Ross Beach, original owner of Rossco's Pub, is proud to be celebrating the establishment's 30th anniversary.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
Thirty years ago Saturday, Rossco’s Pub opened its doors to Medicine Hat. While owner Ross Beach says he had high hopes for the establishment, he never imagined it would still be going strong three decades later.
“It’s a milestone,” Beach told the News. “It’s almost hard to believe that I’m still in the community and still doing what I’m doing.”
When Beach first established Rossco’s in 1992, it was one of the few pubs near the newly developing Ross Glen and Southview neighbourhoods – of which Beach was a resident. Intending to create a welcoming, comfortable space for others in the neighbourhood, Beach started out with 80 seats and a simple food and drink menu.
As patronage grew, so too did the establishment, undergoing four expansions which introduced a party space and patio and increased seating to just under 300. The menu also grew and now features an array of drinks and 45 dishes total, including the pub’s signature original-recipe wings tossed in one of 18 dry seasonings or 19 sauces.
Despite the pub’s success, business hasn’t always been easy. But Beach approaches such challenges with one motto:
“‘If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it,'” said Beach. “We know that we have an excellent product and just continue that … But I’m always (willing) to change with whatever adversity comes.”
One of the most recent changes implemented was to legally transition from a pub to a restaurant, thus allowing minors to enter the premises.
“Being here for 30 years, a lot of people had their first date here,” Beach said. “They got married. Now they have a baby. And they’re all coming back in … So making that transition from a local pub to more of a local restaurant where the families can all be part of it, is a crucial move for me.”
As Beach looks toward the next 10 years, he extends thanks to all patrons, especially those who have been longtime supporters.
“A lot of friendships have been built here and I got to know a lot of great people in Medicine Hat,” he said. ” And Rossco’s is a staple. (So) I think we just want to continue on.”
