Frugals to open second restaurant in Kalispell
Frugals is expanding into North Kalispell. The popular burger joint is on track to open its second Flathead location sometime this spring, perhaps as early as this month.
The new Frugals will be located in the Treeline development near Glacier High School, at 635 Treeline Road, near Dee-O-Gee pet store, Sable Coffee and My Place Hotel.
Frugals will set up shop at the restaurant and drive-thru formerly home to pizza chain Urban Bricks. The other Frugals location is in South Kalispell along U.S. 93.
“The expanding company is proud to bring new jobs to the area, and more opportunity for growth to their current employees,” Frugals’ representatives said in a press release.
Founded in Port Angeles, Washington, Frugals operates restaurants in multiple Washington and Montana locations. The North Kalispell Frugals will be the third of its kind in the state, along with the South Kalispell Frugals and another Frugals in Missoula.
The beloved burger chain is known for its classic American fare, including burgers, fries and milkshakes.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Frugals has stepped up to support the local community.
According to the press release, Frugals donated over $60,000 last year to nonprofit organizations in Montana and Washington.
In April and March of 2020, the South Kalispell Frugals donated 10% of its total proceeds to the NW Montana Veterans Food Pantry and Flathead Food Bank.
“Just by getting lunch at Frugals, customers could feel good knowing that a portion of their purchase would go right back to the community in which they live,” Business Development Manager Tyler Clifford said.
Frugals renewed its efforts in November by rolling out the “Giving Gouda Burger.”
One-hundred percent of proceeds from the special recipe sandwich went to local organizations. The donations were split between the family of Maverick Bench, a local 9-year-old boy who battled a rare blood disorder and recently passed away, and the Kalispell Heart Locker.
“People really showed up for that one,” said Store Manager Cheryl Patterson.
The Frugals leadership also made a point of investing in its employees during the economic turmoil brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
When business shutdowns first started in March, Frugals began offering essential employee bonuses to all working employees. In total, the company reportedly paid over $100,000 in essential employee bonuses.
“They are on the frontline every day, not just during the pandemic, but it’s our employees who make Frugals what it is,” Financial Manager Laurie Macarty pointed out. “Keeping them safe, healthy and appreciated was at the top of our priority list when this all started.”
The company hopes to carry this generosity into the future with its newest location, according to the press release.
Although Frugals did not specify the number of new employees that will be brought on in North Kalispell, the South Kalispell location employs about 25 workers.
Frugals is currently hiring online or in-person at the South Kalispell restaurant.
Reporter Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at 758-4459 or bserbin@dailyinterlake.com.