Bootlegger Bar hosting free Christmas dinner
From left, are Tristen Anderson, David Barsotti and Savannah Anderson, whom, along with many volunteers helped make the free Thanksgiving dinner at Bootlegger’s Bar a big success. Tristen and Savannah are the children of bar owners Shannon and Anna Anderson kids. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
The Thanksgiving meal was appreciated by so many families, while touching the hearts of the volunteers, that there will be an encore performance!
Christmas Day from noon until the chow line is empty, there will be a free meal to anyone in the county regardless of age, income or number of family members at the Bootlegger Bar on East Mullan in Superior.
“We didn’t know what type of response we were going to have on Thanksgiving,” said David Barsotti. “But what happened was way past anything we imagined! And it honestly made an impact on us realizing that our neighbors and friends needed something like this.”
Barsotti brought the idea of a free Thanksgiving meal for singles, families, no-family, seniors, homeless and anyone who was hungry to Shannon Anderson, owner of the Bootlegger Bar.
Almost 100 people had a full course Thanksgiving meal at no cost to them, courtesy of Anderson, Barsotti and a slew of family and volunteers helping cook, serve and deliver to the homebound.
Plus, there were many anonymous people who brought cookies and pies, side dishes and money to help even though they didn’t stay to eat. Afterward, this crew sat down, and the consensus was that the people honestly enjoyed it, and the crew had a ball serving everyone.
“Let’s do another one!” Anderson said. "The thought process was hold it on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve and because the two days are so different in character it was decided to stick with what they are good at doing: taking care and helping people who are so very appreciative. Not to say New Year’s Eve revelers wouldn’t enjoy the huge spread, but the feeling of gratitude through giving would be missed."
There will be free delivery to anyone or family that requests it by calling 406-550-2529 by 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24.
Calls after the deadline will be handled by their best means possible, but calling right now will help them help you!
From Alberton to Saltese, this group of kind-hearted people will deliver to your door. Meals will be delivered in to-go containers for those who want to sit around the family table and enjoy one another’s company.
For those who’d care to eat and socialize at the Bootlegger, there are plenty of tables so social distancing will not be an issue. The menu has changed with pork being the main entre. Ham will be the headliner with turkey as the backup.
Side dishes are being created at this very moment and here is where they could use help: more mashed potatoes, green bean casseroles, spinach souffle, salads, fettuccine, corn and corn bread, rolls, desserts.
This was the department they ran low on last month and even though they have beefed up their serving numbers, they are concerned they will be a need for more.
Local businesses have stepped up to help along with patrons of the meal and volunteers once they heard Round II was taking place. Shannon and Anna Anderson with their kids Tristen and Savannah, along with David and Rebekah Barsotti and Carlos "Pedro" Rodriques are excited to see everyone Christmas Day starting at noon.