One of the Nisqually Valley region’s most popular establishments, Yelm’s 507 Taproom, will be highlighted on YouTube by the channel “America’s Best Restaurants Roadshow” in an exclusive interview and feature of the bar and grill, located 608 E. Yelm Ave.
Bill DeVore, owner of both 507 Taproom locations in Yelm, said America’s Best Restaurant Roadshow made its way to Yelm on Friday, Sept. 20, to interview him and Juan Martinez, who handles the food side of the 507 Taproom, and to film content for an episode to upload onto YouTube.
“The biggest thing about [being featured on America’s Best Restaurant Roadshow] is it shows the hard work that we’ve done [at 507 Taproom] and that we’re trying to do the best we can to provide a good product is paying off,” DeVore said. “When we first opened next door, it was just a taproom. Coming over here and partnering with Juan, in reference to food, made a big difference. We know that we picked the right person to lease the restaurant to and to make sure it’s a great product for everyone.”
DeVore said he and Martinez saw that America’s Best Restaurant featured Nicole’s Bar in Olympia on its YouTube channel and reached out to the program to figure out how they could be included on the show.
Eventually, America’s Best Restaurant reached out to the 507 Taproom about the establishment being featured on the show, and a Zoom meeting was scheduled between the two parties to see if there was a fit.
“We sat here one morning and had a Zoom meeting. We made sure there was product placed behind us during the meeting, and we had about an hour-long conversation,” DeVore said. “They told us that they felt we would be a good fit [for the show] and that they’d definitely like to come out and film.”
Martinez added that it’s going to be an awesome opportunity to be featured on the show. He said he and DeVore previously discussed how nice it would be to be featured on “Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives,” or a show similar in nature — and now it’s becoming a reality for the local establishment.
“I think it will bring some traction to us and allow us to showcase what we do with our burgers and food,” Martinez said. “I anticipate our Philly cheesesteak and a few of our specialty burgers being featured. I think those are the main items that people know us for.
“It’s cool that they reached out and we were able to set it up. It’s great that there’s a place in Yelm that the channel wants to come and check out,” he added. “It’s always been a dream that we’ve talked about, and how it’d be cool to be on a show like Triple D [Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives]. So it’s a good opportunity to be featured on this channel for sure.”
DeVore spoke highly of Martinez and the staff in charge of food at the 507 Taproom, stating they all do a great job. He said both parties have a goal of being community oriented through the establishment.
“They’re always perfecting the quality of the burgers and Philly cheesesteaks. All of the meat is sourced locally with Stewart’s Meats, and we try to keep all the vegetables and produce fresh every day. It’s a big thing, and people notice it,” DeVore said. “We try to stay as active in the community as we can, in reference to the Gala, the Nisqually Valley Barbecue Rally, Prairie Days — whatever it is, we’re involved in some aspect of it. To have a company like this come in and recognize us in Yelm and be able to spotlight Yelm for other businesses, is great.”
DeVore added that he and Martinez both love serving the Yelm community as there’s a sense of familiarity with the customers each time they’re in the bar and grill.
“It’s always nice when you come in on a Friday night or on a Saturday, and you know everybody in the room, but it also shows that with customer service and the product we provide, people wouldn’t come in if you didn’t have a good product,” DeVore said. “It doesn’t matter how well known you are or how many friends you have. Even your friends won’t show up if the products aren’t good.”
America’s Best Restaurants Roadshow can be found on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtXJc0pAZRPnmsgrHkgietQ.
