Photo by Tessa CooperOzark just welcomed its newest restaurant, Raku Hibachi Sushi & Ramen!
Table Talk
Springfield Food News
Read all about what's happening with the food scene in Springfield in this week's Table Talk.
by Tessa Cooper
Aug 19 2025 at 8 a.m.
We ❤️ Raku Hibachi Sushi & Ramen
This past week, Ozark welcomed its newest restaurant. Raku Hibachi Sushi & Ramen opened at 1487 W. South St. and began doling out fresh sushi rolls with flavorful toppings, ramen made with 12-hour slow-simmer broth, and hibachi (prepared in the back). I got to attend the soft opening on Wednesday, and I was impressed from the moment I walked into the front door. You can tell owners Kukuh Bayu Han Prakoso, Billy Yuzar and Raven Al Rasya put their all into creating an atmosphere and dishes that transport you to Japan. The entire space is a vibe with touches like colorful Anime wallpaper, paper lanterns and creative yet surprisingly comfortable seating made from repurposed materials like milk crates. I tried the mango tango roll, and it’s the perfect option for when you’re craving something fresh, yet flavorful. The desserts are the really fun part, in my opinion. I got to try my first Japanese sando, and I honestly haven’t stopped thinking about it since. They also carry that viral Propitious Mango ice cream, which was just as delicious and creamy as I hoped it would be. Before you leave, be sure to check out the small section of Japanese candy and snacks. They even have ongiri that they make fresh daily with toppings like soft-boiled egg and chicken katsu with hot honey.
Springfield’s Biggest Picnic Ever (Probably)
On Saturday, September 27, Good Spirits & Co.’s SGF Spritz Society, Big Blanket Co. and Mother's Brewing Company are aiming to host Springfield’s biggest picnic ever at the brewery. We’re not sure how we’d go about fact-checking whether or not it really will be the biggest, but we do know that this will be a fun way to usher in fall. While this family-friendly event is free to attend, you can purchase tickets for $103, which gets you a limited edition embroidered Big Blanket Co. picnic blanket and a 32 oz spritz. In case you aren’t familiar with Big Blanket Co., this Springfield-founded company produces giant 10 ft by 10 ft blankets that rival the big spritzes that SGF Spritz Society doles out. Can you name a more perfect pairing?
Level-Up School Lunch With Lindsay’s Kitchen
We’ve sure missed getting treats from Lindsay’s Kitchen, but we absolutely love what owner Lindsay Kirtlan has been up to since her departure from 14 Mill Market. When she’s not working on making her beautifully packaged pantry products like brownie mix, brown sugar syrup and cinnamon roll seasoning, she’s been posting recipe videos on her Instagram. Her latest series focuses on nutritious and delicious lunchbox recipes. We’re talking protein-rich foods that will keep your kids full well after you pick them up, like cheddar bacon muffins, pizza dippers and pasta salad that will make your kids the envy of the entire lunch table.
Remembering Ron Hill of Farmers Gastropub
If you’ve enjoyed a drink at Farmers Gastropub’s bar, you know local bartender Ron Hill was just as talented as he was kind. Hill just passed away after a battle with brain cancer, and he will be forever missed by the entire Farmers Gastropub crew and group of loyal regulars. “There will be a hole behind the bar at Farmers for as long as the pub exists,” reads a post on the company’s Facebook page from August 13. Ron Hill was one of the business’s first employees, and his genuine kindness made him an irreplaceable team member and fast friend to many regulars. Rest in peace, Hill.
