Photos by TERRI WATTS

‘Lil’ Big Red Cafe’s outdoor seating provides a great place to grab a bite. 

Although it may not seem like it — considering that we woke to a skiff of snow this morning (April 5, 2022) — spring/summer are upon us, and with the change of seasons comes the inevitable (and oftentimes unbearable) heat. It’s the kind of heat that, no matter what you do, you just can’t find any relief. Until now, that is.

Located at 82 S. Harney (in the side parking lot of Reflections) sits a bright-red cottage on wheels surrounded by brightly colored picnic tables with welcoming flags gently blowing in the Harney County breeze. This colorful cottage, better known as the ‘Lil’ Big Red Cafe, offers sweet treats to help you beat the heat!

After the Beachie fire swept through the Lyons/Mill City area — destroying their home and the old bus they were converting into a food truck — brothers, Ron and Cliff Thorpe, temporarily put their dreams on hold and moved to Harney County. Although they never lived here before, they visited family in the Burns area frequently during the last 50 years.

After moving to the area, the brothers spotted a food truck in the Sundowner Hotel parking lot that looked like it hadn’t been used in quite some time. Ron and Cliff realized that purchasing the food truck could help them fulfill their dreams after all. After months of negotiations, they were finally able to complete the purchase. Putting the last of their savings into remodeling and stocking the food truck, they opened for business in June of 2021 at 489 W. Monroe in Burns.

They originally considered naming their business Road Kill Grill, but after receiving negative feedback, they decided to go in a different direction. Due to its vibrant hue, customers offhandedly began calling the food truck ‘Lil’ Red, which seemed to be a better fit. After a larger food trailer was added (which was also painted a vibrant red), ‘Lil’ Big Red Cafe became the official name.

With great success upon opening, it wasn’t long before the blossoming business outgrew the original location. As a result, the Thorpe brothers decided to relocate to their present location, which provides more customer parking and an opportunity to expand the business.

Ron and Cliff originally began selling shaved ice from the Monroe Street location and during festivals and other community events. 

When Ron started selling flavored lemonade, he wanted something that would set him apart from other vendors, so he decided to offer a sugar-free product.

He said, “I noticed most lemonades seemed to leave an unpleasant aftertaste, and I surmised this was due to the sugar content, so I decided to eliminate the processed sugar from my lemonade and instead use real fruit with natural sugars.” He added, “I do admit I am prejudiced when it comes to the foods and beverages I sell, but hands down, my lemonade is the best.”

There are currently seven lemonade flavors available, including Strawberry Sunrise, Mango Mash, Blackberry Sunset, Raspberry Ram, Blueberry Bliss, Tropical Paradise, and Peach Slam. 

Shaved ice was added to the menu after extensive research was done, with “Snowie” providing the “wow factor” that Ron felt was needed. The business currently carries more than 40 shaved ice flavors. Some are made with natural ingredients, and others are sugar free. Customers can choose the flavor they want and pour it onto the shaved ice themselves.

All of the ‘Lil’ Big Red Cafe’s food is made fresh daily. The menu offers a great selection of items, including customer favorites like Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, chicken cordon bleu sandwiches, fish sandwiches, hard or soft-shelled tacos, hamburgers, and hot dogs. Fresh hand-cut french fries and onion rings are also available.  

Ron said one of his biggest sellers are the fresh-flavored pork rinds, which he makes daily. In addition to the original flavor, pork rind flavors include spicy, salt and vinegar, ranch, bacon, and sweet barbecue.

Ron is currently the only “employee” at the cafe, but with warmer weather and community events approaching, additional help will be added.

‘Lil’ Big Red Cafe is open from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is closed during the weekends. Hours will be adjusted once winter returns.