Branson -- Large family dinner "eat out" option

Question

I know this will be a tough ask but I thought I would give it a shot. We have a large family (30-35 people) that will be in Branson area (we rented 2 large houses south of Branson) for a family reunion from May 30-June 2. Eating together is always a challenge as we have 3 dinner meals to plan. One night we will order pizza. Any suggestions for pizza carryout to accommodate a large group would be appreciated. We prefer getting something locally owned, not the large chains like Domino's. One night we will cook. We could cook another night but it would be nice if we could all go out to dinner. Are there any restaurants that could conveniently accommodate such a large group. We are okay with simple food but a variety would be good. We would be okay with eating an early dinner (4-5 pm time). Just trying to get suggestions on a possible restaurant that could take care of our large group without breaking the bank. Also, many years ago there was a separate Branson Forum website somewhere but I cannot remember the name of that. If I could get that, I would ask these questions there also. TIA.

Answer

Planning a large family dinner in Branson for 30-35 people is definitely doable, though advance notice is key, especially during the busy late May/early June timeframe. Many locally owned restaurants are happy to accommodate large groups, especially if you’re willing to eat a bit earlier, around 4-5 pm.

For pizza carryout to accommodate a large group, consider these locally owned options rather than national chains:

Andy B’s Pizza – Known for their large, family-friendly pizzas and extensive menu. They are accustomed to handling big orders and can prepare multiple pies for pickup.
Pizza & Pasta Works – Offers customizable pizza options and can handle large takeout orders. They also offer pasta dishes, which is nice for variety.
Flat Creek Lodge & Pizza – Slightly more rustic, but they make large pizzas and have a local reputation for quality and accommodating group orders.

For an eat-out dinner with the full group, these restaurants have experience with large parties and offer a variety of menu options at reasonable prices:

Mel’s Hard Luck Diner – Classic diner-style restaurant with plenty of seating and American comfort food. They can take large groups and have a fun atmosphere.
Level 2 Steakhouse & Grill – Offers a range of dishes including steak, seafood, and chicken. Known for friendly service and can set up a large table if you call ahead.
Grand Country Buffet – Perfect for variety and simplicity. Buffets are easy for large groups and ensure everyone can find something they like. Early reservations help secure seating.
Famous Dave’s Barbecue (local-owned franchise vibe) – If your group enjoys barbecue, they are used to handling big orders and have multiple menu options.

Additional tips:

Call ahead for reservations or large group notifications – even casual places appreciate the heads-up for 30+ people.
Consider splitting the group if the restaurant cannot accommodate everyone at a single table. Two tables close together often work well.
Early dinner times (4-5 pm) are ideal in Branson, as many restaurants fill up by 6:30-7 pm, especially in tourist season.
For the pizza night, you could even combine a couple of local pizza places to ensure everyone gets what they like and avoid long wait times.

Regarding the old Branson Forum, it was known as the Branson.com forums or occasionally “Branson Forum” within fan communities, but it has been largely replaced by social media groups and newer travel forums. Sites like TripAdvisor’s Branson forum and Facebook Branson travel groups now serve a similar purpose for asking questions and getting local recommendations.

In summary, with advance planning and early dining, your group should be able to enjoy both a casual pizza night and a full dine-out experience in Branson without too much stress.