Susie and Tom Anderson of The Rendezvous in Welches announced their intention to sell in September 2022 and recently transitioned into retirement. 

For the past four months, Tom Anderson, co-owner of The Rendezvous Grill & Taproom (lovingly called The ‘Vous by regulars) has been working with local Tim Healy to transfer ownership of the well-loved mountain eatery.

Tom and his wife Susie opened The ‘Vous 29 years ago, and announced their intention to sell and retire in September 2022.

As of Dec. 1, a new era of The ‘Vous began, as Healy and his wife, Alex Steinmetz, took ownership and started to weave their own flare into the space.

Both Healy and Steinmetz have past experience in the food industry, with Steinmetz working more than a decade in front-of-house positions and Healy working in kitchens seasonally for years.

And The ‘Vous was actually the first restaurant the couple ate at while house shopping on Mount Hood in 2019.

“After we moved here, we came here pretty regularly. It was so warm and welcoming,” Steinmetz explained of what endeared the couple to the restaurant after their first meal there. “The staff was super friendly and the food was awesome.”

Because of an appreciation for the existing business and desire to honor founding owners Tom and Susie Anderson, Healy and Steinmetz have retained a majority of the staff as well as many of the menu items people have come to expect and love.

“We’ve maintained the staff and the staff is unbelievable,” Healy said.

“Tom and Susie have built a well-oiled machine. It was really a turn-key business,” Steinmetz added. “We want to honor what Tom and Susie have built. We know people have favorites, so we’re creating some new specials while maintaining some classics.”

The couple’s specials are very intentionally seasonal so the ingredients remain as fresh as possible. This season The ‘Vous has a pumpkin gnocchi and a miso-glazed black cod already on the menu, with a cottage pie and a bison chili soon to be added.

Healy and Steinmetz consider themselves fortunate to have connected with Tom and Susie Anderson when they did. The couple had always had ideas of going into business, and Steinmetz had worked as a server at The ‘Vous in the past.

“We are huge foodies and we’re very passionate about it,” Steinmetz explained. “We have looked at other businesses. It’s always been in the back of our minds to do it. This place just kind of aligned. Tim (Healy) was looking for a career change and he came in and talked to Tom and it just seemed like a good fit.”

Steinmetz currently works full-time for the Sandy and Hoodland Libraries, helping out at The ‘Vous when she can. Running The ‘Vous is now Healy’s full-time job.

Previously Healy worked as a Sno-Cat operator at ski resorts on the mountain, after leaving a similar position in Montana, where he and Steinmetz both grew up. Because recreation in White Fish, Montana, is very seasonal at the resort, Healy was seasonally rotated into a kitchen position, where he gained his appreciation for the restaurant industry.

“And now we’re fully in love with it,” Healy said of operating The ‘Vous, adding that he was appreciative of the time and care Tom took in easing them through the transition of ownership.

With the menu retaining many of its longtime hits, business has maintained at The ‘Vous under Healy and Steinmetz’ ownership. The couple expressed their appreciation for their neighbors who dine their regularly still.

“We have so much support from the community,” Steinmetz explained. “I think people were so happy that a local couple bought it. I feel like the mountain community is really accepting and really kind. I love that everyone — no matter your ages — is just there for each other. We want to be here for another 30 years.”

For now the hours at The ‘Vous are 3-8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, though Healy and Steinmetz have hopes to eventually expand their open time. They do take reservations for larger parties outside of those hours, but those interested must call and speak with them to see if they can accommodate.

The ‘Vous will be closed on Christmas Day but open for New Year’s Day.

To contact The ‘Vous, call 503-622-6837. For more information, you can also visit the website at thevousgrill.com or find them on Facebook at facebook.com/thevousgrill