Red Rabbit Grill: Rexburg, Idaho

Red Rabbit Grill sets itself apart with homemade sauces

Outside of Red Rabbit Grill in Rexburg, Idaho. Photo credit: Janie England.

By Janie England
March 29, 2025

REXBURG, Idaho – The bell dings as the door opens, signaling a new customer’s arrival at Red Rabbit Grill. The quiet sizzle of the grill drifts from the kitchen, where cooks carefully prepare a few juicy burgers for table four. A hum of conversation blends with soft background music, both filling the air alongside the scent of freshly baked pretzel bites. At the heart of the kitchen, chefs focus on the one thing that sets Red Rabbit Grill apart from other local restaurants: making each sauce from scratch.

Sample of appetizers and sauces from RRG. Photo credit: RRG Instagram.

The story of Red Rabbit Grill begins with Matt and Jane Smith, who moved to Rexburg in 2003 to open Pizza Pie Cafe. Building on the success of the restaurant, they opened the first Red Rabbit Grill in Matt's hometown: Delta, Utah. They then introduced the concept to Rexburg in 2018. The name “Red Rabbit” comes from the Delta High School’s mascot, the rabbit. Red Rabbit Grill’s title and values display the Smith’s deep connection to their community.

Red Rabbit Grill is a classic sit-down restaurant that serves iconic appetizers, entrees, and drinks. The grill is known for its wide variety of foods serving burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast items. They are also known for their comfortable and full-service dining experience. "At Red Rabbit Grill we believe food is the best way to show people that we care. We hope you come in and celebrate those special occasions over the food YOU love. We don’t stick to any certain category of food, because that’s boring! We make the food that you will want to come back for!" (Red Rabbit Grill). 

There is more behind the comforting environment that sets Red Rabbit grill apart from any other restaurant: their homemade sauces. McDonald’s and other large chain restaurants thrive from their cheaper food and cheaper products. This is what brings customers back over and over. McDonald’s gets their sauces from a supplier who is based in Lancashire, England. Although their sauce is made carefully and with love, there is nothing like having a homemade sauce with your burger and fries. 

Every Monday and Thursday, the Red Rabbit Grill workers follow a routine to provide the special homemade sauces. 20-year-old waitress, and full-time Brigham Young University Idaho student Kate Hodges says, “They do prep on Monday and Thursday because a lot more is used on Friday and Saturday.” In relation to making the sauces, she continues, “They whip up a huge batch. There are obviously a bunch of recipes so they have each one in a separate bowl. We then put them into their own serving cups. This is where I come in and deliver the sauces to the customers with their food.” When business at Red Rabbit Grill gets overwhelming, the cooks are prepared to make whatever sauces necessary that may run out. 

Though the sauces play a major role in keeping loyal customers, there is something else that brings people back to the Red Rabbit Grill. The homelike environment. As waiters and waitresses leave the kitchen with trays full of food, they are reminded by a quote on the wall reading, “Great connections over great food.” Red Rabbit Grill makes a sincere effort to provide locals and visitors in both Rexburg and Pocatello with a great meal. They also make sure that they connect with the people. Hodges says, “It’s a great place to work because you meet so many new people that come in.” Connections are everything to the Smith’s. Red Rabbit Grill isn’t just a place to grab a meal, it’s a staple in the community. Whether it’s families gathering for a weekend dinner or students stopping by in between classes, the restaurant has built a strong, loyal following. This dedication to quality and scratch-made sauces is what keeps customers coming back.

For many customers, the restaurant is more than just a place to eat; It’s a familiar, comfortable space where good food and good company come together. Local customer Gwen Anderton, says the sauces and workers are what make every visit special. “They got some fat fries and I love to dip them in the sauce,” they explain. “Out of the whole menu, I would choose the appetizer carne asada fries, they are so good. The servers are also great, I know when I go to RRG I will be treated nicely.” It's this level of care and consistency that makes the restaurant feel less like a business and more like home. With locations in both Rexburg and Pocatello, Red Rabbit Grill continues to draw in locals looking for something made with care. Through the homemade sauces, the variety of menu, and the full-service dining experience, it’s clear that the restaurant has created a memorable name in the community.

RRG pretzel bites with homemade cheese sauce. Photo credit: RRG Instagram.

As the first bite of a burger hits, the sauce makes all the difference. The fries are dipped, the sandwiches are stacked high, and everything tastes just right. When the meal is done and the plates are cleared, the service and environment lingers. The message on the wall, “Great connections over great food”, reflects the experience. Whether it’s the homemade sauces or the friendly service, something about the experience makes it feel like a place you want to return to again and again. 

Works Cited

McDonald’s Website:

https://www.mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb/help/faq/where-does-your-curry-sauce-come-from.html