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!     

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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. ✨

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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!    

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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. 🥘🍤

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Pineapple Whip isn’t just a dessert; it’s a summertime rite of passage. 🍧 
Joy Robertson sits down with Zach Fortner to chat about how this magical swirl went from a family-run carnival favorite to a Springfield obsession. Get the behind-the-trailer scoop on fan-favorite flavors, what it's like to run a business that's only open part of the year, and why the first warm day brings the crowds running.🍍🍦

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Joy Robertson sits down with high school sweethearts Victor and Sarah Briceno, owners of Mundo’s Latin Kitchen & Bar in Ozark, for a fun and flavorful conversation about food, family, and chasing your dreams. From growing up in the restaurant biz to opening their own spot featuring dishes from across Latin America (like mofongo, Lomo Saltado, patacón... yum!), this couple shares the heart and hustle behind their five-year journey. You’ll hear about how Sarah left radiology to join Victor full-time, the family-friendly vibe of their second restaurant/nightclub hybrid OXO, and how they’re raising their kids in the middle of it all.

It’s a delicious story of love, culture, and community served with a side of plantains. You’re gonna want to eat after this one! 🥘

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Get ready to eat your way around the world without ever leaving Springfield. 🌍🌮🍜

In this episode, Joy Robertson heads to Metro Eats, where food truck dreams, farmers market finds, and community vibes collide. Founder Christina Shellhart shares how she turned 10 acres on West Sunshine into a bustling hub of global cuisine and live entertainment, complete with 15+ food trucks, an all-day bar, a farmers market, and future plans for a haunted forest (yes, really).

From Taiwanese snow and African goat stew to barbecue, boba, and bubble tea, Christina’s vision is all about supporting passionate local chefs and letting food tell the story. Plus, with a bee sanctuary on-site, there’s something sweet in every corner. Come hungry and stay for the live jazz, vintage markets, and maybe even a legendary Bloody Mary from The Warehouse Bar. There’s nothing else like it in the Ozarks.

Thanks to our Savor The Ozarks sponsor, Arctic Food Equipment!   

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Joy Robertson heads to Willard, Missouri to visit The Hive of the Ozarks, a cozy, cheerful café that’s so much more than a breakfast and lunch spot. Founded by former school counselor Melissa Skaggs, The Hive is a non-profit workforce training ground where individuals with differing abilities gain real-world job skills through paid internships, and where the food and mission are equally heartwarming.

From scratch-made kolaches and coconut lime cookies to house-made hummus and artisan mixed sodas, The Hive serves up local love in every bite. Joy chats with Melissa about leaving her counseling career to start The Hive, her son Jacob's journey, and how the community is helping this sweet spot buzz with purpose. You’ll also meet some of the incredible team members, regulars, and supporters behind the scenes. Grab a coffee, settle in, and prepare to be inspired. 🐝💛

Thanks to our Savor The Ozarks sponsor, Arctic Food Equipment!   

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Joy Robertson visits Show Me Chuy in Springfield, where Mexican and Italian flavors come together in one seriously delicious fusion. Meet Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, the chef and dreamer behind the menu, and his wife Judith Martinez Garcia, the powerhouse who runs the show behind the scenes while letting Chuy take full charge of the kitchen.

Chuy shares his passion for changing how people think about Mexican food, introducing dishes like Mexican lasagna, Pollo Poblano, and a pork chop topped with mango pico. With twenty years of experience and a big heart, he’s building community through food and turning guests into family.

Joy dives into their story, their flavors, and maybe even grabs a bite or two. Pull up a chair and get ready to savor something truly special. 🌶

Thanks to our Savor The Ozarks sponsor, Arctic Food Equipment!  

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Joy Robertson wraps up her whirlwind time at the National Restaurant Show in Chicago with a hometown twist! In this episode of Savor the Ozarks, Joy catches up with food industry powerhouses from right here in the 417, because who says Springfield can't hang with the big dogs?

First up, she sits down with Mike and Casey Jalili, the dynamic duo behind Springfield staples like Flame, Char, and Black Sheep. They dish on what trends caught their eye and how restaurant tech is changing the game. Then Joy chats with Aaron Gregory, Executive Chef at SGC Food Service, who’s on the hunt for the next big thing in flavor. From mocktails and dirty sodas to pinça pizza crust, Aaron’s got his finger on the culinary pulse, and he's not afraid to get a little weird (in the best way possible).

You’ll even get the inside scoop on the real MVP of the restaurant world—the walk-in cooler. Turns out, it’s not just for keeping food cold... it’s also where chefs go to chill themselves (tears, screams, deep breaths... whatever it takes). Joy’s wrapping up her time at the National Restaurant Show with laughs, local flavor, and fresh insights. Ending on a high note, the Ozarks way!

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