About Us

For many years, Fred and Lou Gaye had a dream - to open their own restaurant. Although they had never been in the restaurant business before, Fred's profession as a petroleum engineer gave them the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the world and sample the cultures and food of many different nations. These travels included residences in thirteen different countries which encouraged their love of entertaining and appreciation for well prepared meals.

In late 1969, they acquired two acres of hilltop land on Route 4, Highway 71--now Walton Boulevard. This site was called Wildwood Camp, a church youth summer retreat. Situated on the property were five buildings: a rock A-frame house (destroyed by fire in 1973), a shower building which is now the site of Fred's specially-designed smoke pit, a wood-framed dormitory, a dining hall, and the historic log cabin.

After remodeling, the dormitory was converted into the original "Fred's Hickory Inn" with a seating capacity of 60 guests. The concept envisioned by Fred and Lou was to serve quality food with courteous and efficient service in a comfortable dining atmosphere. It was an instant success.

In the early 1970s, the other buildings were leased to various artists, sign painters and potters with the hope of creating a craft area. Lou used the log house, which dates back from the 1890s, to store antiques from the area, but the restaurant's popularity--spread only by word of mouth--grew to the point where expansion was necessary to accommodate the lines of waiting diners.

In 1973, a porch area was added housing the first bar. In 1976, a glass-enclosed walkway was added connecting the kitchen to the newly remodeled log cabin. The kitchen, staffed by Fred, Lou, their daughter Fredda and son-in-law Mack Porter, was now serving over one hundred guests per seating. The log cabin provided additional dining space except for one day a week, when the tables were moved to accommodate the original St. Theodore's Episcopal Church Sunday Services (now permanently housed in Bella Vista).

Business continued to grow, and in 1980, the restaurant was again expanded. This expansion, outlined in the dirt with a stick by Fred, engulfed the covered walkway and created an additional 100 seats in two more dining rooms. The new dining area allowed Lou more space to display her art and photography collection - most of if created by her daughter, Fredda Porter, and their son, Tony Gaye.

The unique rotating smoke pit was enlarged and moved into a new building and, the water well island was rocked, landscaped and lighted. A cement slab that is inscribed with over 100 church campers' names still remains on the property.

In 1991, the restaurant underwent its fifth renovation and expansion. The original dining room was gutted after twenty years of use. The ceiling was removed to expose the roofline, a fireplace was added and a bay window completed the interior work. The total seating capacity is now over 200, with five distinct rooms for dining and party use.

For 21 years, Sherry Mendenhall's smiling face helped carry on the tradition started so long ago. Following Fred's passing in June 2005, Sherry and her husband Kip purchased Fred's Hickory Inn with full blessing from Lou & other members of the Gaye family. Having worked side by side with Sherry for so many years, Lou knew Sherry's commitment to carrying on the tradition was strong and that she would uphold the same high standards of quality and service Lou and Fred had so lovingly nurtured over the passing years. "Sherry can be trusted to take care of our baby," Lou has been quoted saying.

Sherry runs the day-to-day operations of the restaurant while Kip runs their cattle and farm operation on the edge of Oklahoma. Today with loving support from their family, a true understanding of customer service by their longtime staff, and gentle input from Lou herself, the Mendenhalls lead Fred's Hickory Inn into the next generation.

Traditions run deep in the Ozarks. This tradition is 35 years old and still going strong! We invite you to return often for this dining experience that is Fred's Hickory Inn.

It is our mission to make every visit with us a memorable one. Plan your next party, special dinner out, catering, banquet or just a "no reason eating out experience" with us. You'll be glad you did!