Grandma's Cafe: Just like going to Grandma's house

By K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

A popular Branson eatery entices diners with old-fashioned, home-cooked meals.

Grandma’s Cafe has been located on Branson’s 76 Country Boulevard since April of 2021. Owned by Linda and Larry Underwood, Grandma’s Cafe opened in 2019 on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.

“When the pandemic hit, it was like a ghost town in that location on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway,” said Linda. “We barely made it through 2020. This opportunity came up to be on the strip, so we moved.”

Grandma’s Cafe, known for its home cooked meals, is now situated in the former location of The Great Wall.

Said Linda, “It’s just old-fashioned. We cook to order. We don’t pre-cook anything. We used old- fashioned recipes. There’s nothing fancy. If you went back in time to Grandma’s house, this is what you would find. We cook everything from scratch when it’s ordered. It takes a little more time, but the quality of the food and the taste is a whole lot better.”

Linda is no stranger to the restaurant business. As a teenager, she worked in local restaurants, along with helping out in her family’s grocery store business.

“Being with the public was all I ever knew,” recalled Linda.

“In 1999, I went to work at BT Bones, where I worked for three or four years. When I left there, I started at Rib Crib. I worked my way up to being the general manager, and I was the GM there until 2017. I retired, then this opportunity came along to buy Grandma’s Cafe, so we did.”

Linda and Larry are very much hands-on owners, managing the restaurant and spending time both in the kitchen and out on the floor, getting to know their customers.

“We’re here most of the time. We’re often in the kitchen because I want to make sure that when the food is going out, it’s going out with quality,” noted Linda. “I try to get out here and meet the people as much as I can. The customers want to meet Grandma. I guess they are expecting this little old lady with her hair up in a bun. I tell them, ‘Just give me time, I’ll get there!’ But, I am a true grandma. I have five grandkids.”

In addition to a spacious dining area, Grandma’s Cafe offers two private rooms for groups, parties, or large family gatherings.

“I have a small room that holds 20 comfortably. There’s a chalkboard there for kids to write on. A family can have a gathering in there, and kids can run around the room without disturbing others, and be safe. It’s also good for any other small groups,” said Linda. “We also have a private room with a stage. It can seat anywhere from 40 to 100 people, depending on the need and the setup. We have a buffet table for hot and cold food, so we can do a buffet meal, or if they want to order off the menu, we have a group menu for them to choose from. Groups like the Country Gospel Music Association and the American Legion hold their monthly meetings here.”

One end of Grandma’s Cafe is uniquely decorated. In true patriotic spirit, the restaurant is adorned in military memorabilia and mementoes, as well as a display honoring the Prisoners of War and Missing in Action.

Patriotic display at Grandma's Cafe

Photo by K.D. Michaels

“I have a lot of respect for the veterans,” said Linda. “All of the stuff that’s up there belongs to my customers – to our veterans that come in here. We support our veterans and work with local veterans groups. Every year, during Veterans Week, we serve food in the mess hall.”

Another display at the other end of the restaurant features albums and album covers from classic country entertainers, most of whom have performed in Branson.

Grandma’s Cafe is open daily at 8 a.m., and closes at 3 p.m. most days. “On Tuesdays, we are open until 8 p.m., with all-you-can-eat ribs and unlimited sides,” Linda noted. “On Fridays we do farmraised catfish, all-you-can-eat, until 8 p.m.”

Grandma’s Cafe is located at 1315 West 76 Country Boulevard. You can find them on Facebook at Grandma’s Cafe, or call the restaurant at 417-544-0586 for more information or to reserve one of the eatery’s private rooms.

“If you’re looking for a good home cooked meal that’s old-fashioned, come here,” said Linda. “We try to make sure everyone feels as welcome as you did when you’d go to Grandma’s house.”