Kasper’s to Transition Out of Campus Location After Eight-Year Partnership With U of O

Photo: (pictured, from left) Shane and Angi Kasper and University President Richard Dunsworth inside Kasper's restaurant, which has been housed inside the University's Voorhees building since 2019.

After nearly eight years of serving the Clarksville community through a unique partnership with University of the Ozarks, Kasper's restaurant will transition out of its campus location at the end of the calendar year, according to owners Shane and Angi Kasper.

Since opening in early 2019 inside the University's historic Voorhees building, Kasper's has become a popular dining destination for local residents, University students, employees and visitors. The partnership between the Kaspers and the University transformed the historic campus building into a thriving restaurant and gathering place for the community.

"With full hearts, and an immense sense of pride for what the community of Clarksville helped us build, Shane and I are choosing this time to hand Kasper's back over to University of the Ozarks," Angi Kasper said. "Clarksville welcomed us when we needed a location for Kasper's, constantly giving suggestions for available properties. And, this community has supported us faithfully with your patronage, encouragement, referrals, and many, many employees over the last eight years. I have done all I can do in this location, and it is time to let someone else come in and grow the business with their knowledge and talent."

University President Richard Dunsworth praised the Kaspers for their entrepreneurial spirit, dedication and vision, calling the partnership a shining example of what can happen when the University and community work together.

"When Angi first walked into Voorhees, she saw possibilities that others hadn't imagined," Dunsworth said. "The University provided the space, but it was Angi's vision, creativity and countless hours of hard work that transformed it into an award-winning restaurant and a place where people came together. This partnership has been something truly special for both Ozarks and Clarksville, and we are incredibly grateful to Angi, Shane and their wonderful staff for everything they have brought to our campus and community."

Dunsworth said the University hopes to build on the foundation established by Kasper's by welcoming another restaurant into the Voorhees building.

"Our goal is to see this space continue as a restaurant and remain a vibrant gathering place for our campus and the Clarksville community," Dunsworth said. "Angi and Shane have demonstrated what is possible when a shared vision is matched with hard work, passion and community support. They have set a high standard and created a wonderful foundation for the future. While this chapter of our partnership is coming to a close, the story of Voorhees is far from over. We look forward to building on their success and writing an exciting new chapter."

Angi Kasper said the Clarksville restaurant will continue normal operations until its transition out of the building on Jan. 1, 2027. The Kaspers will continue operating their other restaurant in downtown Dardanelle, Ark., which opened in June 2025.

As they prepare to leave the Clarksville location, Angi Kasper expressed appreciation for the community's support and optimism about the building's future.

"The name will change, but with that will come new enhancements that I am sure will be well received," she said. "Please do for them what you did for us and offer them your welcome and support. And know that as we head back to our neck of the woods, we do it with the greatest love for Clarksville and its residents. Thank you for these amazing eight years!"

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