If you’re in Searcy and craving something unique, Slader’s Alaskan Dumpling Co. might just be the hidden gem you’re looking for. What started as a dorm-room experiment by a college student at Harding University has now grown into a beloved local spot, bringing a taste of Alaska to the heart of Arkansas. We sat down with Claire, the manager of the Searcy location, to learn more about the restaurant’s journey and why she loves working there.
Slater, the original owner, didn’t just stumble upon the idea of making dumplings. Growing up in Juneau, Alaska, dumplings were a local favorite, something he enjoyed regularly. When he moved to Arkansas to attend Harding University, he found himself missing that taste of home.
“He couldn’t find anything like it here,” Claire explains. “You literally can’t get this type of dumpling anywhere around. I think the next closest place is Chicago.” Instead of settling for something else, Slater took matters into his own hands. He started making them himself, and began selling them to friends out of his dorm room. It wasn’t long before word spread, and people began encouraging him to open a restaurant.
After graduating, Slater did just that. He bought a small place, opened Slader’s Alaskan Dumpling Co., and the restaurant quickly gained popularity. As business grew, he expanded by adding a food truck that served Little Rock and surrounding areas. Another truck was added later to serve Bentonville. But as life took its natural course, Slater decided to sell the business to a new ownership group, allowing him to focus on family and spend more time with his kids.
Claire didn’t expect to love working at Slader’s as much as she does. Like many college students, she was just looking for a part-time job, and Slader’s Alaskan Dumpling Co. seemed like a good fit. “I really didn’t know much about it when I started,” Claire admits. “I’d eaten there a couple of times, but once I started working, I realized how great the atmosphere was.”
It wasn’t long before Claire found herself spending time at the restaurant even when she wasn’t on the clock. “It’s very relaxing… more enjoyable than other restaurants I’ve worked in,” she says. “And even when it gets stressful, it’s still a low-stress environment compared to most places.” For Claire, the small team and laid-back vibe are part of what makes the job so enjoyable.
One thing Claire particularly enjoys about the job is the independence it offers. “I like working by myself,” she shares. “I know not everyone enjoys that, but I like having my own system. It’s something that works for me.”
What to Order: Claire’s Recommendation
If it’s your first time at Slader’s Alaskan Dumpling Co., Claire knows exactly where you should start. “The original chicken Alaskan-style dumplings are the best introduction,” she says. “When Slader first opened the restaurant, there were only a couple of options, and chicken was the favorite. That’s still what Slader himself would eat.”
Over time, the menu has expanded to include more options, but Claire stands by the original recipe. “Everything else was added later, but the chicken dumplings are where it all started.”
Since opening, Slader’s Alaskan Dumpling Co. has become a local favorite, and it’s not hard to see why. The food is fresh, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the story behind it all makes it even more special. Claire’s love for the restaurant shines through, whether she’s serving customers or simply enjoying the space herself. “I love hanging out here, even when I’m not working,” she says, smiling.
For the people of Searcy, Slader’s Alaskan Dumpling Co. offers more than just a meal—it’s a taste of something different, a little slice of Alaska, brought to life by a college student with a love for dumplings and a dream. Today, with Claire at the helm of the Searcy location, that dream continues to thrive.
Image courtesy: Slader’s Alaskan Dumpling Co.’s Facebook page.
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Jan. 18th, 2024