Redfield, Arkansas - Mammoth Orange Drink Stand

I have been going to the Mammoth Orange since I can remember.

Mrs. Ernestine Bradshaw opened the "Big" Orange in 1965. She was the most amazing woman I have ever known. I couldn't go in there without getting a hug. Sadly, she passed away last year. She is missed by the whole town.

Mrs Ernestine organized and donated her time and supplies to ensure we had fireworks on the river every Fourth of July, and baseball for the kids every year. She even coached softball. She is the only woman I ever called Granny. The Orange is now owned and managed by Cynthia Carter, Ernestine's daughter, who has the kindness and compassion of her mother. There are pictures on the walls of some of the Redfield baseball and basketball teams that the Mammoth Orange has sponsored over the years. If there were pictures of all the teams, they would cover the inside and out. [Douglas Ray, 01/24/2008]

I have visited this restaurant for many years until moving to Chicago. I have always been greeted by the amazing Miss Ernestine, the owner, who was always ready with a hug and greeting and a minute to chat. If we called ahead and let her know we were coming on Catfish Fridays she would make an extra hot batch of her famous jalapeno hush puppies. I have never met a more perfect example of Southern Hospitality. When I walked in to the Orange it was like coming home.

I have just learned that Miss Ernestine passed away last month. She will be missed by all. [Erika Gray, 10/31/2007]

I ventured from Hazen to the Mammoth Orange for lunch today before work in Little Rock. Chocolate and vanilla real milk shakes were shared by a friend and I. I also had a grilled cheese and bacon cheeseburger. The menu is quite large for a dairy bar and making food selections is a difficult choice. Everything there has been great during my visits. The menu states that the (formerly Big I think) Mammoth Orange opened in June of 1965 and the place still seems to be going strong. [Lance Larkan, 03/24/2006]

The Mammoth Orange Cafe in Redfield between Pine Bluff and Little Rock at the intersection of highways 46 and 365. The orange globe was built in 1966. The more conventional cinderblock architectural elements were added later. [Russell T. Johnson, 01/17/2000]

[RA: 2003: Further detail from S. Draper: "Has plate lunches, catfish on friday. Was originally named the 'Big Orange,' changed to Mammoth Orange at unknown date."]

A great roadside relic, probably from the 'forties or 'fifties, located on Old U.S. 65, halfway between Little Rock and Pine Bluff, AR and still in operation, as far as I know. As the name suggests, a building shaped like a giant valencia orange, with a counter and stools cut out of the face. An annex added in the seventies sort of spoiled the symmetry, but enables you to enjoy your grilled cheese and OJ in the healthful indoors. Our family used to stop off here every time we'd make a trip to the big city of Little Rock. [Ralph J. Smith, 05/09/1997]