A 1938 McCormick-Deering Farmall tractor adorns the entrance to the dining room. The restored tractor fits the décor, but is fitting because of its history. The Arps purchased it recently in Funk. The seller said the tractor was purchased in 1937 from the implement dealership that was located in the same building.
"This is a piece of area history and it's great to have it here," said Mike.

The Taste of Texas restaurant opened August 1, 2012. Barbecue is their main flavor, but they provide a varied menu including a full children's menu.

Offerings include the expected smoked meats, but you'll also find hamburgers, chicken fried steak, steaks, catfish and shrimp. Last, but certainly not least, the Arps serve up slow-smoked prime rib on Fridays and Saturdays.

Taste of Texas is located at 302 East Avenue. The interior of the building was restored about a decade ago. The beautiful old brick walls and ornate ceiling give the restaurant a warm and comfortable feel. Family style seating fills the spacious dining room, including comfortable booth seating. A canopy half-wall separates the dining area and bar. Arp said, "We're a family restaurant and want to welcome a new customer base".

The restaurant is open Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for lunch and from 4:00 to 9:00 for dinner. Saturday hours are 11:00 until 10:00. Sundays they are open 11:00-3:00. Arp reports that business has been good in their first year of operation.

The banquet room with windows facing East Avenue is available for parties and special events. If the group is having a meal, there is no charge for the room. Parties are already being booked for the holiday season.

Mike and Jennifer brought plenty of experience to their new place. The restaurant is a family-owned business. Mike's parents, James and Robbie Arp, opened the first Taste of Texas in McCook in 2001. They added a location at Lake McConaughy, where Mike and Jennifer started their managerial duties.

The seasonal nature of the restaurant on the lake did not suit their growing family, so another location was sought out. Fortunately, Holdrege is the place they landed. The available space occupied by a viable business made the former Cheex location attractive, said Mike. They also saw that a niche for family style dining could be filled. In addition, of course, there were no barbecue restaurants in Phelps County.

The Arps purchased a home in Holdrege and have a son and daughter in high school and middle school.

With a grin, Mike said, "We're glad to be here and people have been really nice to us".