Business of the Month December 2021: Little B's

Little B’s is a bar that now offers a full-service kitchen for patrons of legal age. This location, rich in history, has been a bar since 1929. Originally named the Brown Derby, it was shut down for gambling and then sold. It then reemerged as Kempton’s Pool Hall. In 1953 it was purchased by Bud Hacking who really put this place on the map with his country beer bar aptly named Bud’s Sportsman’s Lounge. Later, he added a Steakhouse. Rebecca named her business Little B’s in ode to her predecessors, and late father, Brent Boren who was nicknamed Mr. “B” or Big “B” by his employees.
Rebecca started in the bar industry 23 years ago working for her father’s tenant, Bob Francke at The Gateway Saloon. Rebecca eventually branched out on her own and purchased the old Bud’s building 12 years ago making it the successful business it is today. Mr. Francke elected not to renew his lease at the Gateway Saloon 5 years ago. Rebecca, 4th generation landlady of the Gateway Saloon excitedly decided to own and operate both bars. This year Rebecca and her dedicated staff (which she considers family,) have worked hard to bring back the steak house and honor Bud Hacking’s legacy. It is now open in the same part of the building it was while under Bud’s ownership and I can vouch that the food is very tasty! Rebecca’s spouse, Zach McReynolds has been there every step of the way to support and help Rebecca realize her dreams and making them a reality.
Their business philosophy is to give patrons a fun experience and then get them home safely. I can tell you it goes way beyond that. She considers all her long-time patron’s family as well and she goes over and above board to help out anyone in need.
Between Little B’s and the Gateway, they are dedicated to supporting the community that they love. They contribute in many ways:
- Every year they serve free Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. It’s a tradition Rebecca’s father started years ago.
- Rebecca helped Gary Showalter and a few others start the Vernal City Excitement Association.
- They throw at least 4-5 fundraisers a year for local folks in need and assist many other local fundraisers.
- They sponsor Charitable Friends Of Ashley Valley, the Polar Bear Run, the Vernal Oilers, a softball team, and sometimes two teams
- They sponsor the All Nighter, Rock The Ride For The Kids, and 2 charity golf tournaments annually.
- They donate to the Uintah County Animal Shelter and other local entities.
They’ve brought in some very talented bands for patrons to enjoy over the years like Royal Bliss, The Iron Maidens, Redlands and Feel Never Real. Rebecca especially enjoys hosting amazing local talent. Many bands will play at this year’s 25th Annual Too Broke For Sturgis Run at the Gateway Saloon.
They honor and respect all of our Veterans which are granted free admission when they have to charge for an event.
Rebecca loves her sweetheart, family, our town, staff and patrons with everything she is. Her warm, loving and giving personality is infectious and that shows in her staff that go out of their way to help those in need and to spread cheer, especially during the holiday seasons. One employee has been with her 16 years, while other loyal staff has been with her as long as 12, 10, and 9 years.
The public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present Little B’s with the Business of the Month award for their continued commitment to and involvement in our community.






