Residents and visitors have a new place to “fuel up” in downtown McGregor. The Station on Main opens July 3, offering tasty burgers, fries, shakes and a community gathering spot.
The eatery is located at 127 Main St., the site of a former service station that supplied McGregor with fuel and auto repairs since the 1930s. Owners Jenifer and Jeff Westphal want to pay homage to that history, which includes Jenifer’s father, Herb Collins, who owned the Standard Oil station and worked as a jobber. As a girl, Jen also spent her summers there washing windows and pumping gas.
“Jen Westphal was born and raised here, and her dad worked here at the original station. She wanted to give homage to the old station. She wanted to give back to McGregor what she was given,” said general manager Chad Miller.
The design of the newly constructed building reflects the original building. Inside, you’ll even find a restored gas pump that dates back to that era.
The Station is also inspired by Woerm’s Wiggle Inn, McGregor’s original burger place and a popular gathering spot.
“We kind of customized our menu to give homage to that—great tasting, delicious, price-worthy burgers, good appetizers and fries, ice cream shakes and sundaes,” Miller said.
Miller is a Dubuque native and has 25 years of restaurant experience, including as an hourly team member, manager and then the last four years owning his own place.
“There, I got to bring in my own creativity with sauces and burgers. And this is a burger place, so it was perfect for myself,” he shared.
Miller was also attracted to McGregor’s atmosphere and the chance to help launch The Station, which is among the first public-facing projects within the Westphals’ broader “The McGregor Project.”
Through a thoughtful, multi-phased approach, The McGregor Project aims to support local and regional businesses across hospitality, housing, dining, retail, entertainment and tourism with a focus on sustainable growth and year-round activity. The initiative includes a mix of restored buildings, reimagined spaces and locally inspired experiences designed to reflect the town’s heritage and identity. Efforts will emphasize authenticity, craftsmanship and community connection, with each phase intended to build upon the qualities that make McGregor a unique destination.
“I became part of this because I’ve been to McGregor a few times in my past. My wife and I traveled through here a few times and I’m like, ‘This is such a neat town,’” Miller said. “I was enamored when this opportunity came, to be part of The McGregor Project and growing within a new community.”
Columbia Hospitality, a leading hospitality solutions provider and management company, is overseeing efforts at The Station. Miller will be supported by familiar McGregor faces Brenda Boeke and Jonathan Clark in the kitchen. Other local staff are also on board.
“We have a real great, strong core, and we’re just trying to build around that core,” Miller said.
The Station staff will serve up burgers—featuring station sauce—as well as a breaded fried chicken sandwich, an adult grilled cheese and chicken tenders. You can also select from multiple sides: French fries, onion rings, cheese curds, fried pickle spears, beef chili and The Station salad.
“All of our sauces and dressings are house made,” Miller noted, including ranch and a raspberry jalapeño jam he developed with his wife.
Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy soft serve ice cream in a cup or waffle or sugar cone; root beer floats; and a classic sundae with soft serve ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream and cherries. Milkshake flavor options are chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, Oreo cookie and local maple syrup.
Soda, coffee and alcoholic beverages—canned and draft beer, seltzers and wine—are available as well.
“It’s really going to be awesome to have a place that’s got a great burger and a great community-driven connection where people come and hang out,” Miller said.
Along with indoor seating, The Station offers ample outdoor space where patrons can enjoy their meal under lights, surrounded by beautiful flowers, while viewing downtown McGregor. Anticipate live music, as well as games on the nearby grassy yard.
“We will have the garage door open during the good days, with the nice breeze from the river. Obviously, it will be closed in the wintertime and when the cold fall hits,” said Miller.
The Station ribbon cutting was June 30, then Friday, July 3 will be the grand opening. Once open, the hours will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, then 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Miller hopes The Station engenders “a sense of pride, a sense of homage to old McGregor, to Jen’s dad, to Jen. We’re very excited about this first imprint into the community and watching things grow as the years come.”
Learn more at www.thestationburgers.com and www.themcgregorproject.com.
