Savor The Ozarks

The holidays are here, the guests are coming, and the food pressure is real 🎄🍽️  Joy Robertson heads to the SGC Foodservice Culinary Center to talk party food with executive chef Aaron Gregory, the guy who sees holiday food trends before they hit your table. They dive into shareable favorites, charcuterie boards that never go out of style, sweet heat flavors like cranberry chipotle and mango habanero, and easy ways to upgrade classic dishes without stressing yourself out. From Brussels sprouts glow ups to speed scratch cooking, menu trends, and why January is actually one of the busiest food planning months of the year, this episode is packed with ideas you will want to steal. Consider this your permission slip to keep it simple, get creative, and enjoy the party 🎉See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Step inside College Street Café and you’ll feel it immediately… the nostalgia, the Route 66 magic, and the kind of comfort food that tastes like home. 🍳🍔 This week, Joy sits down with owner Mary Lou Meierotto, who stumbled into running this beloved Springfield diner completely by accident and ended up carrying on a legacy that dates back to the 1950s. They talk about everything that makes this place special, from hand-patted burgers and the chili-and-grilled-cheese combo everyone raves about, to the regulars who’ve been coming here for decades and still insist on sitting at the counter. It’s small-town comfort, bighearted hospitality, and classic Route 66 Americana all rolled into one cozy booth. Pull up a stool… this one will make you smile. 🙂See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If the holidays have you buried under cookies, casseroles, and expectations, Joy Robertson and food writer Juliana Goodwin are here with the gift of simplicity. In this festive video episode, Juliana shares her go-to five-ingredient recipes, including her melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, a unbeatable Mediterranean layer dip, and a flavor-loaded feta roasted pepper spread. She even brings a holiday cranberry margarita into the mix. 🍹 They swap stories, laugh about holiday kitchen chaos, and talk about why letting go of perfection can make your season brighter AND tastier. A cozy, delicious conversation that’ll make your holidays feel so much easier. 🎁✨See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🎄✨ It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like... J.HO.HO.B.! ✨🍸 If your Christmas spirit needs a little boost, step inside J.HO.HO.B., the holiday pop-up bar inside J.O.B. Public House on Walnut Street, where Christmas has officially exploded (in the best way possible). Joy Robertson chats with Nicole Brown, co-owner of the downtown favorite, about how this one-of-a-kind Springfield spot turned into a full-blown Christmas wonderland, complete with ceiling-to-floor tinsel, hundreds of ornaments, photo ops, themed cocktails, and even animatronic Star Wars Santas. Learn how this joyful transformation started as a heartfelt tribute to their late friend and former owner, and how it’s grown into one of the most talked-about holiday experiences in town. With drinks like the “That’s It, I’m Not Going” peppermint espresso martini, “Krampus in Cancun” margarita-in-an-ornament, and “Santa’s Balls” shots, it’s merry, cheeky, and totally unforgettable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping tea in a storybook, Ms. Gilmore’s on Springfield’s Historic Commercial Street is your invitation to do just that. 💕 Manager Karen Butts shares how this pink, chandelier-filled gem became the enchanting spot locals can’t stop talking about. With its Alice in Wonderland feel, homemade soups, sandwiches, and quiches, and desserts like the legendary lemon meringue bars, it’s easy to see why. 🫖 The community spirit on C-Street makes it even sweeter, with neighboring shops cheering each other on and collaborating for events like Sip & Shop. Whether you’re coming for tea, cake, or a little escape from reality, Ms. Gilmore’s promises pure delight and a touch of Wonderland whimsy. 🐇💗See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Savor the Ozarks, Joy sits down with Chaz Koeppen and Matt Gann, the heart and soul behind Cafe B-29 in Ozark, where they’re serving up more than just amazing food—they’re honoring heroes. With Veteran’s Day around the corner, Chaz and Matt share the incredible story of how their WWII veteran grandfathers inspired them to open a cafe that celebrates the American spirit. Get a taste of the cafe’s nostalgic, diner-style vibe, complete with military memorabilia donated by patrons, and hear all about their commitment to fresh, homemade meals (including their award-winning jalapeño popper burger!) They also dive into their community efforts and some memorable moments spent with veterans here in the Ozarks. Soak in all that and more, RIGHT HERE on Savor the Ozarks!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When life gave him every reason to quit, Chef James Cardelli turned it into fuel. Growing up in California with a rough start and no clear path, he found purpose in a Springfield kitchen, starting as a dishwasher at Jimm’s Steakhouse before working his way into the world of Michelin-starred dining in Chicago.In this Savor the Ozarks episode, Joy Robertson sits down with James as he shares how persistence landed him in elite restaurants and how he’s now gearing up to help Billy Parisi open a new spot in Crown Point, Indiana. James’s story is one of grit, growth, and finding light in the heat of the kitchen. It's proof that where you start doesn’t define where you’ll end up. 🍝✨ Thanks to our Savor The Ozarks sponsor, Arctic Food Equipment!        See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nestled beside a row of towering grain silos, The Table is not your average restaurant... it’s a love letter to creativity, faith, and family. Sisters Sheri Perkins and Renee Textor built this stunning space from the ground up, turning a forgotten lot into one of Springfield’s most beautiful dining spots.Inside, you’ll find crystal chandeliers, cozy fireplaces, antique finds, and food that feels like home but tastes like vacation. From bourbon peanut butter pancakes 🥞 to their famous toast flight 🍞 and Cajun chicken pasta 🍝, every dish has a story.What started as a leap of faith is now a community sensation, overflowing with guests just days after opening. The Table proves you don’t need restaurant experience to build something extraordinary; just a little grit, grace, and sister magic. 💫 Thanks to our Savor The Ozarks sponsor, Arctic Food Equipment!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Savor the Ozarks, Joy Robertson steps into the apocalypse... a delicious one! She’s at Branson’s Walkers, the zombie-themed walking taco joint dreamed up by owner William Doughty. 🧟 After 12 years in timeshare sales, William traded contracts for chips and chili, creating a one-of-a-kind spot where tacos come in a bag and every bite is a little bit wild. From the Crawler to the Chipocalypse, these walking tacos are served with a side of creativity and maybe a few creepy surprises. Joy and William talk zombies, business dreams, and Walker’s craziest feature, the Mutation Station, where brave guests spin a wheel to eat scorpions, crickets, or even Carolina Reaper peppers. (Yes, Joy takes the challenge!) It’s equal parts spooky and savory, and it’s only in Branson… for now. Hear how William’s plans for Springfield, KC, and beyond might just make the Midwest crave brains... and tacos! 🌮See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Savor the Ozarks, Joy Robertson pulls up a barstool at Jo’s Gather'n Place, a Springfield spot that’s been serving up home-cooked comfort and hometown connection for 25 years.Owner Jolene Eddington thought she’d only run the place for eight years... but when your restaurant becomes “like Cheers… with food,” it’s hard to walk away. From Meatloaf Mondays to Walleye Wednesdays and Steak Fridays, Jo’s is all about homemade favorites, friendly faces, and community stories that span generations.You’ll meet the tight-knit staff who’ve become family, hear why locals call in if they’re going to miss lunch, and find out which day is best to grab a plate of fried chicken or livers and gizzards (trust us, it’s worth the trip).Come for the food, stay for the people, because at Jo’s Gather'n Place, everyone’s family. Thanks to our Savor The Ozarks sponsor, Arctic Food Equipment!      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grab your chips and sauce! 🍽 Joy Robertson is digging into a true Ozarks original! She’s sitting down with Garin Ferguson, the third-generation owner of Mexican Villa, to unwrap how a daring World War II pilot turned a taste of San Antonio into Springfield’s signature spin on Mexican food. Hear how Hargrave Ferguson and his friend Mike from Mexico City created those famous hot, mild, and sweet sauces still made from scratch today. You’ll laugh at the story of the fur coat that fell from the sky, learn how one thrifty sign swap gave birth to “Mexican Villa,” and see why fans (including Brad Pitt!) keep coming back for enchiladas, tacos, and that unforgettable sweet sauce. Plus, Garin shares how the family keeps honoring tradition while stirring in fresh touches like margarita Mondays to street-taco Thursdays, all while serving up big flavor and even bigger heart.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joy Robertson takes a trip down Highway 7 to Jasper, Arkansas, where one of the Ozarks’ most surprising gems awaits: Low Gap Café. Owner Marie Bottini shares the remarkable story of how she and her late husband, Chef Nick Bottini, built a fine-dining destination “in the boonies.” Nick’s world-class culinary chops brought dishes like pan-seared scallops with mango curry cream sauce, house-made pastas, and perfectly seared steaks to a tiny town most people would drive right past. Marie now carries on his legacy with the help of family: her nephews in the kitchen, her granddaughter waiting tables, and Marie herself baking up indulgent desserts like chocolate cake, cobblers, and cheesecakes. Pull up a chair (and maybe a to-go box, because portions here are big) and hear why Low Gap Café is worth the drive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Joy Robertson sits down with Brandon “Chef Tiny” Moore, the chef who turned nostalgia into a menu and made Springfield fall in love all over again. At Retro Metro, you’ll find classics from the old Metropolitan Grill (yes, the famous flash-fried spinach and cocoa pasta are back!) right alongside new hits like the outrageous Fat Tiny Burger. Chef Tiny dishes on everything, like growing up with casserole-loving Midwestern roots, cooking at Charlie Trotter’s in Chicago, hanging with Springfield’s restaurant legends, and why he’s convinced he’ll “die here in southwest Springfield.” He’s hilarious, passionate, and very serious about his burgers. You've gotta hear this one. 🍔See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joy Robertson pulls back the curtain at OTC’s student-run restaurant, Scallions, where culinary students transform their classroom into a real fine-dining experience. 👨‍🍳👩‍🍳​​​​​​​Chef Daniel Pliska shares why everything (and we mean everything) is made from scratch. Lisa Gardner reveals how she trains students in the art of hospitality and why she sometimes tells them to “go talk to the vegetables” when the stress gets real. You’ll also hear from proud program grads who’ve gone on to professional kitchens but return each week to cheer on the next wave of talent. Add in dreamy desserts like profiteroles dripping in bananas foster sauce, and your mouth will be watering the entire episode. 🥘 Thanks to our Savor The Ozarks sponsor, Arctic Food Equipment!      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wished you could sneak away to the Caribbean without leaving Springfield? That’s exactly the vibe Greg Walker is serving up at Palm & Paddle. 🌴  Joy Robertson sits down with Greg to hear how a hotel owner who swore he’d never open a restaurant ended up creating a tropical getaway right here in Springfield. From jerk chicken and coconut shrimp to their famous Rasta Pasta and tacos that nearly won it all at a local competition, Palm and Paddle is bringing sunshine and spice to the Ozarks. Greg also spills on the challenges of being a first-time restaurateur, why his mom’s key lime pie gets rave reviews (even from Floridians), and how live music, rum flights, and happy hour make this spot feel like a vacation close to home. Pull up a chair, grab a cocktail, and get ready for some Caribbean flair, Ozarks-style. 🍹✨See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you get when two Springfield bankers swap balance sheets for bubbling jars of tea? Spring Branch Kombucha! 🫧 Joy Robertson sits down with Chris and Jessica Ollis to spill the (fermented) tea on how a basement experiment turned into one of the Ozarks’ favorite fizzy sips. From blueberry thyme to apple pie, these two built a kombucha brand that’s as bold as its flavors. They share how farmers markets turned into statewide distribution, how they survived (and thrived) through COVID with a pivot to cans, and why kombucha is winning over people looking for tasty non-alcoholic alternatives. Oh, and don’t miss the story of their “Ohana” flavor that raised thousands for Maui wildfire relief. 🌺 It’s bubbly, it’s feel-good, and it’s all brewed right here in the Ozarks. Pop a can, hit play, and join the fun! ✨ Thanks to our Savor The Ozarks sponsor, Arctic Food Equipment!     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when a California restaurant guy trades corporate chains for a north Springfield strip mall? You get Neighborhood Pizza... and one heck of a story. 🍕Joy Robertson chats with Larry Grace, who literally wrote a letter that convinced founder and former owner, Lisa, to sell him the place back in 2017. Since then, Larry’s been carrying on her legacy (and her grandma’s legendary sweet French dressing) while putting his own spin on the menu with calzones, loaded specialty pies, and enough toppings to make folding a slice practically illegal.From loyal customers who kept them booming through COVID to dreams of franchising, Larry proves a neighborhood spot can have big-time flavor and heart. Thanks to our Savor The Ozarks sponsor, Arctic Food Equipment!     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joy Robertson makes a pit stop at Kad-E-Korner, the little gas-station-turned-restaurant north of Springfield that’s serving up big-time flavor and small-town charm. She sits down with current owner Martha and former owner Coleen to dish on 80+ years of history, famous hand-curled fries, and burgers so good people plan road trips around them. 🍔 You’ll hear how Martha went from customer to owner (thanks to a fateful plate of bacon), why locals call this place a second home, and how “wine and worms” somehow makes perfect sense here. Add in live music nights, a Sunday farmers market, and a booth made famous by Chappell Roan, and you’ve got one unforgettable Ozarks story. ✨See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joy Robertson hits the road for Omaha, Arkansas, where Lilliehobbs Bakery and Mercantile is dishing out comfort food, nostalgic treats, and Southern charm you didn’t even know you needed! 🥧 Owner Kelly Lindberg chats about how old-school family recipes, a flair for storytelling, and a love for real, homemade eats turned her roadside dream into a beloved Ozarks destination. Think fried bologna sandwiches so good folks drive hours to eat them and pies inspired by granny-approved recipes found in dusty old flea-market boxes. Plus, there’s a mercantile full of local goodies, sourdough classes that double as dinner parties, and whispers of a new steakhouse opening soon. Pull up a chair, you’re family now! Thanks to our Savor The Ozarks sponsor, Arctic Food Equipment!    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do alligators, ghosts, and French-Cajun fusion have in common? 🐊 They’re all part of the delicious mystery Joy Robertson uncovers at the BRAND NEW La Roux Bistro on Commercial Street. She sits down with local restaurant legend Joe Gidman (who brought us Café Cusco and Van Gogh’s) to hear how his latest spot blends Louisiana flair with French technique, all inside a historic 1885 building complete with a secret underground vault and a possible ghost named Virgil. 👻 From crab beignets to bourbon bread pudding, it’s all made from scratch with ingredients shipped straight from the bayou. Plus, Joe spills secrets about managing multiple restaurants, juggling two head chefs, and crafting hurricanes that’ll blow you away (literally). It's a "Big Easy" to say... this spot serves up bold flavors, rich history, and a whole lot of personality. 🥘🍤See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.