MERIDIAN, Idaho — From pumping gas to pouring pints, a Boise man is embarking on a 180-degree turn in his business model. It's a project in Meridian we've been keeping an eye on for more than a year.
For 25 years, Steve Bainbridge pumped gas and washed cars at his Phillips 66 on Fairview Ave. in Meridian. About five years ago, he started thinking of a new plan, completely different than what he had been doing: Turn Phillips 66 into "Maddie's", where they'll serve wine, whiskey, and tapas. The establishment is named after the family's dog.
With the addition of so many drive-through car washes in the valley, he saw the writing on the wall. By the way, his drive-through car wash was the first in Meridian back in the 1990s.
Maddie's is expected to be complete this spring. "It's going to be a little upscale, but just a comfy, cozy place to relax and have a drink," Bainbridge said.
Maddie's will have some select cheese trays, but there will also be a food truck parked outside. Steve expects his customers to be a bit older, but anyone over 21 is welcome.
Speaking of customers, Bainbridge learned a long time ago, from another Treasure Valley business, how important it is to treat the customer as your number one priority.
"Joe Albertson talked about it. Joe would always say, 'Work hard, hire good people around you, and treat the customer right, at the right price,'" Bainbridge said. "It worked for Joe."
Bainbridge worked at the Ontario Albertsons back in the 1980s.
It's only appropriate that the establishment is named after a dog because they will have a separate sports room called 'The Dog House'. Maddie's will also have a large events room for people to rent out.
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