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You know it will be a good workday when you walk into an off-the-beaten-path restaurant without reservations for the perfect burger bite, extra crispy bacon and a side of Tater Tots. That’s the experience every time I’ve stepped into the Pig Trail Bypass Country Café at the Crosses Store, home of the Hooshburger.
The owner, Hooshang Nazarali, met me in a corner booth wrapped in sparkly vinyl across a checkered tiled table to share the story. And, you know what, it didn’t take long, because it’s not complicated!
It is the perfect story of the American Dream: hard work and using your success to help others. That sounds sweeter than iced tea, but I’m getting ahead of myself.
The Crosses Store is part general store, gas station and restaurant, which is how most Arkansas communities operate: one spot fills the gap with a dual focus on supplying goods and meeting customers’ needs. Since 1982, that role has been with Crosses Store, and Hoosh added a few signature western touches and memorabilia around the walls, but it’s a welcome place for anyone.
More than a Mirage
There was a day in my life when the Crosses Store was more than a mirage. I exited I-40, returning from Central Arkansas on a planned fall day enjoyment drive through the Pig Trail. I’d recently moved to Northwest Arkansas, heard the fame, and thought this might be the day.
I followed my map and stopped at the highlights. On top of a mountain, with open windows and wildlife to observe, I realized my gas gauge hadn’t even crossed my mind. I was closer to empty than I felt comfortable with, but I couldn’t remember how far I was from Turner Bend, and I knew I couldn’t make it to Elkins. Then I recalled a red building with a cactus out front if I could find the end of the Pig Trail.
That day, I discovered this respite spot’s greatness and shared the story repeatedly. Now, I take the long way home whenever possible, especially around mealtime. The scenic drive through the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest and Boston Mountain never fails to refresh your mind.
As a side note, it’s not a pay-at-the-pump scenario. This place is old school, and that’s perfectly fine. But no worries—they can accept your card inside; it’s not a cash-only situation!
The Legend of Hoosh
In Madison County, Hooshang Nazarali is a bit of a legend. Locals voted him into the justice of the peace office. But his story begins thousands of miles from Arkansas. He is a native of Iran, and in 1977, an invitation from his cousin to attend college in East Texas seemed like the best decision. Two years later, when the Iranian Revolution broke out, his mother encouraged him to stay in America. With an education Visa in hand, he listened.
Hoosh grew up watching Western movies with characters like John Wayne and thought every town in America resembled those scenes. While East Texas was similar in many ways, his time at the University of Houston opened his eyes to a different perspective filled with opportunities and cultural experiences. As a young Iranian man fresh out of college in a metropolitan area, he began exploring his options.
At the time, the Crosses Store was for sale, and he thought, why not? The area looked like a peaceful place to raise a family, and throughout college, a mentor invited him to work in the back of a restaurant. He thought it would be the perfect spot to employ his entrepreneurial dreams.
So, he bought the store, which included a café, came to Arkansas and, as they say, the Legend was born!
The Legendary Hooshburger
As a young Iranian boy, Hoosh learned to eat, but his culture taught that women cooked. He liked the flavors of his childhood, but he didn’t master them or have any recipes.
When he came to America, he discovered cheeseburgers and loved them. Back home, he loved the kebab dish, and once he had a kitchen, he knew he needed to make something unique to draw visitors.
The Hooshburger is a bold, flavor-packed creation that defies expectations with every bite. At its core, this burger features a perfectly grilled beef patty infused with a signature blend of Persian spices and diced onion, pattied and cooked over an open grill. The warm, aromatic spices elevate the burger beyond the ordinary, creating a subtly complex flavor that lingers on the palate. Every plate comes with a generous helping of housemade home fries.
The combination caught the attention of Thrillist.com, which called the Hooshburger the “best burger in Arkansas. “It also grabbed the attention of Southern Living magazine, USA Today and, of course, our local Arkansas media outlets.
That changed everything for Crosses. Now, politicians, first responders, Razorbacks and Arkansas travel enthusiasts stop by to grab a first or repeat bite of a beloved Arkansas treasure. Those who politely enter an unassuming store find a gateway to a culinary treasure.
Everything else you need to know
The rest of the menu is also not complicated. Anything you love, from a flat-top grill to a 1950s-style diner, can be found here. And it’s always good!
A handful of locals claim this as their favorite lunch spot after church. Therefore, expect to see a room full of the “Sunday crowd” if you arrive around noon. Otherwise, it’s a steady flow of road warriors, fishermen, those enjoying a scenic drive or seekers of the famous Hooshburger.
Beyond the Hooshburger, my kiddo always gets the grilled cheese. I love the BLT with tots, and the hubs typically pick a plain and dry chicken sandwich. Other favorites include egg rolls, fried mushrooms, and Philly cheesesteak, all made fresh to order after you walk in the door. My dad would tell you always to get the chicken-fried steak, which is typically the Sunday lunch special, and many would bring up their incredible breakfast.
We must add an early Saturday drive to our spring plans to grab an omelet or breakfast burrito!
Pig Trail Bypass Country Café at the Crosses Store
4223 AR 16 | Elkins (Crosses)
Website | 479-643-3307
Hours:
- Mon & Tues | 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Wed-Sun | 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
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