SULPHUR SPRINGS -- A new cafe opened Dec. 1 in Sulphur Springs. The owners, Jesse Bullard and his wife Beverly, opened Leroy's Cafe in downtown Sulphur and invite everyone in the area to come and dine with them.
Jesse, who has been in the restaurant business for 15 years, began his career in foodservice when he was still in high school. His brother, David Leroy, was working at the Hiwasse Dairy Freeze, and Jesse started there as a dishwasher. Then one day, when the fry cook didn't show up, he was called on to help in the kitchen and David began to teach him to cook. He attended high school in Gravette and Decatur and graduated from Decatur High School in 2006.
Bullard moved on from the Dairy Freeze to jobs as a manager at Denny's and at Cathy's Cafe in Siloam Springs. He worked at two seafood restaurants, The Chart Room and The Fisherman's Restaurant, while living for a few years in Crescent City, Calif., where his maternal grandmother and an aunt still reside.
After his varied experience in the restaurant business, Jesse recently decided to try something new, owning his own restaurant. He and Beverly purchased the building that formerly housed Judy's Cafe in early November and spent the month redecorating the business. The walls were repainted in a soft blue-gray and white, furnishings repainted, new paintings were hung and all tabletops refinished.
The Bullards named their new venture Leroy's Cafe as a tribute to Jesse's brothers, David Leroy, who died last year, and Steve Leroy, who sometimes helps them out on busy days. They opened for business on the first day of December and welcomed several customers on day one.
Leroy's Cafe offers a full breakfast menu. Several breakfast combos are available, all served with hashbrowns and toast or biscuits and gravy. Eleven different omelets are on the menu, as well as several breakfast biscuits or toasters and a breakfast burrito. Those with a sweet tooth can order waffles, pancakes or French toast with a variety of toppings. Oatmeal, grits, yogurt and fruit are other options.
A lunch special is offered every day. Several appetizers are available and a wide variety of burgers and sandwiches are served with either French fries or chips. Lunch plates are served with a choice of French fries or mashed potatoes, one side and Texas toast. Side salads may be added for only $1.50. Lunch options include shrimp or fish, catfish, chicken fried steak, fried chicken, chicken parmesan, spaghetti, roast beef, beefsteak or ribeye. Thirteen side dishes are available. Free refills are offered for soft drinks, coffee and hot tea.
The dessert course is not forgotten. Some type of pie is baked every day. Other dessert options include cake, cookies, ice cream and a brownie a la mode. Senior citizens or anyone wishing smaller portions may order from the children's menu.
Open hours for Leroy's Cafe are Wednesday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. They open early so customers can come in for breakfast before going to work or to school. The restaurant is closed on Monday and Tuesday. The Bullards can be reached by telephone at 479-298-1303 if anyone wants to call in a to-go order, inquire about catering or schedule an event.
Community on 12/11/2019