Restaurants & Food
Springdale’s Crisp Raises $26M in Series B Funding
Since Crisp’s inception in 2017, the company has raised $127 million in funding.
KBP Brands founder and CEO Mike Kulp brings fast-food operations and multi-unit leadership experience to the board.
Gains were driven by government and education jobs, while construction and information sectors declined.
Hickingbotham will be recognized along with more than 25 top businesses and nonprofits from around the state.
The River Market at a Crossroads: Old Staples Exit as New Concepts Arrive
Is the downtown Little Rock district retreating, or resetting for its next act? It depends on who you ask. read more >
by Griffin Coop -
The Mighty Rib: A Food Blog Sustained by Passion, Not Profit
Kevin Shalin says he’s not paid a dime, nor does he accept free meals, for his posts. And therein lies his influence on the local dining scene. read more >
by Jan Cottingham -
Alicia Payseno Joins Arkansas Hospitality Association as CEO
Her goals include expanding member value and positioning the organization for long-term growth. read more >
El Dorado Ballot Committee Launches Push for Sunday Alcohol Sales
Brookshire Grocery Co. has thrown its hat into El Dorado politics by forming a committee dedicated to Sunday alcohol sales. read more >
Consumer Confidence Slides as Americans Grow Wary of High Costs and Sluggish Job Gains
The proportion of consumers that said jobs are “plentiful” dropped to 27.6% in November, down from 28.6% in the previous month. It is down sharply from 37% in December. read more >
by Associated Press -
Kyle Leyenberger and Downtown Little Rock’s Path Forward
The excitement that Kyle Leyenberger feels toward the new developments happening in Downtown Little Rock is palpable in his executive Q & A. read more >
Riceland Foods Reports More Than $1B in Revenue at Annual Meeting
The meeting was also comprised of cooperative updates, breakout sessions and annual awards. read more >
Slim Chickens Franchisee to Pay $300K in Sexual Harassment Suit
Slim Chickens is also required to revise and distribute its sexual harassment policy and provide harassment training to all employees. read more >
Reviving Classic Restaurants: Lessons from The Oyster Bar
With the recent reopening of Town Pump, a staple Little Rock dive bar, not everyone was pleased with the changes, but that doesn't spell doom for the local favorite. read more >
by Jan Cottingham -
7 Brew Agrees to Another Big Development Deal
The 100-store deal with a private investment firm will bring new 7 Brew locations to North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. read more >
Westrock Coffee’s Q3 Loss Widens to $19.1M, Despite Rising Sales
Profits were squeezed by tariffs and scale-up costs tied to the company's Conway production facility. read more >
Nabholz Unveils $25M Argenta Project with Hotel, Event Space & New Home for Willy D’s
The development will further connect the Argenta Arts District with the growing corridor surrounding Simmons Bank Arena. read more >
7 Brew Strikes 160-Store Deal With World’s Largest Franchise Operator
The agreement with Flynn Group of San Francisco aims to accelerate 7 Brew's already rapid growth. read more >
Courage Leads to Confidence (Sabrina Starling on Small Business)
Imposter syndrome is something nearly every business owner faces. read more >
Allsopp & Chapple Owners Reveal Plans for New Concept at Former Big Whiskey’s Site
The prominent site in downtown Little Rock' River Market District has been empty since Big Whiskey's closed in May 2024. read more >
Herman’s Ribhouse, a Fayetteville Landmark, Goes Up for Sale
Owners Nick and Carrie Wright, who purchased the restaurant in 2013, are ready to move on. read more >
The Coffee Coop to Replace Croissanterie in Little Rock Technology Park
The shop currently operates as a food truck at the Little Rock Air Force Base. read more >
Arkansas Hunters Donate Venison Through Nonprofit
Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry has donated more than 6 million meals to those with food insecurities. read more >
Arkansas and Regional Economy Holding Steady Despite ‘Pessimistic Outlook,’ St. Louis Fed Reports
The bank's contacts reported eroding consumer purchasing power and persistent labor shortages in three sectors. read more >
![Andrea Ritchie (left) and Mary Mickel, managing partners and cofounders of the AM Group of Fayetteville, which counts a number of restaurants as clients. [Photo Provided]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Andrea_Ritchie_left_and_Mary_Mickel2c_managing_partners_and_cofounders_of_the_AM_Group_of_Fayetteville_opt-e1760037162782-300x194.jpg)
Fayetteville’s AM Group Helps Restaurants Tell Their Story
AM Group of Fayetteville guides restaurants and other clients with innovative marketing, blending influencer campaigns with traditional strategies. read more >
by Jan Cottingham -
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