By
June 27, 2014 2:40 pm - NewsBehavingBadly.com

Yup, that’s the name of the town, “Rifle” Colorado. And the name of the restaurant is “Shooters Grill.”

When waitress Ashlee Saenz takes your order at Shooters Grill in Rifle, she not only carries a pad and pen — she also packs a loaded Ruger .357 Blackhawk handgun holstered on her leg, Old West style.

It’s loaded and she knows how to use it.

Saenz and her co-workers, along with customers who come into Shooters, are encouraged by Shooters’ owners to pack heat in the restaurant, as allowed by Colorado law.

The restaurant also hosts concealed carry training — the $75 price tag includes dinner — that qualifies customers for Colorado and Utah permits.

Because what goes better with burgers than bullets?

A sign on the front door of Shooters Grill reads, “Guns are welcome on premises. Please keep all weapons holstered, unless the need arises. In such cases, judicious marksmanship is appreciated.

Sure. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been enjoying a meal at a restaurant, minding my own business, when an incident occurred whereby I only wished I’d had marksmanship training. If only people would stop making me need a gun every second of my life.

D.B. Hirsch
D.B. Hirsch is a political activist, news junkie, and retired ad copy writer and spin doctor. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

No responses to Even Waitresses Carry Guns At Shooters Grill In Rifle, CO

  1. edmeyer_able June 27th, 2014 at 2:45 pm

    Meanwhile the sane members of what’s left of society hold their breath waiting for the headline we all know is coming sooner or later.

    • Barry T Dallmann June 28th, 2014 at 9:51 am

      Well, you can keep holding your breath along with those that expected ‘blood in the streets’ when states allowed concealed carry in bars. I should expect people turning blue, soon.

      • Chinese Democracy June 28th, 2014 at 11:04 am

        Updated: 12:14 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014 | Posted: 7:48 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014

        1 killed, 1 hurt in DeKalb County Georgia sports bar shooting
        http://goo.gl/sXIune

        that didnt take long did it?

        • Barry T Dallmann June 28th, 2014 at 11:21 am

          Nope, not long at all for you to pull up an irrelevant story. No gun was in the bar, according to your source. They specifically mention going out to get a gun. Also, no mention as to whether anyone involved was legally permitted to carry a weapon.

          So, this story has nothing to do with permit holders carrying in a bar, unless you have further information.

          • Chinese Democracy June 28th, 2014 at 11:33 am

            yeah irrelevant except 1 person was killed by a gun in a bar shooting .. Google is full of gun murder/bar stories

            there IS blood in the streets

            you and hello kitty are in denial

          • Barry T Dallmann June 28th, 2014 at 11:44 am

            Ok, the topic at hand is whether allowing people to legally carry in bars increased violence. You cite a story in which someone was shot, OUTSIDE a bar, with a weapon that doesn’t appear to have been inside said bar, and we have no idea if the weapon owners were carrying legally.
            Yet, somehow, despite having nothing to do with the topic (see the THREE points above) you feel the story is relevant? What’s next, citing a story from Europe about a stabbing accross town from a bistro as being relevant? Its about the only way you can get farther away from the topic…

          • Chinese Democracy June 28th, 2014 at 5:00 pm

            whats next is that I become bored and go watch paint dry

            because until I agree with your opinion the more guns the better.. you wont stop splitting hairs

          • Barry T Dallmann June 28th, 2014 at 5:12 pm

            Apparently, what is next is a straw man argument. I simply want you to show proof that someone carrying a handgun legally into a bar shot someone. Actually, my original point had to do with ‘blood in the streets’, meaning a lot of legal permit holders shooting people, but, let’s start with one.
            One example of someone with a legal permit to do so, carrying a gun into a bar, and shooting someone else (Not in self defense, of course).
            If you are too bored for that, then, please, excuse yourself from the discussion, and have a great day.

          • edmeyer_able June 28th, 2014 at 6:40 pm

            How about a Waffle House in Georgia or 2 cops in a pizza hut in Vegas, I guess they don’t count either under your convoluted criteria.

          • Barry T Dallmann June 28th, 2014 at 7:14 pm

            So, my criteria is convoluted, huh? I’m guessing that is based on your inability to find anything. OK, Does the Waffle House or the Pizza Hut serve alcohol? Neither is what I would consider a bar, but, let’s let that part slide.

            Now, the cops part is within the letter of what I asked, although I think we all know that I was referring to ‘civilian’ carry, but, again, lets let that one slide.

            So, post up your sources for ‘blood in the streets’ at Waffle Houses and Pizza Huts.

            Alternately, acknowledge that the prediction of blood in the streets’ was wrong in the case of permit holders carrying in bars, and we can move on to your next point.

          • edmeyer_able June 28th, 2014 at 7:38 pm

            The proliferation of weapons can only lead to more injuries and deaths, to use an analogy that you would site is before there were autos there were no auto accidents. So to it will be with guns. The more there are in society the more deaths and injuries there will be.

          • Barry T Dallmann June 29th, 2014 at 8:36 am

            OK, you appear to have changed the subject. Are you acknowledging that the ‘blood in the streets’ fear about legal permit holders carrying in bars was unfounded?

          • edmeyer_able June 29th, 2014 at 1:36 pm

            Only a fool would say that because the people weren’t shot in a “BAR” is changing the subject. The subject is the increased proliferation of weapons. Yesterday a woman was shot at a gun show where supposedly there are to be no loaded weapons and she was shot by a supposedly well trained gun owner. Now just add alcohol to the mix along with assortment of differing opinions.

          • Barry T Dallmann June 29th, 2014 at 2:08 pm

            So, we have had straw men, name calling, and a refusal to answer a direct question. I believe someone’s discussion skills are waning.
            I set a topic in my first reply to this thread, talking about the predictions of ‘blood in the streets’ that went along with states allowing licensed firearm carriers to carry into bars. I have yet to see any proof those fears were founded. You even appear to subscribe to the fear : “Now just add alcohol to the mix along with assortment of differing opinions.”
            Again, I ask, can you show me proof that your fear is valid, now that several states allow the very scenario we are discussing? Do you have any examples for me, relating to legal carry in drinking establishments?

          • edmeyer_able June 29th, 2014 at 2:57 pm

            My fear is valid when I can site incidences of idiots putting guns to their own heads thinking it’s unloaded and killing THEMSELVES.

            My fear is valid when I can site incidences of idiots shooting people at a gun show w/an “unloaded” weapon by a ‘trained ‘ individual.

            You refuse to accept the fact that more guns in more places will only end in more deaths.

            Good bye and enjoy the hell on earth you attempt to create.

          • Barry T Dallmann June 29th, 2014 at 3:08 pm

            So, no, you can’t cite any examples relevant to the subject at hand. I am happy to discuss your other points, when you are able to answer my questions, or admit you can’t.
            Unless you truly believe that the two examples you posted have ANYTHING to do with legally permitted individuals carrying in bars. If that is the case, I cannot help you, as you seem unable to grasp logic and reason.
            So, if this is the end of our conversation, I will take the high road, and wish you well in your day.

  2. R.J. Carter June 27th, 2014 at 2:52 pm

    I’ll bet they don’t get held up any time soon.

    • arc99 June 27th, 2014 at 2:57 pm

      As ESPN’s Lee Corso would say, “not so fast my friend…”

      http://www.philly.com/philly/news/Cops-Gunman-shoots-clerk-steals-6-firearms-in-Northeast-gun-shop-robbery.html

      Cops: Gunman shoots patron, steals 6 firearms in Northeast gun-shop robbery

      • Pistol-Packing June 27th, 2014 at 3:55 pm

        Read Philadelphia law about transporting guns. Must be locked in a case, and ammo kept separate. So poor fellows, did not even have a chance to defend themselves who ambushed them knowing it was an easy crime to steal a gun…

        • Chinese Democracy June 27th, 2014 at 4:15 pm

          yeah more guns is always a good thing. Thats why the U.S has the lowest gun deaths of any country.

          • Pistol-Packing June 27th, 2014 at 4:27 pm

            If you remove Detroit, Chicago, New York, Baltimore, and Washington DC. Where Gun control is the strongest. Then we are one of the lowest…

          • Chinese Democracy June 27th, 2014 at 9:16 pm

            oh thought you where gonna get me with that 4 cities conservative myth huh?

            The stats used to spread that myth aka lie are not relevant to what the argument was, which was total number of death by guns in the United States.

            The stats used where total murder and manslaughter rates, which could also involve other weapons like knives, cars, croquet mallets etc etc etc. If the argument was strictly about murder by guns accidental or otherwise it would be a totally different stat .

            Thats what happens when you parrot Anne Coulter .. u are stuck trying to defend something with no REAL FACTS to back it up 🙂

          • Barry T Dallmann June 28th, 2014 at 7:16 pm

            “The stats used where total murder and manslaughter rates, which could also involve other weapons like knives, cars, croquet mallets etc etc etc. If the argument was strictly about murder by guns accidental or otherwise it would be a totally different stat .”

            If the death by gun is accidental, then its not murder.

          • Obewon June 28th, 2014 at 11:38 pm

            Woo-hoo! We’re #1 among developed nations with USA’s 32,163 gun deaths in 2011 plus more than 70,00 shot every year costing taxpayers 80% of “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that gun violence DEATHS cost the U.S. economy $37 billion and GUN INJURIES $3.7 billion in 2005.” A) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/13/taxpayers-gun-violence_n_3915434.html

            B) Now After GWB’s AWB 2004 Veto in 2010 The cost of U.S. gun violence in work lost, medical care, insurance, criminal-justice expenses and pain and suffering amounted to as much as $174 billion in 2010, according to data compiled by thePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation in Calverton, Maryland.

            The nonprofit organization provides cost estimates of illnesses and injuries for theU.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Transportation Department and industry associations, said economist Ted Miller, the group’s principal research scientist. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-21/shootings-costing-u-s-174-billion-show-burden-of-gun-violence.html

          • Barry T Dallmann June 29th, 2014 at 8:40 am

            So, you are saying that government provided health care is bad? If so, we agree on that.

          • R.J. Carter June 28th, 2014 at 10:57 pm

            I notice that you talked about and around those stats, but don’t provide any actual ones.

          • Obewon June 29th, 2014 at 10:56 am

            Total Number of Gun Deaths

            Chart”CDC” In the United States, “32,163” annual deaths resulting from firearms total

            2011: 32,16318
            2010: 31,67219
            2009: 31,347
            2008: 31,593
            2007: 31,224
            2006: 30,896
            2005: 30,694

            Sources: -18.Hoyert, Donna L. and Jiaquan Xu.2012.‘Deaths: Preliminary Data for 2011 – Selected Causes.’ National Vital Statistics Reports (NVSS).Hyattsville, MD:US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control Prevention, Division of Vital Statistics,10 October. (Q6492)Full Citation

            -19. CDC WISQARS.2013.‘Injury Mortality Reports 1999 and Onwards (USA).’ Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System / CDC WISQARS.Atlanta:National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / CDC,1 January. (Q1377)Full Citation http://www.gunpolicy.org/firearms/region/united-states

          • R.J. Carter June 29th, 2014 at 11:50 am

            And with the four heavily-regulated gun control cities removed?

          • Yeah way June 29th, 2014 at 10:15 pm

            Yes, take away your inner-city poverty and despair, societal inequality, and your stupid “war” on drugs, and yeah, pretty much…watch your homicide level then draw about even with the rest of the western world.

            Or, continue to put heads in sand and fingers in dikes by picking on America’s 100 MILLION safe, responsible gun owners, and incorrectly blaming THEM for the poor behaviour of a very FEW – sound familiar?

        • R.J. Carter June 27th, 2014 at 4:25 pm

          An open-carry Philly would have been a completely different story.

          • arc99 June 28th, 2014 at 5:26 pm

            there is always another hypothetical after an NRA talking point is demonstrated to be false.

            the claim was that criminals would avoid establishments where the patrons are likely to be armed. we see that is false.

            so now the goal posts are moved, and the claim is that if only open carry were an option, then the criminals may have been dissuaded.

            can’t wait for the next iteration when a gun range is robbed in an open carry jurisdiction.

          • R.J. Carter June 28th, 2014 at 10:55 pm

            They went IN the establishment? I missed that part.

          • Yeah way June 29th, 2014 at 10:11 pm

            “”the claim was that criminals would avoid establishments where the patrons are likely to be armed. we see that is false.””

            And, statistically speaking, you’re basing that on this one story? You have an n=1??

            …or whatever story you can now Google up, lol?

            The fact is. most homicides and mass shootings DO occur in “gun free” zones, and having to be combing The Internets for exceptions, only really proves the rule…

        • arc99 June 27th, 2014 at 4:32 pm

          the establishment is a gun shop and gun range where people have their firearms loaded and are shooting. .

          your “poor fellows” fiction notwithstanding, the robbery pokes a big hole in the talking point that criminals will avoid businesses where it is highly possible they will face armed resistance.

          • Pistol-Packing June 27th, 2014 at 4:41 pm

            You should try visiting a gun range sometimes. There are very strict rules about loaded weapons where, how, and when. Contrary to belief, this crime is not that uncommon. And in regards to armed resistance. Look again, this is Philadelphia, there is no right to carry openly, and most concealed carry is frowned upon and almost impossible inside of the city limits.

          • R.J. Carter June 27th, 2014 at 5:03 pm

            They were robbed outside the range, where they had to carry their guns packed away. The robbers didn’t go inside the range, where everyone was unholstered.

      • R.J. Carter June 27th, 2014 at 4:24 pm

        And, of course, there are the cops themselves who get shot in restaurants by former Occupy attendees.

        • Carla Akins June 27th, 2014 at 9:33 pm

          Hey, hey. We’ve had this chat – not Occupy attendees. Bundy enthusiasts.

    • Chinese Democracy June 27th, 2014 at 4:17 pm

      every guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun. Until they use the gun to murder someone . Do you happen to know the mental capacity of everyone carrying a gun in that restaurant?

      yeah didnt think so ..

      • R.J. Carter June 27th, 2014 at 5:40 pm

        I don’t know the mental capacity of everyone going into a ballot booth either, but I don’t stop them.

        • Chinese Democracy June 27th, 2014 at 9:01 pm

          Sure you want them stopped if they are black Democrats

        • fahvel June 28th, 2014 at 4:36 am

          really dopey response fella.

      • Barry T Dallmann June 29th, 2014 at 8:45 am

        every guy with a car is a good guy with a car. Until they use the car to murder someone . Do you happen to know the mental capacity of everyone carrying a car in your town?

        yeah didn’t think so ..

        Feel free to also insert steak knife, pencil, or baseball bat in your quote as well. So, do we ban everyone from having control over anything that may be used to harm another?

  3. Pistol-Packing June 27th, 2014 at 3:58 pm

    Not every place is a liberal utopia. There are places where guns are perfectly acceptable and a part of ones culture. I highly doubt, that anybody is coming in to rob that restaurant…

    • Anomaly 100 June 27th, 2014 at 4:16 pm

      Yeah but I like to go out for just a burger sometimes. Just a a friggin’ burger, not a political point.

      • Pistol-Packing June 27th, 2014 at 4:25 pm

        Might I suggest a different restaurant then… BTW Hello Over here.. Keep meaning to send you a story.. will have to dig it up again and find it for you

        • Anomaly 100 June 27th, 2014 at 4:28 pm

          No problem. I wouldn’t go there considering the atmosphere. I remember being a waitress when I was a kid. We didn’t have to worry about these things.

          • Pistol-Packing June 27th, 2014 at 4:37 pm

            Obviously the place is not for everybody. The owners have chosen to cater to a specific clientele. If the Free market dictates that they don’t have customers for the atmosphere they have created, then they will just go by the wayside. Nobody forces anybody to work here, I imagine if you were to poll the waitstaff, I am sure they enjoy the atmosphere.

          • Anomaly 100 June 27th, 2014 at 4:41 pm

            Heh. I’m pretty sure they’re taking any job they can get in this economy. As a waiter or waitress, one can’t always pick and choose. Paying the rent is a thing.

          • Pistol-Packing June 27th, 2014 at 4:44 pm

            I beg to differ. If this environment is something that makes you uncomfortable, then you would not choose to work there. Also, considering that the gun is not given to you as part of your uniform, that is something you must already own on your own. And nothing says, they cant carry a toy pistol if they like…

    • Chinese Democracy June 27th, 2014 at 4:18 pm

      yeah gun utopias like Mogadishu

    • Jason Haze June 27th, 2014 at 7:09 pm

      Gotta have a gun to keep you warm

      • Chinese Democracy June 27th, 2014 at 9:19 pm

        you mean make you feel like a man? Have you tried that hormone cream? A lot less dangerous

        • Barry T Dallmann June 29th, 2014 at 8:45 am

          Straw man.

    • Carla Akins June 27th, 2014 at 9:31 pm

      It’s a gimmick, I get it. It puts butts in the chairs, but it’s likely not one with any stamina. While in Chicago we had dinner at Medieval Times, it was great fun and our granddaughter loved it. Yes, there were knights jousting and horses so I can assume it was somewhat riskier than Applebees – but a room of 50 people all carrying loaded weapons, just doesn’t make me comfortable.

      • fahvel June 28th, 2014 at 4:34 am

        the only thing more frightening is a place where the characters walk around sporting mouse ears that look more like rat ears which end up being cardboard fakes – and all this time kids have been thinking MM is god.

        • Carla Akins June 28th, 2014 at 5:48 am

          I am with you on that one.

    • fancypants June 27th, 2014 at 9:45 pm

      the party will be over when a curious kid tries to grab the waitresses gun
      I hope the Diner has very good insurance ?

      • lauren June 28th, 2014 at 10:59 am

        I assure you that the hostlers holding the guns have safety devices preventing such action

        • fancypants June 28th, 2014 at 5:20 pm

          are you sure the gun “safety ” will be in the right position ?

          • Barry T Dallmann June 29th, 2014 at 8:46 am

            Are you sure that it won’t?

  4. Dcbos June 27th, 2014 at 4:43 pm

    Bring some rollaides along with your Rueger

    • Pistol-Packing June 27th, 2014 at 4:45 pm

      I personally prefer “TUMS” mixed with some “Smith & Wesson”

  5. Jason Haze June 27th, 2014 at 7:12 pm

    More guns, more deaths, open carry is a extremely dangerous and ignorant law ……

    • Barry T Dallmann June 29th, 2014 at 8:47 am

      More guns in the hands of non-criminals, less crime. Why do you feel open carry is bad?

  6. Jason Haze June 27th, 2014 at 7:15 pm

    Amd while her hands are full of plates some nutjob could yank her weapon from the hollister and open fire……… ?

  7. Obewon June 27th, 2014 at 8:13 pm

    The food must be really awful if the waitress has to hold up patrons to pay their bills.

  8. fahvel June 28th, 2014 at 4:38 am

    one hell of a lot of comments about guns – but the Belushi article about education was virtually avoided.in comparison – what’s happening???????

  9. Shawna June 28th, 2014 at 10:21 am

    Carrying a gun is not a requirement it’s an option. If you think you can go up to her and pull her gun out of her holster, you’re crazy. These holsters did it come from Toys “R” Us. They do make them with safety features so people like you don’t think they can go and pull them out. If you think you can get to her gun faster than her with those plates in her hands you’re crazy. Those plates will be on the floor and her gun between your eyes before you can say mama. The owner is an awesome lady and she has great food so the next time you’re in rifle Colorado make sure you swing into Shooters! Lauren will serve you up a great meal and pray for ya!! The restaurant has one time People’s choice awards. That’s a something right there

    • Lauren June 28th, 2014 at 10:57 am

      The restaurant won ten* Locals choice awards*
      🙂

    • mrratz2 July 4th, 2014 at 3:36 pm

      Shawna – all I need to say is, DREAM ON!

      • Vic July 13th, 2014 at 7:07 pm

        Is this that sweet little girl from Florida, that I knew from another life?. Is that the Lauren from the restaurant you daughter? Tell her it’s the lady who didn’t like kids. Vicki

  10. Shawna E Bentz June 28th, 2014 at 10:26 am

    Shooters Grill Rifle,Co

  11. William June 28th, 2014 at 10:28 am

    Police Chief John Dyer said the last shooting death was in 2001, when Michael Steven Stagner shot seven people, killing four. Stagner, who targeted Latinos and ranted about illegal immigrants during his rampage, was found not guilty by reason of insanity and is confined to a mental institution.

    Dyer is OK with Shooters’ business model. “If it was a bar, I might be saying something different. But I have no problem with it,” he said. “And besides, they make a really good burger.”

    I did some research on this Dyer fellow. He’s from Boston. He is a Marine veteran who enlisted and served with his brother Paul. Chief Dyer served for many years as a police officer in Washington State. He was revered and respected, a champion of young people, he did a lot of work with big brothers of America. Among his passions are his family and an antique hardwood power boat. John isn’t a gun nut by any stretch of anyone’s imagination. He grudgingly transitioned from his old revolver to a more modern semi auto at least a decade after most of the law enforcement world. He spends free time hiking some of the most beautiful country under Gods blue sky.
    Oh yeah…full disclosure.
    Paul has a sister. Her name is Lorraine. She wears a ring I put on her finger and asks me to take out the trash.
    Further..it still cracks me up when I think of a guy with a Boston accent wearing a cowboy hat.

    • craig7120 June 28th, 2014 at 11:00 am

      Say what?
      Small world, uh?
      I’m willing to bet they did a lil research of their own when it comes to who’s dating their sister.

      Happy 4th, my good man.

  12. Shawna June 28th, 2014 at 10:46 am

    They Won 10 Peoples Choice awards!! There’s my correction !!

  13. Cindi June 29th, 2014 at 9:41 pm

    I’m so very proud of my cousin’s child! Surely Stan Lane and Jean Lane must be proud of this display of 2nd Amendment rights! Go Lauren and Shooter’s Grill! Y’all keep up the praying, testifying and witnessing, and exercising your American rights. Y’all have some great food too I hear!

  14. TheTexasRedNeck July 2nd, 2014 at 1:47 pm

    I Love this idea, I’ll bet it cuts way down on thoughts of robbing them.
    I wish restaurants here in Texas would do the same thing it would put a lot of robbers out of work one way or another !

  15. Old Guy Surfer Dude July 3rd, 2014 at 6:32 pm

    YEAH! The safest restaurant in America. Woo-Hoo! While some may say that the young lady in the photo should have a strap across the grips, I’m not expecting some nut-job is going to try it, thinking that there may be 27 staff members pulling their pieces, cocking their hammers and drawing down on that dim-twit. I’m think I’m okay with this.

  16. Old Guy Surfer Dude July 3rd, 2014 at 6:42 pm

    OOOOOH, too bad, Colmes! Too may people like this open carry/Second Amendment thing. Post this article didn’t go the way you had hoped, me thinks.

  17. mrratz July 4th, 2014 at 3:20 pm

    hey, old guy, you got it right —- TOO MANY PEOPLE LIKE THIS OPEN CARRY CRAP.

  18. mrratz July 4th, 2014 at 3:24 pm

    another thing, old guy, I think you may be right, safest restaurant in America, because that restaurant can not accommodate very many people.

  19. mrratz July 4th, 2014 at 3:27 pm

    Question: How many people can be accommodated in this “restaurant” within the legal law of the land? That number will really say how large that “restaurant” is.