Small town restaurants play a vital role in economic growth, community identity and social gatherings. But opening a new restaurant in a small town presents unique challenges, including labor availability and building brand awareness in a close-knit community.
That’s why it’s remarkable that in only a few months, Rooster’s Grazing has become a beloved local spot and boasts a nearly five-star rating on Google.
Alison Morales, the manager of Rooster’s Grazing, shares her experience running a small business and offers advice for other small business owners.
Rooster's Grazing
Address: 1017 A Washington St, Montpelier, ID 83254
List of bank products: Business checking account
Years in business: Less than a year
Years with Zions Bank: Less than a year
What do you want people to know about your small business?
“My dad, Felix Morales, opened Rooster’s Grazing after working in restaurants for 28 years, starting as a dishwasher and working his way up to a cook. He’s worked in restaurants that serve a wide variety of food, including Italian, Mexican and American food.”
“It’s been his lifelong dream to own and operate his own restaurant. We opened our doors in November 2024, and it’s been exciting to grow our restaurant in Montpelier.”
What sets Rooster’s Grazing apart from other restaurants in the area?
“Many people in small towns don’t have the luxury of having access to fresh, tasty food with excellent service. We started Rooster’s Grazing to share these opportunities with our friends and neighbors in Montpelier.”
“Many local restaurants serve Hispanic or Hawaiian food and we recognized an opportunity to provide an authentic all-American dining experience. We enjoy serving country fried steaks, and a variety of sandwiches and sub specials.”
“Customer service is really important to us and is one of the reasons we’ve received outstanding reviews on Google and Yelp, even though we’ve only been open for a few months.”
How do you decide what goes on your menu and what are some of your most popular items?
“We built a set menu based on our experiences with American cuisine and provide daily specials. We also created a special menu for New Year’s and Valentine’s Day and plan to offer specialty menus for other major holidays.”
“One of our most popular items is our Montpelier Special, an open-faced sandwich with tender beef, creamy mashed potatoes and gravy, served with seasonal vegetables. Our Coop Ciabatta is also a popular option, which is grilled chicken breast with pesto, fresh tomatoes and provolone on a toasted ciabatta roll.”
“All our deli meats are sliced in-house, so our menu items are consistently fresh and tasty.”
What tips would you offer to other small business owners?
“Being present in your business — especially in a restaurant — is essential. It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. You need to understand every aspect of your operation, from managing inventory down to the smallest details like toilet paper. That level of involvement makes it easier to train others effectively and establish strong routines. When you know your business inside and out, you can lead with confidence and teach others to do the same.”
Why did you choose to work with Zions Bank, and how has it supported your small business?
“I love the people at our Zions Bank branch! We originally picked a different bank, but if we could do it over again, we would have gone straight to Zions.”
“Their customer service is outstanding. I enjoy driving up to the window and being greeted by name. That personal touch means a lot, whether you're a business owner or a regular customer. Zions Bank truly makes you feel seen and valued.”
Looking for a bank that’s invested in your future and can help you reach your financial goals? Zions Bank’s team of relationship managers can provide small business success strategies as well as funding options, including U.S. Small Business Administration loans. Visit a local Zions Bank branch to learn more.
