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Read More about this safari issue.Sometimes, a burger, fries and shake will hit the spot when no other foods do. When you have that feeling, make a beeline to Susie Q’s old-fashioned drive-up in historic downtown Rogers.
In the summer of 1960, the Head family of Rogers opened a fruit market in downtown Rogers. Unfortunately, the fruit market was a bust. That didn’t stop extended family members from turning the location into Susie Q’s Malt Shop, named after the hand-cranked potato cutter they used to turn out curly fries. The business passed on from cousins to sons and then to another cousin. It was evident that this family business venture was a hit!
In 2008, Sheila Edmonson, a loyal customer of Susie Q’s and Rogers resident, took over Susie Q’s, keeping the original menu. Sheila, known as Ms. Pink to regulars, also threw in new specials since taking over the teal and pink old-fashioned drive-up restaurant.
Susie Q’s is a beloved downtown Rogers institution. I started going here back in the mid-90s when my husband and I moved to Rogers, and I worked downtown. There is just SOMETHING special about a quirky little hole-in-the-wall with signs plastered everywhere. It’s like the building itself is personality.
Do you know how people will call someone “the mayor” who is super friendly, outgoing, welcoming and knows everyone?
That’s Susie Q’s! The unofficial “mayor” of downtown Rogers. Case in point: when you order, you’re given a “lucky number” on your order tag, and when your made-to-order is up? Susie Q’s will call out, “Lucky number X, your order is ready!”
How fun is that?
Okay, maybe I should do a quick demo to prove my point. See this hamburger?
This is a SMALL.
A SMALL, People!
Burger patties are hand-pressed every morning, weighed and stacked in the back. The buns are unique, too, because Susie Q’s will put a little yellow mustard on the bottom of the bun and toast it into the bun for a little extra oomph!
Fries are generous, and side options are all the classic dishes you would expect – okra, homemade slaw, Tater Tots and more.
One of my absolute favorite specialty sandwiches is The Big Chicken. Stacked high and wide with a fresh breaded chicken breast served on a toasted bun with mayo, lettuce and tomato. I’d eat this every single day of my life if I could.
Susie Q’s is a malt shop, after all! Shakes and malts are handspun, and malts are the real deal. We’re talking natural classic malt. Since this is an old-fashioned classic drive-up, they serve floats, freezes, malts, shakes, old-fashioned sodas, sundaes, ice cream and banana splits.
I recommend ordering a Fresh Old Fashioned Limeade in plain, cherry, strawberry and raspberry. All limeades are freshly squeezed to order. And everyone gets a smile drawn on their cup.
Every June, Susie Q’s hosts a parking lot anniversary event for the community. If you’re a veteran or work in the police, ambulance or fire department, Susie Q’s will write a special thank you note on your cups.
In other words, super friendly, outgoing, welcoming and knows everyone.
That’s Susie Q’s.
Susie Q Malt Shop
612 N 2nd Street
Rogers, AR
479-631-6258
Facebook
HOURS:
Sunday-Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday-Thursday – 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday-Saturday 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Open seasonality: February-October
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A treasure in NWA for sure!
Susie Q’s brings back memories. I moved to Sandpoint, Idaho 10 years ago. We could use
Susie Q’s here, just saying.
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