BG’z Ice Cream and More now open in Deep River

     Belinda Gorsch, right, is shown with friend, neighbor and restaurant helper, Linda Lowinski, in front of BG’z in Deep River. The new carry out eatery opened in July and people in the area are raving about the hand-breaded tenderloins, grilled hamburgers, variety of sides and the soft serve ice cream. The new eatery is located at 101 3rd Street in Deep River.

By J.O. Parker
 
         BG’z Ice Cream and More, better known as the “The Little Blue Shack,” opened its doors on July 14 and folks in the area are raving about the homemade food and soft serve ice cream.
Located at 101 3rd Street in Deep River, the carry out eatery is owned and operated by long-time Deep River residents, Belinda and Ron Gorsch.
         The menu includes third-pound hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chili cheeseburgers, bacon cheeseburgers, all cooked on a grill, weather permitting. There is also hand-breaded chicken fingers and tenderloins, some say are the best around. There’s hot dogs, chili dogs and even breaded deep fried hot dogs on a stick.
Belinda often serves specials, such as a Philly cheese steak sandwich or Italian beef and she is looking to serve soup during the colder months.
      Sides include French fries, chili cheese fries, cheese balls, waffle fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, breaded mushrooms, mac-n-cheese and a sampler platter.
         Prices range from $5 - $9 on average, depending on the item, side or special.
         There’s also vanilla, chocolate and twist soft serve ice cream available for the sweet tooth.
        Belinda said the eatery grew out of barbecues and family and friend gatherings she and Ron often held on weekends at their Deep River home. One neighbor in particular, Belinda said, would say, “You need to open a restaurant.”
       Belinda decided to take a chance and it is paying off. She purchased a 12-foot by 24-foot portable building and added a porch, which is currently being used for an outdoor seating area, and people are supporting the venture.
         Plans are to extend the eatery with an 8-foot addition to provide more kitchen area. Belinda said with cooler weather on the horizon, she and Ron plan to enclose the outdoor seating area and add a heater for guests.
          Belinda’s good friend and neighbor, Linda Lowinski, and host of family and friends help her take orders, cook and clean up.
          “It is very much family-oriented,” said Belinda. “I enjoy the comments on Facebook. People’s opinions are appreciated.”
           “Once again, I want to thank everyone for the wonderful reception you have given us here at BG'z,” said Belinda in a Facebook post. “Your patience with us as we go through learning and organizing is so appreciated. All the praise and acceptance of all the food, especially the tenderloins, honestly makes me want to progress and move to other menu items, or specials that I can introduce to our great community of followers. I will in time, I promise.”
         “That is a $100 tenderloin in my opinion,” said Kerri Carl of Montezuma. “Hardly anybody makes a cracker breading on a tenderloin anymore. Belinda, you nailed it.”
         “Zimm and I had tenderloins, cheese balls and mushrooms,” said Deep River resident Ellen Zimmerman.       “All was yummy. So great to have this new business in town.”  
         “I love tenderloins and this is one of the best I have ever had,” said Kara Westphal. “I highly recommend it. The kiddos are all about the cheeseburgers and say they don't even need ketchup or mustard on them. Thank you Belinda and crew.”
          “Keep up the good work and we will be seeing you again,” noted one customer. 
          “Looking forward to another visit,” added another customer.
        “If you haven’t been to BG’z Ice Cream and More in Deep River, you need to give it a try,” said Patricia Massengale of Montezuma. “You will not go away hungry.”
The restaurant is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 3 – 8 p.m., Saturday from 2 – 9 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. It is closed on Monday and Thursday.
         Customers can order at the window, call in, text or place an order on Facebook. The restaurant number is 641-260-0963.