In 2000 Olive McArthur decided to open the Broken Arrow Junction, which started as a gas bar, but has since grown.
"It was a whim," McArthur explains of her business.
After receiving Residential School compensation she first thought of purchasing a new car, but decided to make an investment that would ultimately benefit her entire family.
"...I was going to buy a new car, but instead I paid off my old car. I thought with the IAP money a new car, I could have it for two or three years, but this would last for more."
"I'm 70-years-old and my car is still... running for what I need it for... but, this was something I thought I would do."
Since then a smoke shop has developed in the establishment and last year Granny's Nook, a restaurant serving delicious homemade meals.
"We have to be versatile and do many things [because we're small]," McArthur explained.
McArthur found the restaurant, which is mainly take out, difficult to keep up with when she only had a regular stove and oven to work from, so a need to renovate became evident.
"I only opened for October, mid-October, and I closed mid-December because it was too difficult with just the stove," McArthur stated.
"...all we did was cook on here [the stove] and I deep fried the bread everyday in a little pot."
McArthur was excited to show The Observer the newly renovated facility which reopened on Sept. 12. It boasts two deep fryers, a griddle, cold table, warmer, and microwave. In addition to the new cooking features, Granny's Nook is completed with a partition from the kitchen to the small dining area, new flooring, tables, and chairs.
"It's just a small establishment, but sometimes smaller is better," McArthur smiles as she beams with pride over her newly refurbished venture.
Cook, Marla Thompson, added: "Small, clean and good food."
Both McArthur and Thompson are happy to say they have a very clean restaurant, which is very important to them.
"We keep a very clean bathroom... people come by and say this is the cleanest bathroom for miles around and I like to keep it that way," McArthur said. "And Marla keeps the kitchen very clean, so then you know you don't have to be afraid of spoilt food."
This is obvious when entering the premises as the bright lights make the cleanliness of the establishment evident.
Granny's Nook offers a variety of delicious food at reasonable prices.
"Bannock tacos, bannock burgers, fries, chicken fingers, fish and chips... we do have specials... soup of the day... hot sandwiches..." Thompson stated. "Very good food."
"Marla makes fresh homemade pies, homemade dinner buns, and other goodies... she puts out a very nice dish," McArthur stated.
All homemade recipes, which McArthur feels adds to the entire feel of the family business.
Granny's Nook is nestled in the backroom of the Broken Arrow and is open between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. focusing on lunch and dinner items. The grill is shut off at 6:45 p.m., to begin cleaning up for the evening.
Take out menu's are available for pick up at Granny's Nook and orders may be placed through calling them at (306)462-2004.
