Savor The Ozarks

Get ready to experience the most peaceful farm on the north side! Joy heads out to Tasty Acres Farm on Highway AA to chat with co-owner Peyton Andrews, who traded a career in pediatric mental health and the Chamber of Commerce to get her hands dirty on a gorgeous 12-acre farm with her husband.

From pre-planting a whopping 23,000 strawberry plants every year to hosting fall favorites like pumpkin chucking and "Crowchella," this place is all about slow living and wholesome community fun. Stop by for fresh produce, local gift items, and a cozy coffee bar, and be...

Joy chats with local restaurateur Jennifer Barr, who—along with her husband, Darryl—owns both Georgia Mac's and the legendary Uncle Bentlys in Springfield! After opening Georgia Mac's in 2018 (named after their moms and serving up incredible comfort food and Southern classics), Jennifer and Darryl took over the iconic South National neighborhood staple, Uncle Bentlys. They gave the beloved bar a fresh update while keeping its classic charm intact, adding a popular salad bar and a fantastic scratch-made dinner menu featuring pork belly Peppadews, jumbo crab cakes, and tableside hanging bacon!

Tune in to hear all about thei...

Joy shares a special, bonus interview recorded while at sea on the Chris Botti at Sea cruise! She sits down with legendary restaurant critic Michael Bauer, who spent an incredible 32 years as the food editor and restaurant critic for the San Francisco Chronicle. Michael shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories of what it really takes to review restaurants incognito—including growing beards, wearing fat suits, and learning how to separate poor service from the actual food on the plate.

Tune in to hear how growing up around his father's wholesale meat market in Kansas shaped his love for dining ou...

Joy sits down with local franchise owners Donna and Jamie Jacobsen to talk about their journey with Springfield's beloved Fazoli's locations and their exciting upcoming venture, Capriotti's Sandwich Shop! Jamie shares his culinary background—starting from cooking in a nursing home at age 14 to serving as executive chef at the Ramada Hawthorne Park and Branson's Cowboy Cafe—before partnering with Larry Graham to run local Fazoli's restaurants.

​Tune in to hear how the Jacobsens built a legacy of community support (like their annual Crosslines coupon book fundraiser) and get the inside scoop on Capriotti's, featuring fresh-roasted whole turkeys d...

Joy visits Metro Eats on West Sunshine to check out Stusquatch's Rock Star Barbecue! She sits down with owner Stu Aldridge and General Manager Betsy Walker to talk about how this rock-and-roll-themed BBQ joint came to be. From music-inspired menu items like "The Limp Brisket" and the "Owner of a Provolonely Heart" sandwich to local Ozark wood-smoked meats, scratch-made sides, and shared community vibes with the adjacent Where House Bar, this episode is a fun-filled deep dive into barbecue and blues. 🎸🍖✨

Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's, 

Joy visits a Springfield favorite, Bambinos, and hits the restaurant "trifecta" by chatting with Andy Faucett, his brother Chuck Faucett, and their mother and matriarch, Mary Faucett! Mary shares her incredible backstory of how she accidentally started her restaurant journey—going to file for unemployment after earning her master's degree in English when she spotted a for-sale sign at a small diner—which eventually led to opening restaurants like The Main Cafe and Nonna's downtown.

Tune in to hear how Andy and his original partner, Brian Ash, launched the first Bambinos in Columbia, Missouri, back in 1994, before brin...

Joy heads down to Ozark, Missouri, to visit the legendary Billy Gail's! She chats with Director of Operations Nick Hurshman about the rich history of this Ozarks staple, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in a building that started out as an old gas station. Famous for their massive, hubcap-sized 14-inch pancakes and mouthwatering French cakes, Billy Gail's is a true breakfast paradise (though they serve up fantastic burgers, chicken-fried steak, and one-pound tenderloins, too!). 🥞🥓✨

Tune in to hear how the ownership team expanded the original location, added amazing menu items like the glazed donut burger and "Billion...

Joy sits down with Paul Sundy, the mastermind behind the homegrown Ozarks favorite, Big Whiskey's! What started back in 2007 as a DIY labor of love in downtown Springfield has officially exploded into a booming franchise with over 20 locations and counting. From his early days rolling pretzels at Auntie Anne's to the heartwarming (and slightly humorous) story of how a regular ordering a "big" Crown and Coke inspired the restaurant's iconic name, Paul shares the wild ride of building a scratch-kitchen favorite. 🥃🍔✨

Tune in to hear how Big Whiskey's evolved from a casual bar and grill into a full-blo...

Joy is checking out the stunning new look at the corner of Sunshine and Glenstone! She sits down with Steve Belden, co-founder of Scratch & Co., to talk about bringing a true from-scratch dining experience to one of the busiest intersections in the Ozarks. From their number-one-selling beef stroganoff (inspired by Steve's mom!) to elevated spinach-and-mushroom dip, local art murals, and an amazing rooftop space with live music, this episode is a celebration of great food, local passion, and downtown community vibes. 🍽️✨

Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's, 

Joy drops anchor downtown to visit 417 Cocktails and chats with owner, founder, and home-mixology wizard Mandi Fritz! What started as a fun pandemic-era creative outlet—making custom cocktail kits and syrups while video-chatting on Zoom with her sister—blossomed into a thriving retail shop. From stocking over 40 varieties of bitters (which Mandy loves using in everything from salad dressings to chocolate chip cookies!) to curating zero-proof spirits and gorgeous barware, this place is a dream for anyone looking to elevate their home bar. 🍸✨

Tune in to hear how Mandi pivoted from stay-at-home homeschooling mom to downtown store owner, wh...

Joy is visiting the cutest little patio spot on South Campbell for this episode: El Cafecito! She chats with co-owner Shanie Valdez about how she and her husband, Cristhian, built this vibrant, bilingual coffee shop and bakery that blends their love for specialty coffee with authentic Mexican culture and flavors. ☕🥐✨

Tune in to hear how Shanie and Cristhian's love story crossed language barriers with the help of Google Translate, how their popular Saturday morning run club grew out of a desire for connection, and why they consider this charming community-focused cafe a blessing. Whether you're craving a creative...

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 mileston...

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...

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 rol...

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 episod...

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 st...

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...

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...

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...

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 definite...

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 "Ca...

Joy is heading just north of Springfield to spend a beautiful day in the fields with Curtis Millsap of Millsap Farms! Curtis shares the heart-warming backstory of how his family grew a small plot of land into a local institution known for sustainable produce and community-driven storytelling.

You’ll hear the secret behind their solar-heated greenhouses that keep fresh greens growing all winter and the magic of their legendary Thursday night Pizza Nights. Whether you're a fan of their "soil-first" philosophy or just want to hear about the 800 people who gather under the pavilion for wood-fired pizza, thi...

Joy sits down with Imtihan Alaid—better known to her friends as Asa—to explore the rich culinary traditions and stories behind her journey from Iraqi refugee to Midwest business owner. With an educational background in Radio & TV from her time in Turkey, Asa brings a natural comfort and ease to every conversation, making this episodea truly engaging look at her cultural struggles and successes.

You’ll hear about the unique flavors that define her heritage, including her secret to the perfect cup of Iraqi coffee: a bold, black blend infused with aromatic spices like saffron and cardamo...

Joy is sitting down at the stunning Hotel Vandivort to get a taste of the new spring menu at The Order with Corporate Executive Chef Calvin Davis and Chef de Cuisine Dylan Davis. They dive into the creative process behind seasonally driven dishes like their stunning seared scallops over fresh pea puree and a "Midwest-style" cabbage-leaf dolma.

Whether you're looking for the story behind their "Ozark-twist" on cashew chicken or curious about the famous guests—from Bill Nye to KISS—who have dined at this downtown destination, this episode is a delicious look at how The Order is keepi...

Joy is hanging out on historic Commercial Street with Whitney Justis at Brew 21 Extra Chromosome Coffee Co., a unique coffee shop located inside the Upside Down Mercantile. Founded in 2023 as a mobile trailer to create opportunities for their son Wyatt, who has Down syndrome, this family business has quickly blossomed into a beloved brick-and-mortar staple.

Sharing a space with a nonprofit mercantile that features 23 brands developed by individuals with Down syndrome, Brew 21 is all about celebrating independence, community, and the "God-given uniqueness" of everyone—all while serving up local blends and hosting the wildest "Coffee and Karaoke" pa...

Buckle up for a trip down memory lane! 🚗 This week on Savor the Ozarks, Joy is taking a break from restaurateurs to talk history with one of the most knowledgeable people in town—John Sellars, Executive Director Emeritus of the History Museum on the Square.

With the massive Route 66 Centennial Celebration approaching, John takes us on a "drive" along the Mother Road in Springfield, sharing stories of the legendary spots that paved the way for the 417’s food scene. You'll hear the backstory of how Springfield became the birthplace of Route 66 and so many other fascinating stories...

Joy is celebrating a major milestone this week with Patti Wingo, who is ringing in 26 years of Simply Delicious Catering! From her early days as a personal chef to managing massive events for over 3,000 guests, Patti shares the "simply delicious" backstory of how she built her culinary empire.

Whether she’s providing mobile bar services or fresh meals for a local gym, Patti’s passion for problem-solving and unique flavor profiles shines through every dish. This episode dives into her favorite Springfield "happy place" for a burger, her massive collection of over 1,000 cookbooks, and her secrets for keepin...

Joy is heading to the "Bread Box" to chat with Jeff Seifried about the heart and hustle behind Mother’s Brewing Company. From his days at Drury University and serving on City Council to taking the reins of this iconic Springfield brand, Jeff shares how a 100-year-old bakery became a powerhouse for craft beer distribution.

You’ll hear the story behind their "tattoo" style logo and why the backyard was specifically designed as a safe, fun spot for families to hang out together. Jeff also spills the tea (or beer!) on their taproom-tested pizza program, the legendary Mothe...

Joy is sitting down with a true Springfield icon, Nick Russo, at the corner of South and McDaniel! This week, we’re diving into the incredible backstory of how a Jersey boy from Atlantic City ended up becoming a staple of the Ozarks.

Nick shares the hilarious story of getting accepted to college in 1965 after nearly 30 rejections and how he built legendary local hangouts like the Iron Horse, Pop’s Malt Shop, and Ebbets Field.

You'll hear all about the heart behind St. Michael’s, where his wife Jenny is the "straw that stirs the drink...

Get ready to feel the luck of the Irish! ☘️🌈 Joy is hanging out at the iconic Finnegan's Wake to get the scoop on 20 years of Irish tradition in downtown Springfield.

She chats with owner Clayton Baker about everything from their historic 1800s building to the "non-serious" trivia nights that have been running for nearly two decades.

You'll hear all about their legendary St. Paddy's Day "Drunken Bruncheon," featuring 12-hour Guinness-braised corned beef and the massive "Full Finnegan" breakfast plate. It's the perfect way to kick off your spring festivities! 🍻✨🍳
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Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's, 

A hidden Italian gem with Chicago roots, celebrity stories, and recipes passed down for generations. 🍝🍕

Joy heads to Mr. Gilberti’s Place near Branson to sit down with Susan Gilberti and current owner James “Andy” Tolliver. The restaurant started with a Chicago pizza background and has grown into a beloved Ozarks institution with deep-dish pizza, homemade pasta, and recipes that have stood the test of time.

Along the way, you’ll hear incredible stories about the restaurant’s history, how Andy grew up learning in the kitchen, and the famous faces who’ve stopped in over the years inclu...

On this week's episode of Savor the Ozarks, Joy sits down with Jimm Swafford, owner of Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub. Jimm has always been in the food industry at some capacity, and when the opportunity came to have a steakhouse of his own, he seized it! Voted one of 417's finest restaurants, Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub offers the finest foods you would expect from a prestigious Award-Winning Steakhouse. Hear more about Jimm, his story, and those legendary doors NOW on Savor the Ozarks!

Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's and 

What if you could order anything on a menu and never worry about allergies again? 🥹✨
Joy sits down with Katrina “Kat” Hagan of The Safe Spoon, Springfield’s newest completely allergen-free café.

The Safe Spoon is free from the FDA’s top 9 allergens: milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and sesame. It’s also celiac-safe, Alpha-Gal safe, free from mammal, gluten, dyes, rice, and coconut. And there is zero cross-contamination in the kitchen. Zero. 💛

Kat shares how her lupus diagnosis, her husband’s Alpha-Gal journey, and her bakery Sensitively Sweet led to creating a space wher...

What does it take to keep a local restaurant rocking for more than 30 years? 🔥🍗
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Joy grabs a seat at Coyote’s Adobe Café with owner Dave Bauer, who opened the doors in 1992 with one simple goal… survive longer than the place before him. Safe to say, he did a little more than that. 😉

Dave shares how Coyote’s became a Springfield staple, from dialing in those famous wings to hosting unforgettable wing competitions, KC Chiefs celebrations, and fundraisers that bring the whole community together. It’s a fun conversation about grit, loyalty, and what it really takes to stay in the game fo...

✨🍷 Get ready to savor one of the most indulgent weekends in the Ozarks. 🍽️✨
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Joy Robertson heads to the breathtaking Big Cedar Lodge to sit down with Mark Stoner, Vice President of Food and Beverage, for a mouthwatering conversation about the legendary Celebration of Taste. Now in its 32nd year, this winter tradition brings together world-class wines, jaw-dropping dishes, cozy Ozarks vibes, and guests who return year after year just for this experience. From lobster crudo and wagyu tenderloin to wine seminars, fireside elegance, and that unmatched Big Cedar hospitality, this episode is basically a front-row seat to the most delicious party of the...

Ever wondered where people in the Ozarks go to get dressed up, sip a classic cocktail, and dance the night away? 💃🕺✨

Joy Robertson steps inside the Stardust Ballroom with Louie Michael, the voice and heart behind one of Springfield’s most unique nightlife spots. From big band nights and social dances to surprise concerts and unforgettable New Year’s Eve parties, Louie shares how Stardust became a place where generations come together to dance, connect, and feel a little glamorous again ✨🎶

They talk about the magic of live music, why the dance floor matters, and how Stardust has...

Fresh-baked pastries, European café vibes, and the kind of food that makes you slow down and savor every bite 🥐☕💙

Joy heads to Commercial Street to sit down with Jennie Boosey, the heart and hands behind Blue Heron Farm & Bakery, to talk about how a small farm near Marshfield turned into one of Springfield’s most beloved bakery stops. From flaky croissants and legendary lemon galettes to brioche donuts that sell out fast, Jennie shares how everything is made from scratch, why quality ingredients matter, and how her time living in England helped shape the Blue Heron experience.
They also...

Joy Robertson pulls up a chair at PaPPo’s Pizzeria on East Battlefield and sits down with the man behind the pies, Chris “PaPPo” Galloway. What starts as a conversation about pizza quickly turns into a story about family roots, Sunday Italian dinners, made-from-scratch food, and how one pizza recipe turned into a growing franchise that started right here in the Ozarks.

You’ll hear how PaPPo’s dough was inspired by baking bread with his dad, why real ingredients matter so much to him, and how PaPPo’s became a go-to spot for everyone from college students to f...

What happens when one of the Ozarks’ most loved Italian spots is forced to shut its doors overnight? Joy heads to Piccolo in Nixa to hear the story straight from owner Steve D'Arpino. 🍝❤️

After a terrifying accident forced the restaurant to close, Piccolo is officially back open and better than ever. Steve shares the emotional story behind reopening, his family’s deep roots in the Ozarks restaurant scene, and how Piccolo became a local favorite.

You’ll hear about the dishes people can’t stop talking about, including mozzarella-stuffed meatballs, corn brûlée creations, comforting Italia...

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 busie...