Mix-ing it Up

Grumpy’s Getaway makes taste buds happy in Rose Bud

How does a 29-year career educator manage to teach and operate two successful restaurants? To discover the secret, go see Angie Mix at Grumpy’s Getaway in Rose Bud.

Mix began working in the restaurant business about 20 years ago and fell in love with it. Eventually she bought another restaurant, sold it, then opened another. About four years ago, she and her husband, Greg (also known as Grumpy by his grandchildren), opened Grumpy’s Getaway. The restaurant features a large space that is tastefully decorated and has a friendly atmosphere. The vibe is complemented by the very attentive staff.

Grumpy’s serves as a local gathering place for fundraisers and other community events. During my visit, the parking lot was full, and the restaurant was packed with a variety of patrons, from church groups to retirees to business professionals.

“I have a tremendous staff of dedicated employees,” Mix said. “We love watching our employees grow and succeed. We have built some strong relationships with our customers. Many of them are just like family.”

Only the freshest, top-quality food is served. According to Mix, she won’t skimp, as her customers deserve only the best. I can attest to her commitment based on my visit.

I was served an appetizer platter of delicious, golden-fried Southern goodness featuring Bang Boom Shrimp, Fried Green Tomatoes and Fried Mushrooms. Each item was fresh, not frozen, and was coated with her secret breading recipe. The homemade dipping sauce was a nice complement for each option.

Grumpy’s only serves USDA pond-raised catfish delivered from a longtime supplier in Mississippi. Mix said that the quality of the fish is very important. I didn’t try fish on this visit, but I have it on my list for my next visit.

The Chicken Fried Chicken featured a huge boneless, skinless chicken breast coated in another breading recipe. Homemade cream gravy was layered atop the piping hot chicken that was served with “real” mashed potatoes, broccoli and a yeast roll. Each bite of the chicken was pure joy. The chicken was fresh, and I could taste the difference. The chicken, potatoes and gravy were pure heaven to a country-raised man like me.

The burgers at Grumpy’s feature hand-patted, freshly ground beef. I tried the Rodeo Burger, a half-pound, ground beef burger topped with American cheese, a housemade tangy

barbecue sauce and hand-breaded onion rings. I onion-ringed out on this one. The Rodeo Burger was very tasty, and the barbecue sauce added a unique flavor to the creation.

The Twisted BLT was a fun sandwich option with bacon, fried green tomatoes with lettuce between Texas toast. The fried green tomatoes were a nice twist on this summertime classic. The fresh sweet potato fries were a perfect side for the sandwich.

Daily lunch specials are served at Grumpy’s as well as breakfast.

I sampled the restaurant’s take on Possum Pie. This version included an Oreo crust, chocolate pudding, coconut filling, cream cheese filling with whipped topping and pecans. During my 23 years with the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, I have sampled several versions of Possum Pie, and this one was one of the best. Nikki Adcock, the pie artist, deserves an award for sure.

Unfortunately, my visit didn’t provide a chance to sample cake master Karen Walden’s culinary creations, but like the catfish, they are on my list for next time. Available cakes and pies vary from day to day but, judging by the tables around me, they are all winners.