Written by Caroline Damron
Searcy may be a small town, but it is not short of local flare. One such local gem has just come under new management, but the old favorite will not be lost in the transition. Letty’s, a local Filipino restaurant, is now under the new direction of Philippine native Welhilma Frogoso and has been renamed Filipino Restaurant.
Frogoso moved to the U.S. five years ago when prompted by her sister, who has lived here for over 30 years. Frogoso moved to Searcy and worked at Wal-Mart as an associate; she said the restaurant business was not on her mind. However, when the owner and namesake of the original restaurant Letty decided to move to Louisiana with her husband, she offered the business to Frogoso.
“Letty offered it to me for a fair price,” Frogoso said. “[She said just start] and pay when you have the money.”
This was not just a simple business transaction: Frogoso made it clear that this restaurant is a direct blessing from God.
Frogoso said she knew little about the restaurant business, but with the help of friends and God’s provision she was able, with her family, to get the new restaurant off the ground.
Frogoso said she has been blessed by the restaurant. Even when she thought they would have to shut it down, God continued to provide.
“God’s miracle is real,” Frogoso said. “God’s blessings are real.”
Frogoso said she wants to help her children finish school and give them a good life through running a successful restaurant.
One of her sons, Carlos Frogoso, is a junior at Harding, and he has played a vital role in encouraging his mom to pursue the restaurant. The Filipino Restaurant is truly a family affair. Welhilma cooks and Carlos welcomes customers and advertises constantly on campus. Carlos said one of his dreams is to be involved with restaurants, because he loves it.
Filipino Restaurant, located across the street from Sexton Foods, is a great place to eat with friends, eat a great lunch at a good price or simply do homework with a glass of orange pekoe iced tea. The atmosphere is comfortable, and the unique casual setting provides an enjoyable space.
Carlos said they have recently changed prices on their menu, offering a single serving of most dishes for $4.99. He said this change was made to make their food more affordable for the average college student. The Frogosos said they realize most college kids cannot spend $20 dollars on a meal, so the $4.99 dishes are meant to remedy the dilemma of trying to find good food at a good price.
All of the dishes are made fresh — from fried rice, to specialty soups and lumpia: a Philippino type egg roll. With the option of different meats including chicken, pork, beef and shrimp, there are many combinations to try.
Carlos said a few people compare their dishes to Chinese food; however, he explained that the Philipines is located in the middle of many unique cultures, including China, India and Japan. Because of the country’s unique location, their dishes also have a unique mixture of cultures.
Carlos said it is like Chinese food, but improved.
Filipino Restaurant is open seven days a week: from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. Customers can order food to go by calling ahead at 501-268-1288. There is also a Facebook group called Filipino Restaurant to provide updates on menu additions and for fans to support the restaurant.
