By Derek Bates
Summer nights in Deep River just got sweeter.
For the first time in almost 15 years, there’s a restaurant in town.
BG’z Ice Cream and More, located at 209 Church Street, offers soft-serve ice cream, sandwiches, and comfort foods.
BG’z is owned and operated by Belinda Gorsch. She and her husband, Ron, are often found entertaining guests and neighbors in their yard on summer evenings.
So, after a neighbor encouraged Belinda to start a restaurant, she began to play with the idea. Those thoughts have manifested into reality.
Gorsch experimented with a “soft” opening during Deep River’s Fun Days celebration July 8-10. She officially opened Friday, July 15.
“I am new to this, and feedback is welcome,” said Gorsch. “I also enjoy requests, so if you order something special and really enjoy it, let me know and I will try and make sure it is on the daily menu.”
Gorsch purchased a portable building and had it placed north of her home at the corner of Church Street and 3rd Street in early summer. Then came the process of wiring, plumbing, and installing a kitchen and workspace for the restaurant.
She and her husband have built a deck off the front for seating, but patrons are just as welcome to pull up a seat out back beneath a tree and join whoever happens to be gathered on their property. After all, their property has long been a neighborhood hub.
BG’z is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 3-8 p.m., Saturdays from 2-9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
For menu items, prices, and daily specials, follow them on Facebook at BG’z Ice Cream and More.
BG’z menu consists of several short-order items like hamburgers, hot dogs, chili cheese fries, and bar-style pizzas.
She offers a full line of soft-serve ice creams, sundaes, malts, and shakes, with all the fixings, all at reasonable prices.
Another feature are daily specials, ranging from turkey and dressing, smothered in gravy, with a side of peas, to homemade pizza pockets.
“The pizza pockets are a family recipe passed down to me that everyone in my family loves,” Belinda says. “They are made with an egg roll skin stuffed with pizza fixings – sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and cheese – and deep fried,” said Gorsch.
Daily specials are limited, so she encourages people to get them while they last!
Reception to the new restaurant and ice cream shop has been enthusiastic.
“We’re so happy to have you in town!” said Tina Widmer in a post on BG’z Facebook page. “I can’t wait to bring my grandson down for ice cream this week. We love having this place open in our small town.”
“This is a much-needed business!” Widmer says. “Get out and support this great lady!”
And supporting it, they are! Deep River residents have long-waited for a food establishment within walking distance.
While adults will remember the Spotted Calf Café and Sissy’s Take and Bake in the front of the Memorial Hall, as well as The Chuckwagon that ran in the building where the American Legion now sits, many in the younger generation have no memory of purchasing food or ice cream in town.
In a 10-minute span on a Tuesday evening, BG’z saw nearly a dozen customers file to the front window and place orders Some customers were on bikes, some in cars, and some walking. All of them were thankful to have an option in town, and most came away with a bit of ice cream dripping down smiling faces!