Flying Burger soars toward Texarkana

A sign sits at the future site of Texarkana's Flying Burger.
A sign sits at the future site of Texarkana's Flying Burger.

In Magnolia, Ark., a restaurant has been serving fresh, flavorful burgers and seafood that has had people driving out of their way to get it.

Robert Smith's Flying Burger and Seafood has been keeping it fresh and local since the beginning, and now Texarkana residents won't have to go very far for a taste.

"Folks from Texarkana come out to Magnolia and eat here all the time," said Smith. "They ask me constantly, when are you going to open one in our town? Well, that is about to happen."

The Texarkana location recently broke ground on Summerhill Road and they are aiming for an opening either in late August or early September.

Flying Burger started out as a burger and sides place. But when they added the "and Seafood" to the menu, the customers really took to it. So they have had that since. Smith says the secret to the success of Flying Burger and Seafood comes down to freshness.

"We grind our own hamburger meat, use fresh shrimp caught in the Gulf of Mexico, fresh farm-raised catfish and we are as fresh and local as possible in ingredients," he said.

In addition, the sandwiches and salads feature homemade sauces and dressings.

"You can eat quite healthy off of our menu," said Smith. "We have our burgers and seafood, but a whole range of great salads that offer lots of flavor but also are very good for you."

The original Flying Burger and Seafood opened in Magnolia, Ark., in 2008. The second opened in El Dorado, Ark., in 2012, and is operated by his sons Michael and Landry. Since they started franchising, more have opened or are in the process of in Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.

As to why Texarkanians come all the way out to Magnolia to enjoy his place, Smith says it is not only because of the food, but the design of the Magnolia place is welcoming to diners.

"We have a wonderful building and inviting dining room," he said. "The way it is designed, well lighted, good view, creates a welcoming atmosphere, a good place for diners to enjoy their food. Our customers come back."

As to the Texarkana location, the Summerhill placing was not an accidental choice.

"The Summerhill location is well-trafficed," he said. "It is also near where sports teams play, and near where church-going crowds travel. But it is far enough away from the other restaurant clusters in town, which will help reduce some of the
competition."

"We are really excited about coming to Texarkana," he said. "All of our Texarkana customers have been asking about it and it is now about to happen."

Flying Burger and Seafood will be open seven days a week and will feature a call-in pick up window for the convenience of customers.

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