“We run a restaurant that puts out good food to the greatest customers you could ask for.  We truly love and appreciate them, and know that they are the backbone of our company and why we are still around to serve.

We also know that the employees we have, who for the most part have been with us since 2002, are also a very important factor in our success equation.  The consistency we have built over the last 10 years shows.  We are a well-oiled machine that needs a bit of oil now and then.  Nothing and noone is perfect.  I truly believe in the human factor.  It makes us real.

We do our best everyday, and are grateful for the opportunity to keep on doing!”

Linda of Cheerleaders

We took over Cheerleaders Grill on January 15, 2002 after mulling it over for a while.  The owner before us, Marvel Hustead, would refer to us being “great for this place” and asked us several if not multiple times if we wanted to take it over.  We, of course, said ”no” several if not multiple times.  I, Linda, was a server for Marvel for a little under 2 years and Al,my husband, worked at a plumbing supply warehouse here in Bend.  Things being what they were Al’s position hit a ceiling and we truly did discuss if buying Cheerleaders  was for the best.  We decided to take a try at it.  Marvel said “OK” and we were off to the races.  Or to the carnival specifically the Merry-go-round that we could never find the off button for.   Marvel stood shoulder to shoulder with Al for 3 months until he was comfortable in the kitchen.  She also made sure I knew the accounting end of the business.  All that was important to her was our success.  It was a wonderful way to begin.  Without any hoopla or grand openings we got the first year under our belt before our customers started asking if we were the owners.  It was great knowing the transition was seamless and we didn’t rock too many boats.
Our regulars back then, for the most part, are still our regulars today.

Our children were 7 and 11 when we bought Cheerleaders and are 17 and 21 now.  They have grown up to be wonderful adults with boque experience and fantastic work ethic. They both still work with us today.

We have gained so much over the years.  So many friends we can’t count them all.  Our regulars sustained us through the latest recession and we were able to stay afloat long enough to make the move to our new location.  We were and still are so grateful for the opportunity to move to a smaller location.  Downsizing was the smartest thing we could have done.  This community has been good to us and of all the years Cheerleaders has been around I feel we have been in the position to give back to our community as well.

We would love to meet you if you have not tried our place yet.  It might give you a good feeling when you leave.  I am sure it will give you a full belly and a smile or two.

Al and Linda Larson
Cheerleaders Grill