By Amy Howe
The transformation of a beloved local landmark can breathe new life into a community, and HoneyPop’s Bar & Grill is doing just that in Anderson, Missouri. Set in the old Shangri-La Motor Inn, the restaurant is owned by a family with deep roots in the community and the field of restoration. Through dedication, hard work and a vision to revitalize an iconic building, they’ve brought HoneyPop’s to life as a vibrant gathering place for the town and beyond.
“Our family saw more than just a rundown building when we looked at the old Shangri-La,” shared Taylor Dawdy, HoneyPop’s marketing director. “We saw an opportunity to create a lively gathering place for our county—a space where new memories could be made.” With three decades of experience in restoration through their family business, Elite Restoration, the family undertook the ambitious project with the goal of revitalizing the structure and also the community’s sense of pride and connection to this historic spot.
The name HoneyPop’s Bar & Grill carries a heartfelt tribute within it. “The name itself holds deep significance,” Taylor explained. “It’s a family tribute to my father. My mom always called my dad ‘Honey,’ and the grandkids combined it with ‘Pop,’ creating his grandpa name, ‘HoneyPop.’ For us, this is more than a business—it’s a piece of our family history shared with McDonald County.”
The spirit of the old Shangri-La permeates the newly transformed space, though many structural elements had to be rebuilt from the ground up due to the building’s condition. “We were inspired by the spirit of Shangri-La as a historic community landmark,” said Taylor. “Our approach was to honor that legacy by creating a welcoming atmosphere where people could feel connected to both the past and future of Anderson through quality design and craftsmanship.” This dedication to preserving Shangri-La’s essence is evident throughout the restaurant, despite the extensive upgrades and renovations that were necessary.
One of the challenges the family faced was balancing modern comforts with the building’s original charm. The stateof- the-art kitchen, two custom bars, an indoor stage and a spacious outdoor deck overlooking Indian Creek are just a few of the upgrades HoneyPop’s offers. These enhancements are built to last, with quality at the forefront of every decision.
“The design is fresh and contemporary, built for comfort and functionality,”Taylor noted. “We prioritized custom quality in every detail, aiming to establish a lasting legacy rather than focusing on quick restoration.”
Renovating a building with such history wasn’t without its difficulties. The entire structure needed rewiring, plumbing and a new HVAC system. Finding custom wood materials and molding them to fit the family’s vision was a painstaking task. In a harrowing moment during the renovation, a fire broke out, nearly setting the project back a year.
“The mental and financial strain was immense—my dad was hospitalized twice due in part to the stress,” Taylor shared. “But our family pulled together to bring HoneyPop’s to life. Finally.”
”With the doors finally open, HoneyPop’s aims to deliver more than just ambiance; it offers a menu brimming with creativityand flavor. Led by Chef Andre Jones, who has cooked for U.S. presidents, the kitchen is in capable hands. “It’s inspiring to have such a skilled chef who can elevate familiar dishes and bring a new level of sophistication to comfort food,”
Taylor explained. Signature items like braised short ribs, handmade pastas, and a full steak chophouse have quickly become crowd favorites. The Colina Loco, a cocktail named after Taylor’s brother, Brandon, also holds a special place on the menu.
The sense of community is further fostered with signature drinks like the Honeypop Hurricane. “These items are crafted to bring a balance of comfort and excitement to the menu, making each meal memorable,” Taylor said. Guests can expect an experience that balances culinary finesse with the comforting flavors of home—a unique offering that embodies the family’s dedication to creating unforgettable moments.
Before the restaurant even opened, the buzz around HoneyPop’s was palpable.With over 1,300 members in their HoneyPop Club before day one, the anticipation for the grand opening was high.
“Anderson and the McDonald County community welcomed HoneyPop’s with enthusiasm,” Taylor said. “During the remodel, we often encountered people who recognized us from our social media videos. Their excitement and encouragement were incredible, giving us even more motivation to create a space that truly reflects the heart of the community.”
In the words of Taylor, HoneyPop’s is “soon to be world-famous,” a go-to spot for residents and visitors to enjoy good food, warm company and a beautiful setting. The restaurant’s outdoor deck overlooking Indian Creek offers guests a unique spot to relax, enjoy live music and take in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
“We felt there was no place like this in our county,” Taylor noted, adding that the family envisions the deck as a hub for socializing and entertainment.
“Watching people of all ages dancing and enjoying themselves truly pulls at the heartstrings.”
Although the journey of transforming Shangri-La into HoneyPop’s Bar & Grill was filled with challenges, each obstacle was met with the family’s resilience and determination to make their vision a reality.
“The more the community supported us and got behind us, the more motivated we became to make them proud,” Taylor shared. The family’s commitment to seeing the project through is clear, not just in the physical renovations but in their dedication to the people of Anderson and McDonald County. This dedication extends into HoneyPop’s future as well. The family plans to continue evolving and adapting, keeping the menu fresh and introducing new events that cater to the community’s needs.
“Our goal is to create unforgettable experiences that give people a reason to come back, time and time again,” Taylor said. They want HoneyPop’s to be a place locals can proudly call their own, and one that visitors can’t help but talk about long after they’ve left.The old Shangri-La may have been a relic of the past, but with HoneyPop’s Bar & Grill, it has been given a new life that resonates with historic and modern charm.
For Taylor and his family behind this transformation, HoneyPop’s represents more than just a restaurant; it’s a tribute to their heritage and a gift to the community. HoneyPop’s Bar & Grill isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a place to make memories, celebrate with loved ones and connect with a town’s storied past while looking forward to a promising future.
“We want HoneyPop’s to be a destination that people proudly share with everyone who walks through our doors,” Taylor said.