Casper’s began as a road-side stand in 1909
SPRINGFIELD, MO. – In the heart of Springfield, Mo., there stands an iconic restaurant that has stood the test of time – Casper’s. With a rich history spanning more than a century, this beloved eatery has become a cherished institution, serving delightful comfort food and embracing customers like old friends. Recently, Casper’s has found a new home on Glenstone Avenue, taking over the old location of Anton’s Coffee Shop. Still, its legacy remains firmly rooted in its long-standing traditions of extraordinary service and good food, including the restaurant’s spicy chili.
Established in 1909 by the visionary entrepreneur Casper Lederer, Casper’s started as a modest roadside stand, quickly captivating locals and travelers alike with scrumptious hamburgers and hearty chili. The stand’s success allowed Casper to grow, moving to a more prominent location in Springfield in 1925.
Throughout its history, Casper’s has moved to various locations across Springfield, each one maintaining the same commitment to quality and hospitality the original stand was known for. Its multiple locations stand as a testament to the enduring popularity of Casper’s and the loyal following it has garnered over the years. From Walnut Street to Cherokee Avenue, back to Walnut, and now settling on Glenstone Avenue, Casper’s has become a cornerstone of Springfield’s culinary landscape.
Stepping into Casper’s today is like stepping back in time. Warm and rustic decor, adorned with vintage signage, nostalgic photos and masks immerses diners in a journey through the past. Bright primary colors of the interior create a friendly and inviting ambiance, making visitors feel right at home. The restaurant’s dedicated staff, many of whom have been with Casper’s for years, warmly welcome customers, treating them like a part of the Casper’s family.
The current owner, Shawn Kraft (pictured above), has been at the helm of Casper’s for 12 years. Inspired by his experience at Anton’s Coffee Shop, Shawn sought to pay homage to the former establishment. While significant renovations were made to the building, Shawn kept some of Anton’s wall art, including a charming cuckoo clock and cherished pictures. Shawn preserved some old signage from Casper’s previous location, adorning the walls as nostalgic reminders of the restaurant’s history.
He wasn’t sure what he would do with the previous home of the iconic eatery. Shawn said the location on Walnut was not the first Quonset hut that housed Casper’s. It was once on Glenstone in a Quonset hut that used to be part of the O’Reilly General Hospital near Evangel College.
Casper’s new location on Glenstone has doubled its seating capacity compared to its Walnut Street home. Despite being only open for five days at the time of this writing, the restaurant is already attracting a steady stream of customers, so much so that tables fill within minutes of opening, and a small line of hungry customers forms. As customers settled into their seats, the irresistible aroma of sizzling burgers filled the air, mingled with the buzz of lively conversations.
Casper’s menu remains a testament to timeless appeal, offering classic American comfort food with a touch of innovation. The show’s star is the juicy, mouthwatering hamburgers, crafted from the finest locally-sourced beef and served on fluffy buns. Complementing the burgers is the world-famous original recipe chili, a beloved favorite featured in publications like USA Today.
Guests at Casper’s can indulge in old-fashioned shakes and malts, alongside a selection of savory sides like onion rings, fried pickles and fried mushrooms. Chili cheese fries, chicken tenders, and original coneys continue to delight customers.
Shawn envisions changes for Casper’s. Once settled in the new location, he plans to introduce a breakfast menu with a distinctive Casper’s twist, drawing inspiration from the legacy of Anton’s. Another upcoming phase will include the addition of a drive-thru, aiming to streamline the service further and enhance convenience for customers. Shawn is also open to incorporating dinner service if it proves to be a desire shared by the public.
In an ever-changing world, Casper’s remains an unwavering beacon of tradition in Springfield. With its timeless appeal, warm hospitality, and commitment to quality, this iconic restaurant continues to leave an indelible mark on the hearts and palates of its customers.
