After 35 years, Rupe’s Burgers manager Leo Wallace retires
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BLACKFOOT — After 35 years behind the counter, in the kitchen, waiting tables and literally at the heart of one of Blackfoot’s most beloved restaurants, longtime Rupe’s Burgers manager Leo Wallace is retiring.
A job of a lifetime
A Blackfoot native, Wallace walked into Rupe’s in November 1991, looking for a job, and found a second home.
At the time, owner Kevin Rupe had taken over the business from his father, Vaughn Rupe, a few years prior, and was still building both his team and the restaurant.
Wallace had been working in the body shop at Blackfoot Motors, but the paint chemicals were bothering him, and his doctor suggested he find a new profession.
“I was hesitant to hire him because he was a little older, and I was about 30 at the time and had mostly hired younger employees,” Rupe recalled. “I told him if he’d stay until spring, I’d give him a job.”
Wallace’s response was simple and prophetic.
“I plan on staying much longer than that,” Wallace said.
“Who knew it would be 35 years?” Rupe said.
Wallace started as a cook but quickly proved himself. Within a few years, he was promoted to day manager — a role he has held ever since.
During his time, Rupe’s grew into a Blackfoot mainstay known for its classic American fare, loyal customer base and strong ties to the community. Wallace was a steady presence through it all.
“Why did I stay? Rupe’s is a good employer, and I loved sitting down and visiting with the people,” Wallace said. “That’s what kept me here.”
He also helped shape the menu along the way.
“The mushroom burger was my favorite for years, but that got replaced by the Reno pastrami burger,” he said.
“Milkshakes are my favorite. I love the Oreo and blackberry shakes,” he added.
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Over the years, Wallace trained countless young employees — many of them working their very first job. His patience, consistency, and work ethic left a lasting impression on generations of local teens.
Though Wallace considered waiting until November to retire — the same month he started — he ultimately decided the time was right to do it now.
More than anything, he says it’s the people he’ll miss most.
“The customers, my co-workers, and the school kids. That’s what I’ll miss the most,” he said.
And they will miss him.
“Leo and I have been together for a long time,” Rupe said. “Rupe’s would not be what it is today without his hard work and input. I owe him a lot.”
“He knows the ins and outs of this business,” said Tara Rupe, who will step into the manager role. “It takes three people to do the amount of work he did. He did it all. He knows all the machines and can fix anything. No one can replace Leo. We will miss him.”
Longtime co-worker Corina Harris, who worked alongside Wallace for 27 years, became emotional as she spoke about her friend’s departure.
“Rupe’s would not be Rupe’s without Leo,” she said. “We worked as a team. He could finish what I started, and I could finish what he started.”
Regulars say Wallace’s friendliness and attention to detail made all the difference.
“Leo was amazing with his customers,” said Jackie Graham, a longtime customer who also worked with Wallace during her time in advertising at the Morning News. “He always gave 110 percent to make sure everyone was satisfied. Despite many trials, he was always upbeat, friendly and positive.”
Wallace has also helped with numerous community and nonprofit activities supported by Rupe’s over the years, including Santa’s Helpers, Blackfoot Distinguished Young Women and Soroptimist programs.
While working at Rupe’s in 2017, Wallace was a recipient of the East Idaho News Secret Santa.
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Looking ahead to retirement
Wallace is also a local historian and serves as the superintendent of the antiques department at the Eastern Idaho State Fair. An avid collector, he plans to spend more time attending antique shows and continuing his involvement at the fair.
“I enjoy the fair. I’ll keep doing that and going to antique shows,” he said.
Since announcing his retirement, Wallace has been overwhelmed with hugs, well-wishes, and heartfelt thanks from the community he has served for more than three decades.
“I love the hugs,” he said.
The Rupe’s team is inviting the community to stop by the restaurant on Thursday, March 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Wallace’s last day on the job — to celebrate his career, enjoy refreshments, and give him one more hug as they send him off into retirement.
