In the charming town of Searcy, Arkansas, one place has become a favorite for both locals and out-of-towners seeking a cozy, home-cooked meal: Daisy’s Lunchbox. Founded by Suzanne Raiford, this beloved eatery will soon celebrate its 10th anniversary on November 4th, marking a decade of serving up hearty meals and fostering community.
But Daisy’s Lunchbox isn’t just another restaurant. It’s a place built on a foundation of family, faith, and a passion for good food. For Suzanne, Daisy’s Lunchbox is more than a business—it’s a dream fulfilled and a tribute to a very special family member.
When you hear the name “Daisy’s Lunchbox,” you might assume it’s just a cute moniker for a quaint little diner. But for Suzanne, it holds deep meaning. Daisy was her mother’s loyal Collie, who developed an unbreakable bond with Suzanne’s son, Alex, during his childhood battle with cancer.
“When our first son was born, we didn’t know he had cancer until we took him to the doctor,” Suzanne shared. “Daisy treated Alex like he was her child. She would guard him, and she wouldn’t let anyone near him.” Daisy’s devotion to Alex was unwavering, and even after her passing at nine years old, her memory stayed with the family.
“When she died, I had always wanted to open a restaurant. I knew then it was going to be named Daisy’s Lunchbox,” Suzanne said. Despite some advice to reconsider the name, she never wavered. “It just stuck with me.”
Before Daisy’s Lunchbox became the staple it is today, Suzanne’s career looked very different. She spent years in nursing school and working in doctor’s offices before realizing that her true calling was in the kitchen.
“I’ve always loved cooking,” she explained. “Since I was a teenager, I was always catering for people, just cooking because I loved it.”
Her first foray into the food industry came when she took a job in a high school cafeteria. It was there that Suzanne discovered her passion for feeding people. “I thought, ‘I can do this,’” she recalled. After helping a friend open a restaurant in Cabot, she realized that running her own place was possible. So, with determination, Suzanne started thinking about what would soon become Daisy’s Lunchbox.
Daisy’s Lunchbox didn’t start on Searcy’s Main Street. In fact, its humble beginnings were in the back of a flea market, where Suzanne operated for 11 months.
“We were in the back of a flea market” she said. “I closed up shop and brought all my equipment home. I thought we were done.” But fate had other plans. Just two weeks later, Suzanne got a call that changed everything—a local bakery was for sale.
“I wasn’t sure, but I called them, and two weeks later, we were in,” Suzanne shared. Daisy’s Lunchbox moved to its current location on Main Street, where it’s been growing ever since.
If you visit Daisy’s Lunchbox, you’ll quickly notice the welcoming atmosphere. That’s because, for Suzanne, it’s not just a restaurant—it’s a family affair.
“When my sons were in high school, they worked here,” Suzanne said. “Alex, the one who had cancer, is now 32 and living in Kansas City, but he used to work in this building, washing dishes.”
Today, many of Suzanne’s employees have become like family. “We know our regulars by name, and we start making their drinks as soon as they walk through the door,” Suzanne shared proudly. “We’re a family here, and we all work together. Some of us even travel together.”
One thing is certain: people don’t just come to Daisy’s Lunchbox for the friendly service—they come for the food. Suzanne’s dedication to homemade, from-scratch cooking is evident in every meal served. Popular dishes like the poppy seed chicken, meatloaf, and, most notably, the Thursday special of Chicken & Dressing keep the restaurant bustling.
“Thursdays are crazy in here because of the Chicken & Dressing,” Suzanne laughed. “Everything is homemade—the bread, the cornbread, the dressing—and each meal comes with one of our homemade cinnamon rolls.”
Those cinnamon rolls are part of what helped put Daisy’s Lunchbox on the map. Suzanne’s baking skills have garnered national recognition, including winning two national contests sponsored by General Mills. In the recent “Best of the Best” contest held by the Searcy Daily Citizen, Daisy’s Lunchbox took home first-place honors in five categories: Best Plate Lunch, Best Desserts, Best Caterer, Best Salads, and Best Cupcakes.
“We’ve never won five categories before. It’s a big deal,” Suzanne said with a smile.
Daisy’s Lunchbox isn’t just known for its food. Suzanne and her team are dedicated to giving back to the Searcy community in any way they can. From donating to local organizations like Jacob’s Place and the public library to participating in charity events, Suzanne feels strongly about supporting the community that supports her business.
“We try to donate whenever we can,” she said. “We support Jacob’s Place, and the library recently asked us to help, so of course, we said yes.”
For Suzanne, this sense of community extends to her employees. She’s committed to providing them with fair wages and creating a supportive work environment.
Looking ahead, Suzanne is excited about the future of Daisy’s Lunchbox. They’re in the process of launching a new website that will allow for online orders, expanding their reach and making it easier for customers to enjoy their meals.
“It’s beautiful,” Suzanne said, referring to the new site. “We haven’t launched it yet, but I’m really excited.”
As Daisy’s Lunchbox prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary, Suzanne reflects on how far the business has come. From humble beginnings to becoming a Searcy staple, it’s clear that Daisy’s Lunchbox is more than just a restaurant—it’s a community hub built on love, hard work, and great food.
Featured Place
Daisy’s Lunchbox Cafe and Bakery
311 N Spruce St
Searcy, Arkansas 72143
(501) 200-1259
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