Greenhouse Grille takes dining back to its roots
@story Sarah Rumsey
@images Meredith Mashburn

When owners, Jerrmy Gawthrop and Clayton Suttle, first decided to open Greenhouse Grille in Fayetteville, they knew they wanted to start small. “Neither one of us had any restaurant experience prior to opening in May, 2006, and we didn’t know what would come of it,” Jerrmy explained. But the eatery quickly became a staple in Northwest Arkansas, and was bursting at the seams.

So the restaurant, known for its fresh, organic menu with herbs and vegetables grown right in the parking lot, moved to its larger location at 481 South School about a year ago.  Now it’s three times larger and even more popular. 

When I stepped inside Greenhouse Grille, I immediately appreciated the ambience. A guitarist was strumming a Jack Johnson tune in the background and I couldn’t help but feel as if I had entered my ideal restaurant. Good music, good food, what more could I ask for? I was offered a list of organic wines and beers to look over while I munched on Shitake Mushroom Fries. My party ordered another batch before we ever finished the first. The seasonal menu offers dish after dish made with fresh produce and fresh meat. “We try to plan the menu based on what the farmers are growing locally,” Jerrmy said. 

Diners are lining up to taste the innovative dishes, which are prepared daily. Whether you’re in the mood for one of the staple items, such as the popular Grilled Buffalo Burger served on an organic roll with sweet potato fries, or a weekend special like the Roasted Pumpkin and Mascarpone Risotto with chives, parmesan cheese, and toasted pumpkin seeds, you can’t go wrong. Greenhouse Grille offers it all. “Our staff is incredible. Everyone works together. We listen to music and get inspired to make great things happen,” Jerrmy said.

Jerrmy and Clayton make it a priority to support what’s local. “We try to make use of every resource,” Jerrmy explained. “We avoid chemicals and preservatives, and stay true to making fresh, organic choices. We also try to recycle and compost as much as we can, limiting trash to one bag a day during the week and two on weekends.”

“At the end of the day, we wanted to do something good,” Jermy said, encapsulating their mission in one simple statement.  And from good food, to good music, to providing an example of sustainable living, the Greenhouse Grille is doing just that.

Greenhouse Grille is open Tuesday through Thursday 11:00 to 9:00, Friday and Saturday 11:00 to 10:00 and Sunday brunch 10:00 to 2:00. Entrees range in prices from $12 to  $26.  More information is available at greenhousegrille.com.