Arkansas Food Hall of Fame finalists unveiled – Talk Business & Politics

The 2025 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame finalists were announced on Thursday (June 26). Launched in 2016 by the Division of Arkansas Heritage, the program celebrates Arkansas’ unique culinary heritage by recognizing its best restaurants, proprietors and food-themed events.

“Every year, we’re amazed by the passion and pride residents bring to the nomination process. These finalists are more than just names – they’re stories, memories, and celebrations of the places that bring us together over a great meal,” said Marty Ryall, director of the Division of Arkansas Heritage.

Arkansans nominated their favorite restaurants and chefs earlier this year in these five categories:

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

This year’s finalists by category include:

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
The 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 (Voting is now open for the public to pick the top three winners.)
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

“Earning a place in the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame is one of the highest honors in our state’s culinary scene. It’s a testament to the dedication, creativity and heart that these chefs and restaurants pour into every dish,” said Shea Lewis, secretary for the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.

In addition to Food Hall of Fame finalists, Arkansas Heritage also announced this year’s food of the year. The Food Hall of Fame committee has chosen to honor the official state grape – Cynthiana grapes.

Honorees will be inducted into the Arkansas Hall of Fame during a special event this fall. Event details will be announced later this year.

Related