Big John’s Shake Shack in Marion, Arkansas, does three things unapologetically: Deck the walls with Elvis memorabilia, serve up more desserts than one person can possibly eat, and fry everything in sight.
Some friends and I took a trip across the river to check out the beloved shake shack yesterday. Loretta Tacker, wife of the founder, the late John Wayne Tacker, runs the 35-year-old business. She mills about tending her flock of customers and refilling glasses with sweet tea from a giant mason jar.
Things only get more charming from there.
Stacks of golden fried pies, all handmade by Loretta, sit in a little bakery case on the counter. Caddy corner on the other side of the counter, a number of whole handmade pies line the shelves of another bakery case. There is a moment, when you place your order, when you feel almost surrounded by pies.
