Discover the NEA’s Must-Try Favorites Among the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame Finalists!

Exciting News for Arkansas Food Lovers!

Little Rock, Ark. — Several beloved restaurants from Northeast Arkansas have made it to the finals of the 2025 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the finalists, highlighting the area’s rich culinary landscape.

This program, started in 2016 by the Division of Arkansas Heritage, aims to honor the state’s unique food culture by recognizing outstanding restaurants, chefs, and food events. Marty Ryall, the director of the Division of Arkansas Heritage, notes that the passion from residents during the nomination process is truly inspiring. “These finalists are stories and memories, celebrating the places where we enjoy great meals together,” he said.

Arkansans nominated favorites in five categories this year:

• Gone But Not Forgotten
• Food-Themed Event
• Proprietor of the Year
• Arkansas Food Hall of Fame
• People’s Choice

Finalists Selected

Gone But Not Forgotten:

• Browning’s Mexican Grill – Little Rock
• Cajun’s Wharf – Little Rock
• Polar Freeze – Walnut Ridge

Food-Themed Event:

• Arkansas Pie Festival – Cherokee Village
• Mayhaw Festival – El Dorado
• Arkansas Cornbread Festival – Little Rock

Proprietor of the Year:

• Jim Keet – Little Rock
• Joe St. Columbia – Helena-West Helena
• Susie Powell – McGehee

Arkansas Food Hall of Fame:

• Big Banjo Pizza Parlor – Pine Bluff
• Brave New Restaurant – Little Rock
• K Hall & Sons – Little Rock
• Taylor’s Steakhouse – Dumas
• The Dixie Pig – Blytheville
• The Ohio Club – Hot Springs
• White House Cafe – Camden

People’s Choice Semifinalists:

• Jesse James Foods – Batesville
• Meme’s Burgery – Batesville
• Oxley Store & Diner – Oxley
• Salty Dalty’s BBQ Food Truck – Morrilton
• The Gypsy Willow Scratch Kitchen & Oyster Bar – Cave City

With voting now open, locals can select their top three favorites. “Winning a spot in the Food Hall of Fame is a huge honor in our state’s culinary community," said Shea Lewis, secretary for the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. He emphasizes the creativity and dedication chefs pour into every meal.

This year, the committee also named Cynthiana grapes as the official Food of the Year, spotlighting this grape variety unique to Arkansas.

Inductees will be celebrated in a special event in the fall. Details are expected soon. For more insights about the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame, visit ArkFoodHOF.com.

These awards not only celebrate the culinary flair of Arkansas but also strengthen community connections through food.

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