Searcy, AR (LP) — Searcy has long been home to restaurants of all shapes and sizes. From Kentucky Fried Chicken to Little Caesar’s, Searcy has a myriad of businesses arrive and thrive. However, a few new names will be joining their ranks in 2020. These include Slim Chickens, Sumo Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar, Dairy Queen, and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. All of these mean big money for Searcy but how much are they wanted by the citizens?
In 2018, Searcy citizens were first introduced to the newest restaurant by an article in Searcy Living, Searcy’s local magazine. Mandy Lawson, a reporter for Searcy Living, stated: “Over the next five years, the DHR group led by Josh and Justin Rowden and Scott and Cody Davis are planning on opening seven Slim Chickens locations, with one of those in Searcy!” This news went silent for some time until December 6th, 2019 when Harding University’s school newspaper, The Bison, released an article containing further information on the Slim Chickens along with some newer news. Garcelle Hodge, a reporter for The Bison, stated “Several new restaurants are coming to Searcy in 2020, giving the community more food options and new job opportunities. According to Buck Layne, president of the Searcy Regional Chamber of Commerce, the restaurants are Slim Chickens, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Dairy Queen, and Sumo Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar. The new businesses will bring more community, jobs and opportunities for people to come together and enjoy a nice meal with one another.”
The news of new restaurants was and is big news for those who are excited about Searcy’s growth. In the past year, businesses have begun flocking to this long slumbering town. Searcy has indeed been “ready for a revolution.” However, some may ask why more of the same. Of the new restaurants, Sumo Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar is the only business to bring any new type of food to Searcy. A student of Searcy High School, Matthew Tabory, said “I don’t know how I feel about Sumo in Searcy. Japanese would be a new type of food for me to try, so I would like to try it.” However, while some are open to a different kind of Asian cuisine, others are greatly sceptical. “I like the new china place in town but I don’t really care if there’s another Asian place,” said Philip Carter, a Searcy resident and father. It only gets worse for the other newcomers. Slim Chickens will be rivalled greatly by Kentucky Fried Chicken, Chick-Fil-A, Zaxby’s, and Popeye’s. “I don’t feel a need for another one. We already have Popeye’s and Zaxby’s. That’s good enough.” said Carter. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers must contend with other burger restaurants such as McDonald’s, Burger King, Highway 55, Chili’s, Wendy’s, Hardee’s, and Sonic. However, Dairy Queen, though well challenged in the burger business, seems to still attract the interest of Searcy residents. “I am very excited. I haven’t eaten there in 10+ years and I am excited to eat some again,” said Carter.
The new commerce arriving this year is sure to bring more attention to Searcy and will assist in the growth and expansion of the town. Be sure to try them out once they are open and keep up with new developments at https://slimchickens.com/news-updates/.
