NBA career ( he ’ s a point guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves ). Reidy , originally from Harrison , had moved to Northwest Arkansas about 10 years ago and had a background in the hospitality industry . “ Music and bartending was my life for a while ,” he notes .
“ I worked for Bike Rack Brewery , started networking , and opened my first restaurant and bar in 2017 ( Moonbroch in downtown Rogers .)” Reidy says . He sold it and opened Bentonville Dive in 2021 . He met Jordan and they started working together , looking for things they felt were missing from the area … things like a soul food restaurant .
“ We felt that a concept like Marsouls would fit in perfectly in Rogers ,” says Conley .
The establishment opened a little over six months ago and was hit with the Rogers tornado in May , but didn ’ t sustain major damage . “ We were luckier than so many of our neighbors and only had to close for two and a half weeks ,” Reidy points out .
Although Conley didn ’ t have a lot of experience owning and managing restaurants , he had a secret weapon : the recipes from his grandma Marie Corbin .
All the soul food recipes at Marsouls come from grandma Marie , some handed down by her mother , who was raised in West Helena , Ark .
The 86-year-old Marie even came to Rogers to train the kitchen staff in the preparation of the family treasures .
The restaurant ’ s name — Marsouls — was inspired by grandma Marie , and Reidy ’ s late mother Mar .
Conley and Reidy say it ’ s the culture of Marsouls that sets them apart – a kid-friendly , homelike environment .
“ We want everyone to feel like they ’ re eating at grandma ’ s house ,” Conley notes .
Their most popular items include Catfish , Marsouls burger , Chicken and Waffles , Shrimp and Grits , Ribs and burnt ends .
“ We ’ re not sure what to expect , but it ’ s gonna be nuts ,” Reidy says . The restaurant already has an outdoor patio , but Reidy and Conley are working on getting a permit for a larger outdoor hangout area .
Come down and sample some of grandma Marie ’ s recipes , and share in the good juju of this unique downtown Rogers establishment .
Marsouls Comfort Food & Lounge 525 N . Second Street Roger , AR 72756 Facebook and Instagram : @ Marsouls Rogers
OZARK LIVING • NOVEMBER 2024 • 25