Celebrate 100 episodes of Savor the Ozarks with a true Springfield legend! 🎉 Joy sits down with Nicola Gilardi—the culinary icon behind beloved spots like Teatro, Gilardi’s, Nicola’s, and now Maso Pizza Bar. Nicola shares his incredible journey from growing up in a restaurant family near the Italian Alps to building a decades-long legacy in the 417. 🇮🇹🍕

Tune in for a fun, heartfelt conversation filled with stories about the local restaurant scene, the importance of supporting independent local businesses, what it's really like catering those epic Chiefs tailgates, and why Springfield became his forever home. It's a delicious milestone you won't want to miss! 🥂❤️✨

Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's, Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub, and Kitchenland USA!

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Joy is proving that you don't need to be near the coast to find the freshest catch in town! She sits down with Chris Perkins, the owner of Seafood Express, to hear the wild story of how a former factory worker turned his passion for food into a full-blown mission to bring Gulf-fresh seafood to the 417. From the early days of hauling 500 pounds of shrimp in a pickup truck to operating a thriving warehouse and retail market today, Chris shares what it really takes to source and transport high-quality seafood across the Midwest. 🦐🌊

Whether you’re a seafood pro or a little intimidated by the kitchen, Chris and his team have you covered with everything from "cracked money" remoulade sauce to fresh-shucked oysters and authentic Cajun staples like boudin sausage and crawfish. It’s a fun, inside look at the passion behind a business that’s bringing a little bit of the Gulf Coast to Springfield, six days a week! 😋🦞✨

Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's, Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub, and Kitchenland USA!

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Get ready to roll with some serious local inspiration! Joy is sitting down with Michael and Jenny Cho, the brilliant duo who turned a simple "what if" office game into the culinary phenomenon known as Craft Sushi! Their unique "bespoke" concept blends high-quality sushi with Michael’s authentic Korean family recipes, creating a fusion that’s as fresh as it is delicious. 🍣🥢
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From their "Springfield viral" moment during the pandemic to their exciting expansion into the new OTC Student Union, the Chos share how their commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients has kept the community coming back for eight years. Grab a roll, listen to their story, and find out why this local favorite is so much more than just another sushi spot! 😋🍱✨

Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's, Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub, and Kitchenland USA!

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Ever wondered how Andy’s Frozen Custard became a household name? In this episode of Savor the Ozarks, Joy sits down with Carol Kuntz to hear the incredible story of how a little frozen custard stand at Lake of the Ozarks (launched during a snowstorm, how fitting!) grew into a beloved brand with over 160 locations. From the difference between ice cream and custard to the creation of fan-favorite treats like the Jackhammer, Carol shares the history, innovation, and family-driven culture behind Andy’s success. Whether you're a die-hard Andy’s fan or just love a good business story, this episode is packed with sweet insights you won’t want to miss! 🍦✨

Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's, Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub, and Kitchenland USA!

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Joy is taking a stroll downtown to visit the Ozarks Farm Stop on the corner of South Avenue and Walnut! She catches up with Karissa Kary to chat about how this amazing "farm stop" model is shaking things up by giving our local farmers a place to sell their goods six days a week without having to mind the store all day. It’s all about getting more money directly into the hands of the folks growing our food, which is such a win for our local community! 🍅🚜✨

The shop is so much more than your average grocery store—it’s a true hub where you can grab everything from fresh eggs and seasonal tomatoes to hand-painted beeswax art. Karissa even spills the beans on some fun plans for their big expanded back space, including a shared commercial kitchen that will act as an incubator for local startups, and hints at some exciting surprises coming this August! 😋🍯🥖T

hanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's, Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub, and Kitchenland USA!

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Joy is turning up the heat this week at one of Springfield’s most beloved spots: Crosstown BBQ! She dives into the "low-and-slow" life to chat about the family history behind the restaurant and even some fun topics like Chiefs football and an unexpected passion for electric football. It’s a savory, honest deep dive into the heart and soul that fuels every bite. 🍖🔥

Beyond the grill, Joy talks with the owner about the future, including thoughts on possible retirement and a special moment where he performed an original song about the restaurant live on stage at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall. Grab a stack of napkins and join Joy for this flavor-packed celebration of one of our favorite local institutions—it’s a smoky, heartfelt adventure you won’t want to miss! 😋🍽️

Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's, Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub, and Kitchenland USA!

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Joy is back at the National Restaurant Show in Chicago, but this time she’s parked herself at the Taste of the States pavilion to spotlight the incredible family-run operations hailing from Arkansas! With nearly 18,000 square feet showcasing food from 21 states, this pavilion is a goldmine for discovering the passionate people behind the products that reach tables across the country. 

Inside this episode:

• Della Rice: Joy sits down with Stephen Hilsdon to hear the inspiring story of how he and his wife purchased the rice mill where he worked to save the legacy and jobs of their small Brinkley community.

• Delta Dirt Distillery: Thomas Williams shares the amazing history of his family farm in Helena, which transitioned from sharecropping in the 1800s to a modern, award-winning distillery crafting spirits from—believe it or not—sweet potatoes.

• York Pecan Company: Meet the fifth generation of the York family as they break down the fascinating world of native pecans. Starnes York and Brittany Eshelman explain why the pecan is America’s only native tree nut and the intense, manual labor—yes, including climbing trees to pollinate by hand—that goes into every harvest.

Whether you’re a foodie interested in where your ingredients come from or just love a good story of small-town resilience and innovation, this episode celebrates the families and farmers who are putting Arkansas on the culinary map! 😋🥜🌾

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Joy catches up with Matt Mahan and the team behind Springfield’s Date Lady at the National Restaurant Association show in Chicago to discuss their journey from a small Commercial Street startup to a national presence. Founded by Colleen Sundley after she discovered the versatility of date syrup while living in the UAE, the company has pioneered the use of healthy, clean-label date sweeteners in the U.S. market. 🌴🍯
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Beyond their signature syrups, this conversation highlights the company's impressive growth and upcoming expansion into a new facility to launch a dedicated baking line for protein bars and chocolate chips. It is a high-energy look at how a locally-rooted business is successfully scaling its mission to provide nutritious, taste-forward alternatives for families and food service operators across the country! 😋✨

Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's, Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub, and Kitchenland USA!

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Buckle up, because Joy is on-locations at the National Restaurant Association show in Chicago! She’s diving into the weird and wonderful side of our food scene, starting with the legendary—and totally polarizing—Spam Dog. 🌭

While roaming the floor of the nation's biggest food show, Joy is also dishing on the latest industry trends and catching up with some local characters who keep Springfield’s dining scene vibrant. 📈👯 Grab a seat and join the party as we explore the quirky flavors and unpredictable spirit that make our community’s kitchens so special. It’s one flavor adventure you definitely don’t want to miss! 🎈✨

Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's, Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub, and Kitchenland USA!

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Joy is grabbing a seat at one of the most eccentric and beloved spots in the 417—Casper’s! She sits down with owner Shawn Kraft to discuss the history of this "burger and chili" landmark that has been a Springfield staple since 1909. Shawn shares the journey of taking over from the legendary Casper himself and the recent move to their new home on Glenstone.
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The episode dives into the secrets behind their famous secret-recipe chili and the quirky, poster-covered atmosphere that makes every visit an experience. You’ll hear about the "original" slider-style burgers, the famous sourdough bread, and why the "Casper’s vibe" remains unchanged even after over a century. It’s a perfect tribute to the comfort food and counter-culture spirit that keeps generations of locals coming back for more! 🍔✨🤘

Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's, Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub, and Kitchenland USA!

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