The Feed Lot, which took over the former Sonic Drive-In at 333 Ozark St. in Cabool, serves farm-fresh burgers, breakfast and ice cream. The locally owned business opened in February 2025 after a six-month remodel of the property.
Owners Nathan and Shelby Ellison purchased the building after it went to auction, completing the renovation themselves while documenting progress on social media. Nathan works as a lineman for Intercounty Electric, and Shelby is a nurse at the hospital in Houston who also handles payroll and administrative duties for the restaurant.
“We wanted to show our girls that hard work – that’s how you get ahead,” Shelby said, adding that their daughters in second and sixth grade have jobs waiting for them.
FRESH FOOD AND GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE
The Feed Lot employs 21 people, with Jason Falk serving as general manager. The Ellisons said food is cooked fresh to order, and customer service is a priority.
Both Shelby and Nathan bragged on their employees and emphasized great customer service. “We have a good crew,” said Shelby.
When available, the Ellisons supply beef for their smash burgers themselves. When they cannot, the restaurant uses never-frozen Black Angus beef sourced from nearby farms. Chicken, eggs and sausage are also farm sourced. Plans are to source locally some of the vegetables used as well.
The restaurant features walk-up and drive-up windows, online ordering and plans to add QR code ordering at each stall. Indoor seating may be added later.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND EXPANSION
The Feed Lot recently hosted a holiday-themed event that included family activities and photos with characters from the movie “Frozen.” Through the end of December, the business is offering a limited holiday menu of specialty shakes and drinks.
The Ellisons said community involvement is important to them, noting support for school events, booster clubs, sports teams, fundraisers and local organizations.
“We like to have our hands in everything,” said Shelby. “They support us, so we’re going to support them.”
While they have been approached about opening another location, they said any expansion would depend on finding the right fit.
The Feed Lot can be found on Facebook at “The Feed Lot – Farm fresh burgers and ice cream.”