Written by Sara Shaban
After 26 years of running one of the biggest names in Searcy breakfast, Bobby Quattelbaum is retiring from his restaurant, Bobby’s. Known for Quattelbaum’s breakfast biscuit recipe, anti-liberal décor and student-friendly prices, Bobby’s has made its way into the travel guides and hearts of both Searcy locals and visitors. While the Bobby of Bobby’s may be saying goodbye to homemade biscuits and French toast, Bobby’s restaurant is not going anywhere.
Shannon Treat, Quattelbaum family friend and one of the new owners, has carefully taken on the responsibility of preserving the Bobby’s tradition with her parents, Timothy and Brenda Price, her husband Timothy Treat and her brother Shawn Price. Some changes to the restaurant were discussed, including changing the name from “Bobby’s” to “Maddie’s Café on the Square.” Shannon Treat stressed that she did not want to make any major changes to the restaurant but mentioned that they would like to make some decorative changes, such as painting murals featuring classic celebrities like Elvis Presley and Dean Martin.
However, the biggest concern does not seem to be a change in décor. Instead, people are talking about whether the food, menu, recipes and prices will be a remodeled as well.
“As far as the food goes, the service and everything he [Bobby] does, we’re going to keep as close to the way Bobby does it right now,” Treat said. “We want to keep the tradition going.”
Treat and Quattelbaum mentioned that during the summer they would still feature the meat and potatoes lunch special, but might add some salads to the menu in an effort to provide more healthy options.
Conducting an inventory of strawberry jelly, Quattelbaum appeared very confident in his decision to hand over the restaurant after 44 years of working in the business. He discussed his reasons for retirement while leading Treat through rows of food boxes in a storeroom.
“At my age, I need to be looking at something else, ” Quattelbaum said. “It’s time to go fishing, and I’ll be goofing off and causing liberals as much trouble as possible. It makes my day to irritate a liberal.”
When asked who would be making the biscuits from now on, Quattelbaum matter-of-factly pointed to Treat.
Quattelbaum expressed his appreciation for the business and relationships he is made with both Harding faculty and students.
“They’ve been great supporters of me. I haven’t done the inventory yet, but I know there’s Harding students out there right now. And on Saturday morning, they’ll be in here with my omelets, French toast, pancakes,” Quattelbaum said. “I encourage them to come here and support [the Treats and Prices].”
Quattelbaum continued to reminisce on his old days at Harding University, where he worked for 13 years, remembering the days when Dr. Mike James was the main photographer on campus and Bob Ritchie was working at the Rialto.
While Quattelbaum feels like retirement is the right move at this phase of his life, many are sad to see him go.
“I wish them all the best,” employee Michelle Blanchett said with tears in her eyes. “I’ve been here 18 years. It’s a sad time for me.”
“For years, Bobby’s has been quoted ‘best place for boys to gather,'” senior and Bobby’s regular Tyler Jones said. “Don’t expect us to relocate to The Cookie Basket.”
After finishing up the training for the Saturday morning breakfast rush and passing on the secret recipes, as well as the spirit of this hole-in-the-wall Searcy landmark, Quattelbaum will officially be saying goodbye to the business on March 1.
Quattelbaum made it clear that he would still be coming in to eat and check on things.
“I’m not going anywhere,” said Quattelbaum.
