Kettle Falls Restaurant Little Gallea Celebrates 50 Years

Little Gallea, located at 345 W. 3rd Ave in Kettle Falls, celebrates 50 years of serving the community this month. According to owners Brandy and Jacey Beal, who purchased the diner in 2024, Little Gallea was founded by Bill and Merna Gallea on June 16, 1976. Since opening its doors, Little Gallea has seen three changes in ownership. The Beals said Rosie Brozik managed Little Gallea in January 1977 and stayed in business until ownership was transferred to her niece, Lisa Brozik, and her husband, Steve Brozik, in March 1985. The Beals said they are excited to be working together, making the restaurant a “continuous success story.” Over the years, many people have visited Little Gallea, whether it be long-time locals or travelers from different parts of the state and country. The Beals said since Little Gallea is located on Highway 395, a main thoroughfare between Canada and the United States, many visitors have stopped for breakfast or brunch. Little Gallea’s menu has stayed consistent throughout the decades. Since their newfound ownership, the Beals said their family has focused on the importance of quality and the freshness of ingredients they provide within their menu. Brandy Beal said, “We kept the menu pretty much the same, and we upgraded the ingredients, better quality, healthier choices for everybody, local farm fresh eggs, real butter, real cheese. We’ve got gluten free gravy which has become very popular. When asked about the restaurant’s “crowd pleaser or local favorite,” Brandy noted, “country-fried steak and eggs, and we are known for the best bacon in Stevens Coun- ty.” A new addition to their menu is local fresh goose eggs. Almost everything is made by hand, Brandy said, highlighting their homemade hashbrowns as a big hit among customers. Being a small business in an even smaller rural area has had challenges. Jacey Beal said one hurdle has been the unpredictability, noting that sometimes, when business is slow, the higher labor costs can make a day become unprofitable. To counter slow days, Jacey said they have included a retail section to their restaurant with home decor and kitchen gadgets, which has since helped in sales. Looking to the future of Little Gallea, he said, “I think it will turn into a small kind of gourmet, boutique-style restaurant.” The Beals have positive hopes for Little Gallea, emphasizing “it’s important to the community, it’s special to this area and to this spot”. The Beals reflected on their fond memories as new business owners. Brandy said, “Our customers, they welcomed us with open arms, they supported us.” Speaking on their relationship with the community, Jacey added, “The diner has its moments and its quiet times, where you really get to talk to people and get to know them and their families.” The couple said they have witnessed customers “paying it forward,” a frequent gesture that they said occurs at least once or twice a day where one patron will cover the bill of another. The Beals said one specialty that leaves a lasting impression on customers is Little Gallea’s smiley faced pancakes, enjoyed by children and adults alike. Brandy added, “We always sing ‘Happy Birthday’ when we know it’s someone’s birthday; we all come out and bring them a small stack of pancakes and candles.” The Beals said they also like to acknowledge veterans for their service when they eat at the restaurant. Speaking to what makes Little Gallea special, Jacey said, “The atmosphere, the product quality, and the staff make a big difference.” The Beals said Little Gallea plans to host an anniversary celebration on Tuesday, June 30, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.