Capi Peck, the co-owner of Trio’s in Little Rock, is about to celebrate 40 years in the same spot. Peck and her partner, Brent Peterson, opened the popular restaurant in 1986. Over the years, Trio’s has earned six Arkansas Times Readers’ Choice Awards for best restaurant. They’ve survived economic ups and downs, including the COVID-19 pandemic and even a tornado in 2023. During the tornado, Peck and her staff sought safety in a walk-in cooler as the storm blew the restaurant’s doors off.
Peck attributes their success to two key elements: amazing food and genuine hospitality. “We have great recipes from my family’s hotel, and we change our dinner menu frequently,” she said. This keeps customers excited, knowing they can always try something new along with their favorite dishes. Peck also emphasizes the importance of treating staff like family. “Twelve team members have been with us for over 25 years, and I’m proud of that,” she said.
To get a glimpse of her daily routine, Peck shared a food diary. Here’s a sneak peek into her meals over a weekend:
Friday
Peck starts her day with freshly ground Starbucks Italian roast coffee. On her way to work, she forces herself to eat a banana. Fridays are special for her; she has lunch with food blogger Kevin Shalin. They hop from restaurant to restaurant, sharing bites to savor many flavors without filling up.
One memorable dish was the birria grilled cheese sandwich from Speakeasy Cafe in Bryant. “Best breakfast tacos ever,” Peck said about another favorite, filled with scrambled eggs and chorizo.
At Trio’s, she had a cup of Bombay chicken soup with lentils and enjoyed some fries for energy during a busy night.
Saturday
Peck repeated her coffee ritual, had an English muffin for breakfast, and stopped by Starbucks for a flat white. At Trio’s, she enjoyed a special Italian sausage lasagna.
After a hectic night, she snacked on some crackers and pimento cheese for a simple dinner. The real treat was the vegan special—winter vegetable couscous, which she described as hearty and comforting.
Sunday
Peck’s Sunday coffee was accompanied by a delicious breakfast of sunny-side-up eggs and avocado prepared by Brent. She felt slightly withdrawn as her favorite breakfast spot, The Croissanterie, was closed for relocation.
Later, she popped into the new location and indulged in a croissant and mimosa. In the evening, she enjoyed takeout from Waldo’s, known for their chicken strips and fresh sides.
Peck’s approach to food is both simple and thoughtful, showcasing local ingredients and comfort. Her commitment to quality keeps customers returning, and her love for her staff creates a warm environment.
Capi Peck’s story is a reminder of resilience, community, and the joy of sharing food. As she moves forward, her passion for great food and heartfelt service remains front and center. For more on food trends and local dining, visit Arkansas Times.
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