A recent Harding graduate has opened a new restaurant in hopes to further expose the Harding community to new cultures and cuisine while also providing a place for students to feel at home. Slader Marshall, a 2013 graduate, officially opened his restaurant called Slader’s Alaskan Dumpling Co., or SADCo., for short, on Tuesday.
SADCo., is not like a traditional restaurant. With only one item on the menu in three different variations, it is not like anything Searcy has seen before.
Originally from Juneau, Alaska, Marshall grew up eating and enjoying the dish that he wants to share with his customers. Originally started by college-aged men in Alaska more than 10 years ago, Marshall has based his business off the success of theirs.
Marshall understands the desire for student space and is anxious to meet that need.
“When I was a freshman, I noticed Harding students didn’t really have a place,” Marshall said. “I feel like students should have a place for themselves and where they aren’t being judged.”
According to Marshall, the food SADCo., serves is based off of a traditional Russian-style dumpling called pelmeni with a slight “Alaskan flare” added to it. The three variations of chicken, beef or potato-filled dumplings are steamed, then topped with curry power, a Sriracha-vinegar sauce and cilantro.
Starting from the bottom, Marshall has completely built his business from the ground up.
“I crafted this place into what I wanted it to be and what I think a student would want it to be,” Marshall said.
SADCo., is located on 301 E. Center Ave., and is open everyday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. They offer student pricing: a bowl of dumplings, a piece of bread and a drink for $7.
“I think it’s important to be cultured and to try new things,” Marshall said. “I don’t know if this place will work, but so far, the overwhelming amount of support I’ve received from the Harding community has been amazing.”
