Nearly 20 years after closing its doors at a different location, Jarboe’s Grill is back — and has quickly reestablished itself as a staple in Canby’s family-friendly dining scene.
The Jarboe’s story started over three decades ago, when restaurateur and businessman Hank Jarboe, who had begun his culinary career as a dishwasher at a local eatery, opened his own restaurant in his hometown of Canby in 1992.
Jarboe’s soon became a household name in Canby and beyond, known for its delicious food, friendly service and welcoming ambiance. Young Travis Sauvain, who would later become co-owner and general manager of the new Jarboe’s, grew up eating and working as a dishwasher at the original location.
But in 2005, Jarboe sold the restaurant to pursue other interests. The building on the corner of Northwest 1st and Elm went through several owners and iterations, most recently Grand Central Station, before becoming the new home of Neurotherapeutic Pediatric Therapies, or Neuro, four years ago.
Sauvain — who, like his first employer before him, had caught the restaurant bug during his stint as a teenage dishwasher — went on to work at and, ultimately, helm various restaurants around the country.
He honed his craft and gained valuable experience working in the high-end kitchens of such culinary destinations at Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, and at the elbows of renowned chefs like Anthony Bourdain.
But he never forgot the early lessons he’d learned from Hank Jarboe, nor the magic of Jarboe’s Grill. So, when Jarboe called Sauvain last October to invite him back to Canby to work together once again — he didn’t hesitate in saying, “Yes.”
The two worked together to create a new vision for the old favorite, seeking to honor the legacy of the 90s-era Jarboe’s Grill so many Canbyites still remember while also bringing it into the modern era.
The new Jarboe’s has come to life in an old building, the former Spinning Wheel located on Highway 99E just east of Canby, more recently known as the Double Aught Ranch and the Route 99 Roadhouse.
But the century-old structure underwent an extensive, nine-month renovation prior to its grand reopening earlier this year. The renovations included a new, 60-person meeting and events space, live music venue, fully stocked bar, booths and high-top tables, and Lottery machines.
Eighteen years later, Jarboe’s has picked up pretty much where it left off, impressing new and old patrons with its expansive menu and fresh ambiance, and winning the coveted title of “Best New Business” in the Canby Area Chamber’s 2023 Best of Canby Awards just last week.
The eatery marked the occasion with a grand reopening ribbon cutting hosted by the chamber on Monday, July 17.
Jarboe’s Grill is located at 22842 South Highway 99E and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. More information and menu online at jarboesgrill.com.
