New businesses are always opening their doors across Arkansas. Here is a roundup of the latest additions.
Sweetgreen
Fast casual restaurant chain Sweetgreen of Los Angeles opened the doors to its second Arkansas location Jan. 13 in Fayetteville’s South Yard development.
The new 2,422-SF location is located at 417 M.L.K. Jr. Blvd. Sweetgreen partnered with the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank to donate one meal to the organization for every meal sold Jan. 13.
The grand opening also featured local giveaways from Swoon Juice Bar, Happy Organics Candles and The Meteor Bike Shop, plus bike demos and adoptable pets.
The Fayetteville opening follows the launch the brand’s first Arkansas location which opened in November on Walmart’s new campus.
“As we grow across the South, Fayetteville stands out as a city that shares our values around community, health and innovation,” Jonathan Neman, co-founder and CEO of Sweetgreen, said in a press release. “We’re excited to be part of the energy here and can’t wait to serve up real food in a place that already feels like home.”
Houston TX Hot Chicken
A hot chicken chain based in Las Vegas is planning to open five new locations in Arkansas as part of a rapid national expansion.
Founded in 2021, Houston TX Hot Chicken currently operates 29 locations across eight states and is backed by private equity firm Savory Fund of Lehi, Utah.
The Arkansas locations are part of a deal that includes 26 new franchise commitments across Illinois, Louisiana, Arkansas and New York.
“These agreements represent another important step forward as we continue building a truly national brand,” Brian Simowitz, president of Houston TX Hot Chicken, said in a press release. “We’re seeing sustained interest from experienced operators across the country, and our development pipeline remains strong as we work toward additional market expansion in the months ahead.”
In addition to the new locations, the company also has more than 100 franchise units already sold across the country.
Cava
A popular Mediterranean fast casual restaurant chain is opening its third Arkansas location in Little Rock, according to the Arkansas Times.
Cava of Washington, D.C., is planning a new location at 12318 Chenal Pkwy., in the space formerly occupied by Genghis Grill, which closed July 28, 2024. The 2,976-SF building is owned by Perris Plaza LLC of North Little Rock, according to the Pulaski County Assessor.
Cava already operates two locations in Fayetteville and Rogers. The company acquired Zoës Kitchen in 2018, permanently closing its two Little Rock locations.
The company operated 415 Cava locations as of the third quarter of 2025, with net income of $14.7 million and net revenue $289.8 million.
Cava co-founder and CEO Brett Schulman said in a 2025 interview that the company pays north of $18 an hour.
CarMax
CarMax of Richmond, Virginia, has opened its first location in Arkansas. The company, which is the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, now operates an 11,500 SF location in Rogers at 6360 South Dixieland Road.
CarMax hired nearly 30 people for positions at the store. The building can hold approximately 500 vehicles.
The company purchased the 17.49-acre site for $5.170 million in 2023, according to the Benton County Assessor. The seller was PWX LLC, an affiliate of Whisinvest Realty of Little Rock. CarMax completed construction of the building last year.
“The growth in the region is tremendous, and we’re excited to be a part of it,” Bradley McMahon, location general manager at the Rogers CarMax, said in a press release. “When selecting a new location, CarMax looks for a strong workforce and community support — and we’ve found both here in Rogers.”
The press release stated CarMax is also “excited to explore ways to give back to the Rogers community in the coming months.”
Beignets & Brew
Beignets & Brew of Destin, Florida, has opened a new location in Jonesboro, with Arkansas Business‘ Whispers first reporting the news.
The location will be locally owned and operated by franchise partners Cody McPherson and Kristen McPherson, who also own several other franchises in the area, including Potbelly, Crumbl and Rock N’ Roll Sushi.
Chris Kramolis, chief development officer at Rock N’ Roll Sushi and Beignets & Brew area representative for Arkansas, along with his business partners Jason and Chris Alley opened the first Arkansas Beignets & Brew location in Little Rock last September.
“The response from the community has been incredible,” Kramolis said in a press release. “We’re excited to continue growing across the state, with new locations coming soon in West Little Rock and Hot Springs.”
Kramolis and the Alley brothers have the development rights for the chain for Arkansas and Memphis, with plans to open 30 stores.
Discount Tire
Discount Tire has opened its first location in Little Rock at 16300 Chenal Pkwy. The space is owned by Riverside Properties LLC, a prolific developer in West Little Rock. Halle Properties LLC, the team that manages the real estate for Discount Tire and America’s Tire, leases the space.
Including the new Little Rock location, Discount Tire operates 11 stores in Arkansas, with plans for further expansion across the next couple of years.
The new location officially began serving customers in December.
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