When Charlie's is no more!

Forsyth MO. – It's no secret that Charlie's Ribs, Steak and Ale is for sale, and has been for sale, for some time. Struggles for sales being a likely cause for the decision by the owner to sell. The question now is what fate lies ahead for the popular and upscale eatery...

When I asked around as to why Charlie's was experience problems, one answer I heard sounded pretty good. I was told that the owner built 'a Branson sized restaurant in Forsyth'. Yes, I could see that, when compared to other eateries in that town, Charlie's was definitely the king of square footage. And that can be a problem, as the upkeep or overhead can be a little too large when compared to the income stream supported by two thousand or so area residents. In addition, record rainfall early in the year essentially closed down most of the park sites that drew many vacationers and fishermen during the spring and summer months! The loss of revenue was sure to adversely affect many Forsyth-based businesses, not just Charlie's.

So, when the place does sell and I think it will, the question becomes what type of business will it likely be transformed into? I can't it staying as a simple restaurant bar, but perhaps it will morph into some combination of businesses that would stand a better chance of survival....

Restaurants in Forsyth Missouri!

For whatever reason, Forsyth Missouri (population 2400 give or take) is blessed with quite a number of eateries. Last time I took a count, there were about eight of them within a three mile radius. All vying for attention of a relative few dinners. A situation made all the more competitive with area parks and the vacationers they normally bring out of commission for the year. So, here is an ad hoc sort of, off the cuff report about some of them...

MacDonald's

I don't go there much as they are charging pretty much the same prices for food that I can get at the more upscale joints. I can still fondly remember when you could get a burger there for fifteen cents! That ain't happening no more!

Sonic's

Whenever I get a craving for a great tasting hot dog, Sonic's is the place I head for, as they offer the Chicago Dog with fries for a very reasonable price. I also like the fact that the location is well maintained and the staff friendly and efficient.

 Hong Kong Express

I haven't had the pleasure of dining at this newly opened facility, but have heard both good and bad things about it from other people. Personally, I just tend to shy away from food that is left out on a buffet styled table for long periods of time...

I did note that HKE is offering home delivery for anyone who might be interested.

  

Chinese-Mexican

In spite of the rather honky look to the place, it's been quite popular for a lot of folks as anyone can see if you drive by there around lunch time on any given day. The downsides are few with one of them being the limited parking spaces and the good chance that you won't be able to get a table if you arrive much after 11:30 AM.

The Frosted Mug

If you enjoy some drama, the Mug is a great place to go for a brew-ski and some food. I've frequented this venerable restaurant slash bar for many years as I find the entertainment factor to beat what's on TV most every time. I've never had a bad meal there and would highly recommend their French Dip (a special on Tuesday) and their crunch tacos which are offered at sharp price points on Wednesdays!

The Long Horn Family Dining

 While I don't eat at the Long Horn as often as I should, I do love their extensive menu and the quality of their food. My only complaints have been that the seating, in the booths, are a little too hard edged for my personal taste. Their signature hamburger and fries are a welcome throwback to the old diners of the past and one of the menu items I almost always order when I go there.

Fat Daddy's

I've always given bonus points to any eatery that has a name like Fat Daddy's. (Like we all need to be reminded of our expanding waistlines). But, having said that, this is a really first class establishment that has gained a very loyal following over the past few years. Whenever I get the urge for a pulled pork sandwich, this is the place often I head for...

Charlie's loses long time cook and curtails breakfast times!

Forsyth MO. - For undisclosed reasons, one of the long time veteran Chef's at the popular Charlie's Ribs, Steak and Ale restaurant has left. Rumor has it that they will be hiring a new cook to take his place fairly soon.

I also learned that this location will stop serving breakfasts beginning Monday, June 5. In the future, breakfast will be served only on the weekends with regular food service beginning at 11 AM during the work week.

Peggy's Park Place offers affordable spirits and wine!

Forsyth Mo.- If you live near Forsyth Missouri or commute to Hollister or Branson via Hwy 160 and 76 - Then you will likely go by Peggy's Park Place quite often. The well stocked convenience store has been in operation for many years, and it a nice place to shop for those 'must have' necessities in life. (In my case, that'd be beer, snacks and or wine depending on my mood).

The good thing about the liquor offered at this location near the tree way intersection of Hwy 160 and 76 by the Bull Shoals bridge, is that their prices are as good as or better than most of the other stores in the area! That why I've made Peggy's a regular stop whenever I'm thirsty or hungry as they also have a great Deli that serves up sandwiches!

On this particular afternoon, when I stopped, the lovely Tiffany Williams was working. Not only is she smart as a whip, but Tiffany is also well versed in being able to help offer directions to people from out of town who might be vacationing and are lost.

Two area parks closed for the season!

 

View of Shadow Rock Park from Hwy 160!

 Forsyth MO. – Two very popular parks located near Forsyth MO became flooded late in April and are likely to remain closed for the balance of the year!

Heavy rains, once again fell over much of southwest Missouri as the Gulf of Mexico opened back up with a vengeance. And, whenever a lot of rain fall in a short time, the series of reservoirs that constitute Beaver, Table Rock and Bull Shoals get backed up. This will have a bad overall effect on many businesses that count on the extra income that summertime vacationers bring. One business, in particular, is a convenience store called Peggy's Park Place. Please be sure to go there and to support her at this time of need!This is a start up business and is all about what we are all about! Also impacted in a negative way will be the City of Forsyth that gets income from one of the parks directly.

So, if you're thinking of coming down to stay at either Shadow Rock or River Run Parks, make sure to check with the Corps of Engineers first!

Hong Kong Express now delivers!

Forsyth MO - A new business called Hon Kong Express is now doing home delivery! You can see their menu here!

Taneynet in Forsyth MO!

Forsyth MO. – Located across the street from Southern Bank is a recently opened business called TaneyNet. They opened in October 2016 and provide great Internet service that competes with such providers as Mediacom, Centurylink and SuddenLink, to name a few. And while this service does not provide TV services, the do offer a low cost alternative to getting the Internet at home, business or schools.

I had the chance to stop in to pay a short visit with their Director of Operations, Bill VanKirk who was kind enough to fill me in on some of the more technical aspects of their operation. Unlike the other services, which provide either cable or DSL (digital subscriber line) communications, TaneyNet uses high tech equipment in the form of a 'mini dish' to communicate directly with a tower using the newer 802.11AC protocol. The have plenty of bandwidth to offer their customers starting at:

Fees valid at the time of posting

They do also require a $200 deposit to help cover the cost of the equipment and are currently running about three weeks out for new installs. On a happy note, there is no contract and so you can cancel their service at any time. I plan on giving this company a try early this summer when my current contract with Mediacom expires. The folks at Taneynet can be reached by calling 417-251-9012 during normal business hours! I also plan to do another report, later in the summer, as to how well I feel their service works!

May 3 update:  'Good morning everyone. This is Rodney Ballance, CEO of Taneynet. I wanted to personally inform you that we are temporarily suspending new sales for internet until we deliver to everyone who has been waiting.

If you have been waiting for service, expect a phone call and/or an E-mail from our team over the next week with an update on your status. We have made numerous personnel and policy changes in an effort to better serve you. I personally apologize for the lack of communication in the past, and the delays in providing you with excellent internet service.' [Gleamed from a FB post].