Best Friends Roadhouse April Luncheon

Another incredible monthly meeting was held at a local business last week! Chamber of Commerce members were greeted enthusiastically by Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile employees where this month’s gathering was held. An amazing lunch was provided by Best Friends Angel Village Cafe, and Chamber Vice President Ron Thomas was our MC for the afternoon.

Chelsea Thebeau, who manages the Roadhouse, welcomed everyone in attendance after a few announcements, and encouraged the community to take part in the free concerts every Saturday starting in May right there at the Roadhouse.

Julie Barger with Best Friends Animal Society then told us the great news! BFAS was the 2025 Winner for Best Attraction. The Roadhouse received an award for Best Boutique/ Lodging, and Angel Village won for Best Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant. Congrats everyone for being the “top dog”!

In addition, the Roadhouse was also named #3 in Salt Lake Magazine's "75 Best Reasons to Love Utah". They welcomed 10,477 human and 782 pet guests in 2025, and hosted 1,399 Sanctuary pet sleepovers.

Bart Battista spoke next. He mentioned the CANYON WORK STUDY PROGRAM.

The Best Friends Canyon Division Work Study Program’s goal is to have each trainee attain competencies that can be used to help them qualify for full time employment at Best Friends or other employers. According to Battista:

• BFAS coordinates with Kanab HS, Valley HS school counselors.

• The program is available to 18-year-old students from Kanab HS or Valley HS (working to extend to Fredonia HS).

• And after finishing, students receive a letter stating what skills they have learned, and can use Best Friends as a reference.

Bart also talked about various projects in the works, including:

• Numerous maintenance, repair, and small projects.

• A transport facility in Oyster Bay New York.

• And renovation of the SOHO facility.

Judah Battista rounded out the day’s speakers. He talked in depth about the economic impact of BFAS. He stated that Best Friends pays $34.3 million annually in wages and benefits, and generates an economic impact of $42.3 million, where they contribute $5.7 million in taxes to federal, state and local governments. He also mentioned their partnership with Southern Utah University.

Judah then said that as of today, 67.4% of shelters in the country are no-kill. Compared to only 22% known to be no-kill in 2016. Way to go!

Businesses in attendance included Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Best Friends Animal Society, Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile, Brown Box Café, Burro Flats High Desert Lodge, Crickets Creations, Santa Nicholas & Friends, West Winds Ranch, Kane County, Zion Stays, Hirschi Electric, MACU, Dark Sky RV Campground, High Wing Accounting, Utah Tech University, New Moon Productions, SBDC, Gus Thomas Photography, Buckskin Tavern, Tamara Mullen- Writer, Forth Watch Ranch Giddy Up around Up, Kanab Little Hollywood Wild West Fest, Matt Brown, Big Al’s Burgers, Stellar Vista Observatory, Hampton Inn, Economic Development, and Eagle Gate Title.

Be sure to save the dates for our April Chamber Breakfast at Brown Box Bakeshop at 8 AM on April 21st, and our May Lunch at the Kanab Center Cascade Room at 11:30 AM on May 14th!