Bridge construction side benefits?

Forsyth MO. – The long awaited building of a new bridge that will span Bull Shoals has finally begun. And, while some people were already complaining, it came to me that there might be some side benefits to the businesses in and around Forsyth!

While enjoying a libation at Charlie's Steak Ribs and Ale near Y Highway, I overheard one of the servers stating that their lunch time crowd had swelled a bit due to a number of bridge workers who showed up with empty stomachs and bulging wallets. It suddenly occurred to me that the nearly year long project would see a goodly number of workers from MODOT and Lehman Construction. I also guessed that some of them would be staying in town for varying periods of time, and so, might help bolster the income of many businesses by their presence...

I've formally requested that Lehman Construction set up a live camera feed on the Internet so that commuters and emergency personnel could be aware of traffic conditions on the bridge while construction is underway!

Bull Shoals Bridge Project September 11, 2017

Forsyth MO. – I thought to go down and see what was going on with the Bull Shoals Bridge project, a 10.4 million dollar effort to replace another older bridge structure that had been constructed back in 1951.

The water level in Bull Shoals had dropped to 667.66 feet msl (mean sea level) and so, was almost back to 'normal' levels. Even River Run looked to be drying out! And, since it had been about a week since the official start of the construction effort, I wanted to get some idea of any progress that had been made.

When I arrived in the park area, I noticed that the gate for access to the back of the park had been closed. There were two white vehicles inside along with a couple of men. I couldn't tell if these people were from Lehman Construction (bridge project guys) or were part of some cleanup crew that was trying to get the park back on its feet. 

Off towards the base of the bridge, I could discern what looked like a pile of rocks and maybe some other equipment. Perhaps this was the area (along with the balance of the park behind it) that would serve as a staging ground for materials yet to come. After all, building a structure as a large as a bridge will require an awful lot in terms of components!

I'm hoping to have the opportunity to visit and take pictures of the new bridge as it is erected over the next year. I'm also sure I will hear about the challenges that the city will have to endure in terms of emergency service response times, the busing of students and how the commuters will feel about all this!

Thrive Coffe Shop and Cafe!

Forsyth MO. - Just across the street from the Library, sits a cozy little eatery that caught my interest during the early going of September. I'd seen the marquee a few times when cruising up Main Street and had heard from a couple of friends that it was a sort of unique experience. So, curiosity killed the cat once again.

On my first visit, I talked to one of the owners, a nice woman named Charyle who quickly filled me in on some of the particulars of the place. I learned right off that she was one of four sisters who ran the shop, a venue that is open from 7AM to 2 PM Monday through Friday. And while they do not have carry out menu, at that point in time, did maintain a large chalkboard with all the days offerings. I was amazed to learn that everything offered in the way of pastries was made on site! 

As I talked to Charyle, I learned that Thrive was a smoke free establishment which seats about 30, has restrooms and takes Visa card payments. Even more interesting to me was the fact that they offer community WiFi so that a diner can sit and browse the Internet while enjoying a cup of coffee or a sandwich. As I understand it, the pass code for access was 'drinkmorecoffee'! Inquiries can be made by calling 417-251-2375 and the formal location is 153 Main Street, Forsyth MO 65653.

Sadly, I did not have time to stop and sample any of their offerings, but will do so in the future and plan to enter the experience via an update to this post!

Charlie's to offer a salad bar!

Forsyth MO. - I only recently learned that Charlie's, a popular restaurant, located near the intersection of Hwy 160 and Y, was planning to change things up a bit. One of the changes was the desire to set up a salad bar that would offer customer a tantalizing array of veggies from which they could build their own creations. I don't mind telling people I know that I thought this was a great idea!

One other location, to my knowledge, offers or offered a salad bar - The Longhorn Family Dining establishments salad bar (pictured above) has always been a big draw and I'm hoping that Charlie's (soon to become C's Pizza and Pub) will be also fully stocked with all sorts of tempting goodies!

Pizza at Charlie's?

CC'S PIZZERIA & PUB COMING SOON!

 Forsyth Mo. – Things are a changing at Charlie's Steak-Ribs and Ale as we all tumble into September 2017! Earlier in the year, the owner decided to make the Forsyth location SMOKE FREE! A move I heartily have endorsed. Then, a recent decision was made, to change the menu, (another great decision, in my view).

So, starting on Friday August 25, 2017 – Charlie's will be moving in a new culinary direction, including a revised menu (September?) and even a salad buffet! The latest innovation, as I understand it, will include a glass display of pizza's at $2 a slice! Just how much 'pizza' this will represent for the buck will be the subject of a followup report at this post, as I plan to weigh and otherwise nutritionally dissect, these offerings to see how well they measure up to the other local area pizza dispensary outlets including Casey's which offers their pizza slices at $2.79!

Update: The pizza's offered were of three types and the special $2 a slice offering was for Friday, August 25 only! The pizzas looked to be traditional pan styled crusts and were offered in three varieties. My next update will contain more details....

Update II: After trying a slice of their pizza, I had two comments; 1) the pizza tasted pretty good and 2) problems with the display unit result in a product that became degraded rather quickly. No ones fault, just an understanding that this new direction was still a work in progress. I will await the next offering before casting any judgement....

Update III: Friday, September 1 - The second offering of pizza was a much better experience! The crust was much softer and I enjoyed a couple of slices. I also heard that all of the proposed changes including a new sign will be done by the end of September.

Will these pizza's be a hit - not in their current form, I'm thinking.

Update IV: Friday, September 8 and the pizza's were definitely getting better looking and tasting as evidenced by the sales. 

That bag credit offered by Country Mart!

 Forsyth MO. – A local grocery store named Country Mart is my store of choice for all my sundry needs. That said, there are a few things I don't particularly like, chief of which is the so-called 'bag credit. A credit of 3 cents, if a patron comes in with their own means of carrying out their purchases. I assume they give this credit in order to save on the plastic or paper bags they would otherwise have to supply.

My problem is that the savings to a customer is likely minuscule when compared to what it costs the store to supply all that paper and plastic to the consuming public! At three cents saved per visit, one would have to visit the store over 600 times in order to recoup @20! That's sort of a joke, if you ask me.

Charlie's to change their menu?

Forsyth MO. - Beginning sometime in September the popular eatery know as Charlie's Steak, Ribs and Ale, in Forsyth MO, will be changing their menu and even possibly their name! Yes, Charlie's will be leaning more in the direction of a pizzeria-styled enterprise complete with a fully stocked salad bar! That is, if all the talk is correct.

Some later information, I garnered, indicated that they will continue to serve some hot meals like burgers and fries along with other cold sandwiches and pizza, of course.

 One of Forsyth's Charlie's great servers, prepares the newly acquired salad bar that will see service in September 2017!

Farmer's Market in Forsyth!

Forsyth MO. - Every summer, vendors gather together in the parking lot just across from the Courthouse to offer interested buyers a wide array of mouth watering produce. On this day, I decided to see if I could score me a few home grown tomatoes - you know the kind that are the exact opposite of the hot house variety and which are a signature ingredient in BLT's - a summertime favorite of mine!

As you can see from the photograph above - one vendor had a good selection of all kinds of produce including other items like jars of honey! However, it was the tomatoes that I was after and it was tomatoes I got! Later that same day, I made myself one of the best sandwiches I've ever had!

Senior Center Thrift store in Forsyth MO!

Forsyth MO – Located in the back of the White River Plaza off Hwy 160 is the Senior Center Thrift Store that is open Monday through Friday 9AM to 5PM and Saturday 10AM to 3PM. I stopped by as I was doing some laundry at the adjacent laundromat and was curios to see what they offered.

Inside the store, I was met by some very nice ladies who told me that the proceeds or profits from the store were going to help build the planned new Senior Center as soon as the funds became available. I was impressed with the great selections they have of clothing (some racks held clothes were as little as $1 as part of a sale), shoes, curios and jewelry just to name a few.

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Charlie's offering meal discounts!

Forsyth Missouri - It was my understanding that Charlie's Steak, Ribs and Ale located in Forsyth Missouri will be offering discounted meals to veterans seven days a week and to seniors on Mondays! Note that the discounts are for the Forsyth location only! For the exact details, you can call 417-546-2011 to ask questions and to make sure of the details!

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...