When you think of concessions at a recreation facility, the first thing that comes to mind might be pizza, hot dogs, and things that are pre-packaged. What you don’t expect is artisanal soups and sandwiches made with fresh ingredients.
When you think of concessions at a recreation facility, the first thing that comes to mind might be pizza, hot dogs, and things that are pre-packaged. What you don’t expect is artisanal soups and sandwiches made with fresh ingredients. Southern Ladle Café, the new concessionaire at Roger Scott Tennis Center, just might change the way you think of dining out where you play.
Inspired and mentored by many of the women in her family, Southern Ladle’s owner Christy Rushing loves to cook. A few years ago she was caring full-time for her grandmother and often made soup for her because it is so comforting. Her grandmother insisted it was so good she should start selling it. About a year ago, Rushing decided to listen to that advice and began a catering business selling her soup and delivering it to local customers. When the contract for a new concessionaire at RSTC came up for bid this spring, Rushing said “there was really nothing holding me back.”
As much as possible Rushing uses local ingredients in her dishes. “I believe food should be simple and good, with quality ingredients. Local always tastes better,” said Rushing. She works with local farmers and sources as much as she can from the Pensacola area whether it’s organic honey or fresh produce.
Southern Ladle offers a “Soup of the Moment” which could be any style or flavor of soup at any given time. It could be one of her favorites like gazpacho or husband Blake’s favorite, BLT soup. Rushing says she lets nature and ingredients inspire what to make so she can’t tell you what soups she’ll be making next week.
Southern Ladle offers a full menu, so there’s much more to choose from than just soup. Pick from sandwiches, salads, and nibbles for the lighter appetite. You can follow Southern Ladle on their Facebook page to keep up with their specials and more, but the best way to know what soup is on the menu for the moment is just to show up and eat.
Although Southern Ladle has been open for a few days already, Roger Scott Tennis Center will celebrate the Grand Opening of Southern Ladle Cafe at their Friday Fun Mixer June 12. The event begins at 6pm with food & beverage specials throughout the evening. The kitchen is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday. Roger Scott Tennis Center is located at 2130 Summit Boulevard, Pensacola, Florida.