Podcast
Savor The Ozarks
Hosted by Around The Ozarks · EN
Savor The Ozarks, hosted by Joy Robertson, is a weekly podcast about the culinary scene around the Ozarks and beyond. Joy will share stories, talk with restaurant owners, and give special insight into beloved, local restaurants. Join Joy on her passionate journey to Savor The Ozarks!
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Crosstown BBQ
Yesterday01:00:03Tap to summarizeJoy 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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Rice, Pecans & Spirits! Arkansas Shines at the National Restaurant Show
1w ago00:38:59Tap to summarizeJoy 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! 😋🥜🌾See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Date Lady
2w ago00:35:37Tap to summarizeJoy 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. 🌴🍯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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Trends, Friends & The Spam Dog at NRA Chicago
3w ago00:38:41Tap to summarizeBuckle 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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Casper's
4w ago00:36:27Tap to summarizeJoy 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 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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Millsap Farms
May 800:50:08Tap to summarizeJoy 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, this episode is a lovely look at the heart of Ozarks agriculture! 🍕🌿✨Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's, Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub, and Kitchenland USA!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Asa Al-Furat
May 100:44:43Tap to summarizeJoy 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 cardamom that Joy calls "the best coffee I've ever had—like, EVER!" Whether you’re interested in her professional path or want a masterclass in authentic flavors, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves a great story paired with a perfect brew. 🇮🇶☕️🌈Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's, Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub, and Kitchenland USA!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The Order at Hotel Vandivort
Apr 2400:49:40Tap to summarizeJoy 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 keeping Springfield's culinary scene fresh and vibrant! 🥂✨Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's, Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub, and Kitchenland USA!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Brew 21 Extra Chromosome Coffee Co
Apr 1700:36:15Tap to summarizeJoy 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" parties in town! ☕️💙✨Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's, Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub, and Kitchenland USA!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Historic Route 66 Restaurants with John Sellars
Apr 1000:42:03Tap to summarizeBuckle 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.
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