Southern Comfort with a Passion and Purpose

Sunday: 11 a.m. – 7:00 p.m served in mason jars. Granderson adds the menu is still under construction and some items will be available on specific days of the week.

“We’re planning on adding items like grits and catfish very soon,” said Granderson. “We use homemade recipes that are very unique. In fact, we’ve already gotten a lot of great feedback on our BBQ sauce.”

This is the first time Granderson has opened a restaurant, but she said her passion to help children with autism is the driving force behind taking the plunge.

With the recent opening of Roosevelt’s Bar & Grill, te intersection of classic Southern comfort food and a business with a deeper purpose can be found on Eastern Avenue in Moore. Selica Granderson, the owner, says the recipes are originals she brought with her from Jackson, Mississippi. The purpose, adds Granderson, can be found in the name of the restaurant.

“It’s named after my son, Roosevelt,” said Granderson. “He’s the reason I’ve created all this. He has faced autism since he was a baby. We were able to get services he needed outside of school from fourth grade to graduation, but the services were not allowed in the schools. My goal is to open a school for autistic children here in Moore and this restaurant will help support that school.”

Roosevelt’s menu features classic Southern comfort offerings like fried okra, brisket mac and cheese, chicken wings, burgers, BBQ beef, BBQ brisket sandwiches, and banana pudding

“I’ve learned a lot and have a newfound respect for restaurant owners,” said Granderson. “This is a tough business, but it’s been rewarding since we recently opened. We’re getting a lot of love from the community. I’m excited about the way folks in Moore have welcomed us with open arms.”

As of press time, Roosevelt’s had only been open for just over a week, but customer reviews are already naming this as a must-dine spot. That’s music to Granderson’s ears, who wants local diners to have a fantastic food experience while helping lay the foundation for her special needs school.

“Step one is the restaurant,” said Granderson. “And we want it to be a great place for folks to come and eat. But for me it’s always been about the school. I don’t want other kids to have to struggle with the things my son struggled with and this is one way I can help give back.”