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Entertainment Fort Smith Dining Guide

Bruce Terri's Catering & Drive-In specializes in classic style and taste

Walk in the door and step back in time.  That's right.  Go all the way back to high school.

You remember your local hangout, don't you?  Great burgers, shakes, and fries -- not to mention those pool tables and pinball machines.

That's the feeling you get when you enter Bruce Terri's Catering & Drive-In in Barling, a local landmark since 1969.  There's even a 1958 Cushman Eagle motorcycle on display to help jog your memory.

"It's one of the original 13 Grotto bikes here in town," says Chuck Peacock, owner.  "My father-in-law bought it in the '60s and restored it in the '80s.  It's become one of our landmarks."

Here's a question for you.  Did you know Bruce Terri began when Bill and Peggy Shopfner purchased The Frostee across from Central Mall in 1961?  No?  That's probably because Arvest Bank now sits on the site of that restaurant.  In 1969, Bill and Peggy moved their restaurant to it's present location and changed the name to Bruce Terri in honor of their children.  Daughter Terri married Chuck Peacock in 1983, and they took over the restaurant in 1987.

Now, back to the important part -- the food.  Old-fashioned cheeseburgers, catfish, barbecue, chicken, shrimp.  The list seems endless and that doesn't even include the yummy side items.  Cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans, onion rings, pinto beans.

"We make everything in-house," says Chuck.

Most days there is a lunch special, and it can be anything from spaghetti to barbecue.  But their No. 1 item is their giant burger.  And don't forget to top off your meal with a chocolate dip cone, banana split, or ice cream sundae.

With food this tasty and such a big variety, you may want them to start cooking for your special events.  Fortunately, they are known far and wide for their catering.

"We just booked a fish fry in Springfield, MO, for 350 people in September," said Chuck.  "We can feed 20 to 3,000 and do everything from barbecue and catfish, to turkey and dressing, roast beef and ham."

There is no limit to the events Bruce Terri will cater.  Rehearsal dinners, class and family reunions, company picnics, safety meetings.  You name it, they can do it.

"We like to say we are kind of like 'Cheers.' With three generations working here, we know most everybody who comes in the door."  And it's a good place to be.