Rural Missouri - October 2024 - 45

and rib dinner. A full order
includes four house-smoked
ribs, fi ve tender slices of
brisket, Texas toast and your
choice of two sides - some
of the most popular are green
beans and cheesy potatoes.
" You get all that fl avor of the
hickory from the smoker, "
Thomas says. " The brisket
melts in your mouth and the
ribs fall off the bone. "
If you feel like a burger, you
can get something from as
simple as a plain cheeseburger
to one of The Pitchfork's memorable,
mile-high combinations.
The Home Run Burger starts
with a freshly pattied one-third
pound burger cooked to your
liking and topped with Thomas'
pulled pork, brisket and housemade
queso on Texas toast.
Grab a second breakfast with
the Grand Slam Burger featuring
American cheese, ham,
bacon and egg on your patty.
Thomas and Jessica Francka transformed a former wedding venue to The Pitchfork in 2020. The restaurant
features Thomas' smoked meats and dishes they would enjoy at their nearby farmhouse.
Other sandwich options include a grilled cheese with
American, Swiss and pepperjack, a pork tenderloin and
hot ham and cheese.
The Pitchfork Favorites include some of their most
unique dishes. The Chicken Coop was named by the
Franckas' son Austin. The simple dish starts with a bed of
freshly cooked fries topped with chunks of hand-breaded
chicken and melted cheddar cheese. " You can get all your
taste buds fi lled with one bite, " Thomas says.
For a heartier combination, try The Barnyard, which
was named by their oldest son Scott. The dish starts with
a bed of Fritos topped with shredded cheese, baked beans,
pulled pork, housemade queso and jalapenos. " It's like a
massive Frito pie, " Thomas says. " You get the crunch of
the Fritos and the fl avor from baked beans, all that cheese
and house-smoked pork. It's a wonderful taste. "
Other favorites include a quesadilla with your choice of
meat and cheese between a pair of 10-inch tortillas or the
Cowboy Coney, a hot dog topped with pulled pork, queso
and your choice of baked beans or chili.
If you have a sweet tooth and saved room for dessert,
Jessica will be ready with housemade cookies, pies or
cakes, depending on the day.
With plenty of delicious smoked creations, housemade
dishes and a welcoming atmosphere, the Franckas have
turned a former antique store and wedding venue into a
dining destination in southwest Missouri.
" I love cooking and baking, " says Jessica. " It's something
I did with both my grandmas and my mom. I just
like to share it with other people, and if they enjoy it, that's
a bonus. "
The Pitchfork
Specialties: Appetizers including housemade chips and queso and potato
skins. Sandwiches and burgers including the Grand Slam Burger and pork
tenderloin. Pitchfork Favorites including The Barnyard and The Chicken Coop.
Price: Appetizers from $5.95 to $7.95. Sandwiches and burgers from $8.95
to $16.95. Smoked meats and entrees from $8.95 to $21.95.
Details: Open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 11 a.m. to
9 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday and Wednesday. Cash, check and
credit cards accepted. Nonsmoking. Free Wi-Fi. Located at 4894 S. 138th Road
in Bolivar. Contact at 417-327-3182 and on Facebook.
WATCH VIDEO
Scan to travel
to Bolivar for
farmhouse classics.
OCTOBER 2024 | RURALMISSOURI.COOP 45
Bolivar

http://www.RURALMISSOURI.COOP

Rural Missouri - October 2024

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