When Carlos Frogoso returned to Searcy, Arkansas, after a trip to the Philippines, he had more than just souvenirs in his luggage. He brought back a unique dining experience that he felt was missing from his hometown: CM Hotpot and Grill. Nestled in a community that didn’t yet have a restaurant like it, Carlos knew this would be a hit, and he was right.
“It’s something new for Searcy, but it’s more than that. It’s interactive, it’s fun. Everyone enjoys it, and people love the idea of cooking their own food,” Carlos explains.
The Inspiration Behind CM Hotpot and Grill
The idea for CM Hotpot and Grill came to Carlos while he was exploring the food scene in the Philippines. The country is known for its lively dining experiences, and Carlos noticed how popular hotpot and grill restaurants were. In these spots, customers aren’t just passive diners—they’re actively involved in their meal, cooking meats, vegetables, and noodles in hot broth or grilling them right at the table.
“When I saw how much fun people were having with hotpot, I thought, ‘Why don’t we have this back in Searcy?’” Carlos recalls. “It’s not just about eating. It’s about the experience.”
Coming back to Arkansas, Carlos decided to introduce this style of dining to Searcy, which had yet to see a restaurant that offered such a unique blend of food and fun. CM Hotpot and Grill opened its doors with a mission to provide not only delicious meals but an experience that brings people together.
What Makes CM Hotpot and Grill Special
At CM Hotpot and Grill, the dining experience is all about interaction. Customers are given the ingredients and can cook their meal at the table using a hot pot or grill. It’s a different kind of dining experience, one that Carlos says makes every meal feel like a special occasion.
“What makes us stand out is the level of involvement,” Carlos explains. “You’re not just sitting there waiting for a dish to arrive. You’re part of the process. You choose what you want, and you cook it how you like it.”
For many customers, the appeal lies in the social aspect of the meal. Groups of friends, families, and even coworkers gather around a grill, chatting and laughing as they cook together. This makes CM Hotpot and Grill more than just a restaurant—it’s a place where memories are made.
“The best part is seeing how much fun everyone is having,” Carlos says. “People come in and leave smiling, and they tell us how different it is from anything they’ve experienced here.”
A New Dining Experience for Searcy
CM Hotpot and Grill has become a local favorite in Searcy, providing a fresh option for people looking to try something out of the ordinary. For Carlos, this was part of the goal: to bring something new and exciting to the community, where traditional dining experiences dominate the restaurant scene.
“There’s nothing like this in Searcy,” Carlos points out. “We have plenty of great places to eat, but no one was offering this type of interactive dining. I wanted to fill that gap.”
The restaurant has quickly gained attention for being one of the only places where customers can cook their meals right at the table. With fresh ingredients, a variety of options, and the freedom to cook everything to personal taste, CM Hotpot and Grill offers a one-of-a-kind experience in the area.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for CM Hotpot and Grill
Although CM Hotpot and Grill is still relatively new to Searcy, Carlos is already thinking about the future. He’s proud of what the restaurant has achieved so far but is eager to continue expanding its reach. He’s even considering adding new menu items to keep the experience fresh and exciting for both new and returning customers.
“Right now, we’re focusing on making sure we offer the best experience possible,” Carlos says. “But I’ve got ideas for where we can go from here. I want to keep it fun, keep it interactive, and make sure people always leave happy.”
Carlos hopes that CM Hotpot and Grill will continue to be a place where the community comes together, where families, friends, and even strangers can bond over the shared experience of a great meal cooked by their own hands.
“The response has been great,” Carlos shares. “People love the idea of doing something different, and they enjoy the fun atmosphere. I’m just glad to be able to offer that here in Searcy.”
For Carlos, CM Hotpot and Grill isn’t just about serving food—it’s about creating a memorable experience that people will want to return to again and again. And judging by the smiles and laughter heard from tables around the grill, it’s clear that he’s succeeded in doing just that. Follow him on FB to keep up with CM Hotpot and Grill!
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Jan. 18th, 2024