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A message from the owner of Shooters Grill

Lauren Boebert

Lauren Boebert
Lauren Boebert

I could start this off defending the abundance of undocumented and misinterpreted information, but more important to me is regaining the trust of the people who I live and recreate with.

When my husband, Jayson, and I made the decision to open a restaurant, we knew the financials in the industry were not always favorable. That did not deter us; we were not and are not in this business for the sole purpose to make a profit. We rely on our valued customers to keep our doors open, but that money does not go into our pockets.

That money goes to many, many families far reaching all over the valley, whether this be through payroll, donations, sponsorships, etc. We came in the with the desire to reach and serve people. People are always at the core of what we do. We may not always do it right, but praise God we are growing and learning with each passing year.



Our restaurants have never been just about guns, but what an interesting way to connect with people and have the opportunity to reach into their hearts from such a superficial, beginning level. We have seen families reconciled, bodies healed, people brought into the Kingdom of God by making Jesus their Lord and so much more.

We have had loyal and dedicated customers and employees who have stood with us from the beginning and are very grateful for each of them. We love our community and will continue to do our best to serve you all with excellence.



Of course with our mission being to serve the people we love and care for, we hold high standards to food safety. All of our employees undergo proper training. We have passed all of our previous and recent health inspections, of which I am happy to release. I want my business to be places of healing, restoration and edification; certainly not sickness.

I am sorry so many people have been misled by bits and pieces of stories that were released in an excitement to create some sort of “news” in our uneventful area. There were dozens of people who were affected with the same symptoms that did not eat any of the food provided the night of the rodeo. There were only two confirmed stool samples that returned with bacteria, and the health inspector told me both samples were very improperly handled.

It’s sad that our local paper can turn two confirmed cases into “80.” There are many more people who ate the same food and did not experience any symptoms. The health inspector communicated with me on multiple occasions concerning the level of filth that was on the grandstands at the fairgrounds, mainly mentioning fecal matter.

None of this product was ever tested. My food was tested immediately and came back negative of all bacteria. Yet, this was not stated in any articles. I will take the hit and stand strong and love in the midst of this trial.

During the storm, and when the dust settles, we will be here for you! We love being here to serve, and pray for our community daily. “May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say,

“The Lord be exalted who delights in the well-being of His servants.” — Psalm 35.

Lauren Boebert is the owner Shooters Grill and Smokehouse 1776 in Rifle.

Editor’s note: Post Independent reporting on the June 5 incident deemed food poisoning by Garfield County public health officials was based solely on county reports, which say, in part, “Total reported ill was 80 individuals”; and “The Investigative Team determined the outbreak to be the result of food poisoning by the bacterium Clostridium perfringens due to consumption of the pork sliders provided to the public by an unlicensed temporary retail food establishment at the Rifle Rodeo on the night of June 5th, 2017.” The full, final report is attached to this editorial: http://tinyurl.com/RodeoFoodRpt.


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