My husband John and I were running errands last week for our other job and decided to grab a bite at a new restaurant we had heard about. Believe me when I say that John and I were not disappointed. As we sat waiting on our meals, we were looking around and then talking about the place. So, when our food was delivered by Mark, the owner, to our table, I decided to inquire about the restaurant. Mark said, if needed, to visit with his wife Jill. Jill came and visited and after a nice visit, here we are with this article.
What was the purpose of you wanting to open a restaurant?
Mark's first job was in a restaurant as a teenager, and he learned from two brothers who ran one of the most popular restaurants in their hometown in Illinois. That is where he was able to learn so many skills with not only cooking, but operations and staff management. Even though he had owned another business, the fact of owning a restaurant was his lifelong dream.
Jill was not only about helping to make her husband’s dream come true, but she missed working with her husband in their own business, and Festus Jack's would give her the chance to be creative, get involved in the community and create fun events.
What info you would like to share about the name?
There is a picture of a man displayed at the restaurant who is Jill's father. He passed away four years ago. He was a great horseman and businessman, but the name came from his favorite TV cowboy, "Festus Hagen," and then combined with the place they are from, which is Jacksonville, IL. So, "Festus Jack's" was born!
What are your highlighted specials?
The great thing about owning your own restaurant, you can add specials at any time. Some of the most popular right now are their breaded tenderloins, Reuben sandwiches, French dips, Ponyshoe, Irish nachos and homemade onion rings, but many of their customers still come in for the great taste of BBQ, and new BBQ specials have been added in the last two months!
How long have you been open?
They opened on November 14, 2024.
Any future plans you would like to share?
They will begin serving breakfast on February 4. They are excited to offer events and special dining experiences. They just completed the ‘Festival of Trees,’ and the proceeds benefitted the North Stone County Food Pantry. They are already planning on expanding the festival and making it a tradition to support the food pantry every year. For Valentine’s, they will be hosting a 'Taste of Italy' dining experience! On April 5, they will have a 'Magnolia Ladies Tea' with a guest speaker and so many more fun events. Stay tuned for the upcoming events on their Facebook page: Festus Jacks Restaurant.
What would you love for people to know about you all?
We have been so grateful to the community and businesses of Crane. This little town is truly the Mayberry of the Ozarks! Such a gem! Our goal is to have our customers come in and feel comfortable and feel like family when they leave. We have marveled and embraced customers saying that they feel like they are in a Hallmark movie when they come to Crane and our restaurant. “We love that! We will build on that!”
Festus Jack's will also develop a dinner show concept that gives the audience an 1800s’ dining experience that will incorporate the true history of Crane, MO, and the whimsical journey of 'Festus Jack' traveling from the banks of the Illinois River to settle in this booming train town. More to come on that.
Crane is truly a special community and a great day trip with wonderful shops to explore, a great historical society, library and, of course, they hope folks will stop in and say "howdy and have a bite with us!"
They will be conducting day trip options for the "Mayberry of the Ozarks," production for church groups, bus groups, school groups, etc.
I suggest to take a drive and go visit this wonderful "Mom and Pop" establishment. They have delicious food.
Festus Jack’s can be found at: 206 Main St., Crane, MO. Phone 417-723-0520.