Drop Zone restaurant a place to refuel

The name The Drop Zone alone is an attention-getter. It is a military term referring to a safe location for a landing, where troops can rest and refuel. But if this term is used near Cape Girardeau, it probably refers to the restaurant known for having the best catfish around.

On any given Friday, The Drop Zone is a hub of activity as waitresses work in a constant state of motion: taking drink orders, bringing baskets of fried catfish, hush puppies and coleslaw, and calling many customers by name.

Several people, such as Mike Tomlin, have been longtime patrons of this airport restaurant.

"I have been coming here since I learned to fly planes in the 1960s," Tomlin said.

Cary Winchester and Darrell Beshears are two of many faithful customers who describe The Drop Zone as having "the best fish around."

Tina and Jeff Rosanswank, a husband and wife team, have owned The Drop Zone since January 2007. According to Tina, the restaurant has been in existence for more than 30 years. Kody Standridge, their 15-year-old son, gave the restaurant its unique name and designed the logo of an opening yellow parachute displayed on the wall of the establishment.

While The Drop Zone is best known for its catfish, its menu includes other food with a home-style flavor.

"All of the food is all like home-cooked food, sort of like the kind you would get at grandmother's house," Tina Rosanswank said.

With all its windows, The Drop Zone gives a picturesque view of the airport.

"If you have never seen sunset at the airport, it is a beautiful thing," Rosanswank said. "A serene atmosphere."

The restaurant lives up to its name in the original sense of the term. At The Drop Zone, customers can rest and refuel in a calm atmosphere.

The Drop Zone recently changed its hours. The restaurant is now open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday. Catering is also available.

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On the menu

~Salads

California Chicken Salad: Topped with fried chicken strips, mozzarella cheese and red onions. Honey mustard dressing adds the final touch.

~Meal specials

Country fried fteak: Served with mashed potatoes, green beans and corn.

Open-faced roast beef and gravy: Served with mashed potatoes and corn.

Friday's special all-you-can-eat catfish: Served with fries, hush puppies and vinegar or mayonnaise coleslaw

~Desserts

Brownie quake: A huge brownie warmed until it falls apart and topped with hot fudge.

Pie: A selection of homemade pies includes lemon and pecan.