Eagle Rib Shack location. The new restaurant is over 3,400 square feet, with ample indoor seating, a conference room, and a large outdoor patio. Located adjacent to Generations Plaza in downtown Meridian, the restaurant will be a central part of the activities planned in the park by the City. Petrehn anticipates offering live entertainment on the patio during the summer. The décor includes authentic western chuck wagon and cattle drive pictures and paraphernalia. Huge smokers are on display which can cook over 2,400 pounds of meat at one time. Friendly kitchen staff can be seen preparing the food in the open kitchen.

The City of Meridian has invited Andrew’s Rib Shack to participate in the annual Mayor’s State of the City Address and Taste of Meridian Reception in February. “We are delighted to welcome this distinctive new dining option to downtown Meridian,” said Meridian Mayor Tammy de Weerd. “Andrew Petrehn is an experienced restaurateur with a terrific reputation and clearly knows what he’s doing when it comes to good food and great barbecue. Andrew’s Rib Shack will be a great family-friendly gathering place and a perfect complement to our downtown’s existing shops, offices and restaurants.”

Shawn Wardle of the Meridian Development Corporation actively encouraged Petrehn to open a restaurant in Meridian when Petrehn announced he was looking for a new location for a new restaurant in early 2007. “Andrew’s Rib Shack is the type of business on which to base our downtown revitalization. We are excited to have the restaurant in our downtown area.” stated Wardle.

Rick Valenzvela, who owns Rick’s Press Room Grill and Bar, was likewise excited by the opening of Andrew’s Rib Shack a few doors down from his own eatery. “Andrew’s Rib Shack is a welcome addition to the downtown Meridian dining scene. Our restaurants compliment each other and offer diners a choice of high quality food in a comfortable, inviting environment.” stated Valenzvela.

Petrehn was the 2003 Thrill of the Grill Barbecue Grand Champion, and opened his first barbecue restaurant, Eagle Rib Shack, after he lost a bet with his wife, Saundra McDavid. He has competed in numerous barbecue competitions and his awards are on display in the two restaurants. Andrew’s Rib Shack was a title sponsor of the American Red Cross Barbecue for the Red in 2007, feeding over 4,500 people and helping the organization raise over $20,000 during the Julia Davis Park Centennial Celebration.

www.andrewsribshack.com