Granrud's Lefse Shack Moves to Scobey

Granrud's Lefse Shack owners, Twyla Anderson and Alice Redfield have announced the sale of their business to Scott and Libi Susag, of Scobey. The business will retain the Granrud name and is expected to reopen for the season in early to mid-October at 602 Main Street in Scobey, Mont.

Of the decision to sell their business, Anderson said they had been considering the move for a couple of years. Over the years it had become more and more difficult to maintain the workforce needed for production. A minimum of eight employees are necessary for the hard work of turning out a quality product and the owners were struggling with fewer than that. Anderson also said that after 34 years at the Shack, Redfield was ready to retire and spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Libi Susag says they are currently in the process of remodeling the old Westland building in Scobey, and working on bringing it up to state food grade status. She assures all lefse lovers that the business will maintain the same quality and integrity Granrud's is known for, with all operations remaining the same, albeit in a new location. Customers will still be able to get current information from the business's website, http://www.lefseshack.com, and Facebook page, facebook.com/GranrudsLefseShack. "If it isn't broke, don't fix it. Forty-one years in business is impressive," she said. The new owners do intend to expand operations, taking advantage of the Made in Montana marketing opportunities.

As operations begin in Scobey, both Anderson and Redfield will be assisting the Susags with the transition and starting up operations as well as offering assistance as needed. Susag extends her sincerest thanks to both Anderson and Redfield, stating that they have taken a lot of the anxiety out of starting a new business venture. The new owners will begin interviewing for positions next month. The Susags did extend an offer to any and all current employees to continue their positions in the new location, but they say it is unlikely that offer will be taken advantage of, primarily because of the commute.

Anderson and Redfield purchased the Lefse Shack in 2005, from NorVal in Opheim. NorVal, previously known as Northern Electric Cooperative, had purchased the enterprise from the original owners, Evan and Myrt Granrud, in 1996. The Granruds began their family business in 1977 in their garage. Mr. Granrud designed his own rolling machines, tube stuffers, frying grills, cooling conveyers and his own recipe, which led to the creation of Granrud's Lefse. Granrud's Lefse was named "Official Lefse of the Hostfest" held in Minot, N.D., in 1998.