Hey everybody, I hope everyone is having a great spring, that all your basketball teams won for March Madness and you’re getting ready for the Easter bunny. For this month’s story I’ve been asked to talk about the history of local cuisine, in particular Murfreesboro restaurants that have been in business for at least 40 to 50 years. Some of these will be your new favorites. Most have been my favorites for the last 40-plus years. When I’m feeling down and want to feel good there’s nothing like a good meal that I don’t have to prepare.
The Murfreesboro Restaurants of Yesteryear:
Sir Pizza
— Est. 1966 —
If you’re wanting a great pizza, then you must have Sir Pizza, which has been a staple here in Murfreesboro since 1966. The first one was located next to the movie theater in Jackson Heights Plaza. But my favorite is the one on East Main Street, which opened in 1968. With all of its cool decorations, you feel like you’re stepping back into the 1970s when dining at this Sir Pizza location.
My go-to pizza is the Farmer’s Almanac (with ham, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, sausage, beef and black and green olives). Meredith’s favorite is the pineapple, cherry tomato, mushroom and ham pizza.
A lot of people don’t know that when the Fortner family was on its way from Muncie, Indiana, to Florida, they stopped in Murfreesboro and never left! I’m so glad they stayed and started the Sir Pizza tradition in Middle Tennessee.
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Buster’s Place
— Est. 1973 —
When I think of a good, tasty cheeseburger I think of Buster’s Place, which was founded in 1973. Current general manager Savannah Rampy told me about how Buster Pugh started Buster’s and how, back in the day, they would often sell so many burgers they ran out of meat (they ran out of meat on a recent day I visited, as well!).
Alex Jordan has owned Buster’s for the past couple of years. Not only do they still have their signature cheeseburgers and fries, but they have smoked wings, hot dogs, homemade chili and, for dessert, Nana’s homemade “bananaless” pudding—it’s a must-try recipe from AJ’s wife’s Nana.
Busters is now open seven days a week. It’s a great place to go on a Sunday afternoon right after church, to eat well, watch sports and hear about what’s going on in Murfreesboro.
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Far East Cafe
— Est. 1973 —
If you like Chinese food, head to one of my favorites on East Main Street—that’s Far East Cafe, which has been in business 50-plus years now. My usual there is the cashew chicken, with half rice and half noodles (here, you can get both!), an egg roll, and that sweet lemony tea. Don’t forget your fortune cookie.
Far East, first established in 1973, was a mainstay for me while going to college at MTSU.
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Kleer-Vu Lunchroom
— Est. 1974 —
On Highland Avenue, in between MTSU and the Square, you will run into Kleer-Vu Lunchroom, which has the best soul food around and dates back to 1974. Served cafeteria style, my favorites here are the meatloaf, mashed potatoes, pinto beans with a slice of onion, and some purple beets. They have some of the best desserts, including chess pie, peach cobbler and chocolate pie.
The ladies on staff are always so friendly. You need to get there by 11:30 a.m. or prepare to stand in line. It’s that good!
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Hardee’s
— Est. 1972 —
Who out there remembers when the first hamburger chains came to Murfreesboro in the early 1970s? The first Hardee’s came to Mercury Plaza in 1972.
The location on Northwest Broad Street opened in 1974. This one had the giant slide in the back called Gigantica. My grandparents lived right around the corner, and we would go to Hardee’s and we kids would slide down that slide during the summer and would burn our tail ends off.
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McDonald’s
— Est. 1973 —
The first McDonald’s in town came to Southeast Broad Street in 1973, where McDonald’s (though remodeled) still operates today. If I remember correctly, there was originally an outdoor play gym for all the kids.
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Donut Country
— Est. 1978 —
Well-loved local doughnut shop Donut Country traces its origins to 1978. Rick and Carol Egles bought the business in 1986, and their daughter, Kristy, and her husband Bo Davis operate the shop today.
Donut Country, located on Memorial Boulevard, stays open all the time, 24/7. Not only do they have fresh homemade doughnuts, they have great chicken salad and tuna fish sandwiches. If you’ve been to a business meeting in a board room in Murfreesboro in the past few decades, you’ve more than likely had some doughnuts or sandwiches from Donut Country.
They really give back to the community and help make Murfreesboro a great place to live. It’s a guarantee when you leave Donut Country you’ll be smiling ear to ear.
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Toot’s
— Est. 1985 —
Let’s not forget about Toot’s, which has some of the most affordable food and fun around. Founded in 1985 as “Tooter’s,” the Murfreesboro brand would later become Toot’s. It has been a staple in the community since then, doing lots of charity events and supporting the community throughout the years.
If you’re wanting to go watch your favorite team play and have a great burger, oysters, shrimp or salad—possibly washing it down with a cold beverage—this is your place.
Wade and Nick Hays have done a great job of keeping that Toot’s spirit alive. My go-to there is the catfish basket.
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Slick Pig
— Est. 1995 —
Head just down East Main Street from Sir Pizza and Far East for one of my favorite meat and threes—that’s Slick Pig, named after Slick Robinson. Founded in 1995, it is known for smoked wings, barbecue, catfish and its vegetables.
I dare to say it has the best desserts in town. Slick Pig has banana pudding, coconut cake, pecan pie, lime pie and chocolate pie. Let’s not forget about that JoJo’s Fruit Tea as well!
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I know I may have left some historic local restaurants out, but there will likely be a follow-up story on this topic one day. This story has really made me hungry. What will it be for lunch today?
I do hope everyone has a great April, and remember: He has risen! Happy Easter, everybody! Now, go out and do something nice for somebody else. God bless.
