Savor The Ozarks

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.&nbs...

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-favor...

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 gr...

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 gri...

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.  I...

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...

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...

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. ​​​​​​​ The episod...

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...

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 strugg...

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 sto...

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 mercant...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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. P...

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, an...

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...

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,...

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 dialin...

✨🍷 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-droppin...

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 Sta...

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 legenda...

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&...