Shelton’s Craft Kitchen is a new restaurant in Searcy located at 907 Beebe Capps. The restaurant offers burgers and steaks served on hot, stone-slab grills to keep the food fresh and allow the customer to cook the food as preferred. Shelton’s also serves frozen yogurt and rents bicycle-wagons that seat ten people.
Some members of the Bison staff took a trip there for dinner to see what it was all about. Here’s what they thought.
Rebecca Neely,
Head Web Editor
The staff was very knowledgeable about all items on the menu, however they are still working on professionalism and addressing the needs of the customers once seated.
The bison burger was delicious, just the right amount of seasoning and juiciness. However, the burger would be more enjoyable if the patty’s height was reduced to spread all across the bun.
One thing that might make the customer’s cooking experience more enjoyable is if the stone that the food comes on was big enough for all at the table to enjoy. This change would create more room at the table to be used and enjoyed by customers.
Overall, I think it is a unique restaurant that really adds to the Searcy community.
Hunter Beck,
Beat Reporter
I had the 1/2 pound Angus cheeseburger. It’s a good, juicy burger, and you can taste the freshness that comes as a result of local, organic ingredients. While it is not my favorite burger in Searcy, it is definitely different from other burgers in the area. The hot stone allows you to cook the burger how you want. You can also pick up some frozen yogurt for dessert, and Shelton’s offers several flavors you won’t find at FroYo.
The space is open and has a little lounge, which makes for an inviting atmopshere. There are a few logistical issues that the restaurant still needs to work out, such as spacing and table size, but these will probably be worked out with time, and the staff is very friendly and accommodating.
The biggest qualm I have with Shelton’s is the value. The 1/2 pound is a $7 burger, which isn’t bad, but add sides (only sold in pairs) and a drink and it’s at a $12 meal. Not unreasonable, but there are much better burgers in Searcy for the same price. Still, Shelton’s offers a unique experience to other restaurants in Searcy and is worth a visit.
Cole Mokry
Opinions Editor
The atmosphere of the restaurant made a heavy first impression on me. The decor is modern, and off of the dining area is a lounge where you can enjoy frozen yogurt after your meal. Overall, Shelton’s conveys a trendy experience. I had the 1/3-pound bison burger and was satisfied with what was placed in front of me. The tables did lack adequate space for everyone’s plates, which is such a “first world problem” that I feel ridiculous complaining about it.
What I love most about Shelton’s is it can’t be boxed in. It’s not a burger, fro-yo, bike rental place or a lounge: they do all these things and they do them well.
