Rusty Bashon, co-owner with his wife Cammie of the Diamond Back Bar & Grill in Vale, explains why he decided to stop driving truck and go into business for himself. (The Enterprise/Pat Caldwell).
VALE – Six months ago, Rusty Bashon decided he was tired of driving truck and ready for something different.
A Vale resident, Bashon and his wife Cammie didn’t look very far for a new venture.
Last summer, the duo began to manage the Sagebrush Saloon & BBQ. Not long after, they inked a one-year, option-to-buy lease with Kat Hill, the owner of the Sagebrush.
“It’s a good way for us get in and get established,” said Bashon.
Now, he runs the Diamond Back Bar & Grill.
The change is good, Bashon said, especially after spending most of his working life driving goods across the region and the county.
The decision to take over the Sagebrush wasn’t hasty, said Bashon.
“We been kind of thinking about it for a while,” said Bashon. “I had always been interested in the bar biz.”
The Diamond Back Bar came to life in early September and since then business has been good, said Bashon.
He was born in Vale and graduated from Ontario High School.
“I love the Vale community. Vale has always had a reputation that if you are friendly and help out they know you and they will take care of you,” said Bashon.
Joining the Bashons is Rusty’s brother Colin, who handles most of the cooking.
“He grinds our beef and we use only fresh beef,” said Bashon.
Bashon said a “big smoker” is on order so the Diamond Back Bar can offer more dinner selections.
Now, the Diamond Back Bar offers everything from burgers to chuck steaks.
Diamond Back Bar is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.
“But if we have people in here we will stay open until 2:30 a.m.,” said Bashon.
Bashon, who also worked as a professional bouncer most of his life, said he particularly enjoys one part of his job behind the bar.
“I like talking to people. I love the people that come in here,” said Bashon.
Cammie Bashon, a retired U.S. Army combat veteran who works full-time for EP Minerals, said she likes helping her husband at the bar.
“It’s a lot of fun. My dad actually managed a bar when I was a kid. So, I like it because it’s different,” said Cammie Bashon.
Cammie Bashon said the Diamond Back Bar plans to add lottery machines.
Rusty Bashon said there are three good reasons for residents to come to the Diamond Back Bar: “Good food, good friends and great atmosphere.”
Reporter Pat Caldwell: [email protected] or 541-473-3377.