OEB opens at new location

One Eyed Buffalo Brewery Company (OEB) has moved to its new location at 535 Broadway Street. Their official opening at the new location is Wednesday, October 25.

Owner Jennifer Fisher described their motivation to move was due to not having enough space at their previous location, which was just across the street.

Their previous location, now the Tap House, had a capacity of 59 people and another 30 outside in the back. Their new location has a capacity of about 175, which is over double. They will open up the upper-level seating later on.

Fisher described their research about their capacity challenges and said, "Last summer, we started keeping track of how many people didn't wait, how many to-go orders we had to turn down, how many people we lost just by not being big enough. And at the end of the summer, it was like, wow. I think we ended up with, I guess, a number like 2,700 or something like that. And I was like...Yeah. So then when this place opened up for sale, we came out and that's the solution to our problem."

The Tap House is for customers 21 years and older and will reopen in a couple of weeks, where they have their brewery. This location will be more of a bar atmosphere and a kitchen where they serve burgers and other items. They will also have two pool tables, three dart boards, and maybe some skills games installed as well.

Fisher also said, "We're working with Worland and Riverton to get some dart tournaments going and support tournaments going, which brings more. So all the Riverton and Worland players, if it's in Thermopolis that week, that's where they come. They come in and might rent a room, play pool, stay the night, whatever. But it's a pretty big deal around the state and we want to be a part of that."

Originally, OEB had 60 items on the menu but has shrunk down their menu to 32 items. They kept their best sellers and added new items as well, such as tuna, new appetizers, shrimp dishes, and new steaks. They will also rotate their menu to be seasonal.

Fisher said, "The strategies were to cut down the wait time. When you have such a giant menu and so many things on the menu, it just bogged my kitchen down. So we cut that in half...The items that we put on here, it's all about product. You prep ahead and then if you have, the steak with the rice and the rice is ready. The steak is super fast and easy. We will be coming up with some more efficient items on the menu but are still delicious and good. That's the strategy."

OEB will be open Wednesdays through Sundays. Fisher said, "The current staffing I have is adequate for what we have here. As we build and grow and figure out where we're at here, we'll start hiring more."

Regarding attire at the restaurant, Fisher said, "I don't want people to feel like they have to dress up to come in here. I want them to know they can come right off the river. This place looks kind of fancy, but I don't want people to feel like they have to dress up. Fishermen, hunters, all are welcome."

On October 22, OEB held a private event that allowed them to try out their new menu. This also allowed their staff and chef to practice serving a large volume of customers. The guests filled out comment cards to give them feedback.

Fisher added, "This is just all about practicing for the kitchen so that you can see how the plate should work. This is how you do it. We have a new computer system here, so getting the servers up to speed on this is how to put a ticket in."

The timing of this event was special to Fisher because it was their seven-year anniversary for when they originally opened on October 22, 2016.

When it comes to how Fisher feels about the new location and their growth, she said, "I just think for Thermopolis this is going to be great, and I hope everybody enjoys it."