Savor The Ozarks

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, including the hilarious reason why Red’s Giant Hamburg ended up with such a unique name and why the Steak ‘n Shake at St. Louis and National is more historic than you think. Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's, Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub, and Kitchenland USA!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 keeping a team innovative and organized during the busiest wedding seasons. It’s a perfect look at the heart behind one of the 417's most iconic caterers! 🥗🍰🌈Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's, Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub, and Kitchenland USA!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Mother’s Little Helper, and the local history that inspired the "Cobra Scare" brew. It’s a perfect look at how Mother’s continues to pour passion into the 417! 🍕🤱Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's, Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub, and Kitchenland USA! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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," baking those life-changing banana cakes and 16 other flavors fresh every day. Plus, Nick opens up about his 28 years as an educator, his father’s secret meatball recipe, and why he never goes for a run without his favorite music. It’s a beautiful conversation about faith, romance, and the "God-given uniqueness" that makes Nick a local treasure! 🏃‍♂️🍝✨See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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! 🍻✨🍳​​​​​​​Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's, Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub, and Kitchenland USA!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 including Andy Williams, Tony Orlando, Clay Cooper, and more. It’s a warm conversation about food, second chances, and the kind of neighborhood restaurant that keeps people coming back for decades. ❤️ Pull up a chair and Savor the Ozarks. Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's, Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub, and Kitchenland USA! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 where families can finally eat out safely together.Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's and Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to keep a local restaurant rocking for more than 30 years? 🔥🍗​​​​​​​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 for three decades in the restaurant world. Pull up a chair. You’re going to love this one. 🍻Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's and Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

✨🍷 Get ready to savor one of the most indulgent weekends in the Ozarks. 🍽️✨​​​​​​​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 season. 🥂🔥If you love food, wine, stories behind the scenes, and a little Ozarks magic mixed in, you’ll want to pull up a chair and listen all the way through. Trust us, you’ll be hungry by the end. 😍🍴Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's and Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 grown into much more than a ballroom. It’s also an event space, a community hub, and a place where friendships are formed and memories are made. Joy and Louie also dive into his incredible life story, from a career in entertainment to his passion for mental health advocacy and helping others through some of life’s hardest moments ❤️ Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's and Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 dive into bakery life behind the scenes, why pastries are a true labor of love, the magic of baking classes that sell out in minutes, and what exciting new lunch plans are coming next 🥖🍋✨Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's and Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 families to people navigating food allergies. Along the way, Joy dives into crowd favorites, unexpected menu gems, and the famous brown butter cookies that have their own fan club. 🍪 It’s warm, personal, and full of food love. Pull up a seat, grab a slice, and savor this one. 🍕💛See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Italian classics, pizza, vegan options, and desserts that regulars swear by. It’s a heartfelt look at resilience, community support, and why Piccolo continues to hold a special place in the 417. Pull up a chair, pour a glass of wine, and savor this one 🍷✨ Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's and Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.