Restaurants & Food
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.
by Jan Cottingham -
This week’s installment of central Arkansas million-dollar construction projects includes a senior center, a gym-office and a restaurant.
Some names familiar to Arkansas Business readers are partnering on the project.
The Fayetteville-based chain’s growth has been fueled by investments from restaurant industry leaders.
![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 -
Downtown Little Rock to Get a Sweet Addition
A Philadelphia-based chain looks to be moving into the former Barakat Bespoke space in the River Market. read more >
Coffee Sellers, Shops Face Rising Prices
Rising demand and tight supply are driving specialty coffee prices higher, leaving local roasters weighing price increases. read more >
by Jan Cottingham -
Fidel & Co. Expands With Coworking Space in River Market Location
Fidel & Co. has transformed its River Market location into Fidel & CoWork, a coffee-fueled coworking space with flexible plans and perks. read more >
From Philly to Argenta: Making a Home with Brood & Barley
From Philly to Argenta, chef Brayan McFadden has turned Brood & Barley into both a neighborhood favorite and a platform for civic engagement. read more >
by Jan Cottingham -
New Beignets & Brew Franchise Plans Arkansas, Memphis Expansion
A new breakfast and coffee concept, Beignets & Brew, is launching in Little Rock this fall, with plans to expand across Arkansas and Memphis. read more >
![Lobbyist Ted Mullenix is renovating this house-turned-office-building. [Madeline Circle]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Real_Deal_BuildingDSC_2364_opt-300x194.jpg)
Mullenix Unveils Rose Creek Station Project Near Arkansas Capitol
Longtime lobbyist Ted Mullenix is transforming a hilltop site near the Capitol into a new office space, restaurant and potential trail project. read more >
David’s Burgers to Break Ground on 11th Location in Arkansas
Owner Alan Bubbus is also building a three-tenant, 6,400-SF building in Conway. read more >
CARTI Bistro Promotes Hope and Health
Chef Coby Smith brought comfort and flavor to CARTI’s Hope Bistro, where patients and locals alike enjoyed soulful, healthy meals. read more >
by Jan Cottingham -
Golf Simulator, Restaurant Venture Heading to Little Rock
Swing Social, a high-end Southern country club experience, is set to open in the Marketplace Shopping Center early next month. read more >
Downtown Little Rock Restaurant in the Works at Former Big Whiskey’s Site
A new restaurant concept is in the works for the former Big Whiskey’s spot in downtown Little Rock, with hopes to open by early next year. read more >
Arkansas’ First Gluten-Free Brewery Opens in Bentonville
With heartfelt reactions and bold flavor, Stoic Brews is redefining beer in Bentonville as Arkansas’ first dedicated gluten-free craft brewery. read more >
by Jan Cottingham -
Plain Jane’s Coming to Hillcrest
Cafe Plain Jane is the new restaurant planned for the former Cañon Grill space in the Hillcrest neighborhood of Little Rock. read more >
![Slim Chickens bought this 35,700-SF, four-story office building in Fayetteville in 2023. [Google Maps]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Screenshot_2025-06-09_at_1.03.20e280afPM_opt-300x194.jpg)
Slim Chickens Sued by Restaurant Operator Over Alleged Deception and Frozen Chicken
The lawsuit alleges Slim Chickens misled investors with inflated earnings claims, hidden costs and false marketing about fresh food and house-made sauces. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
New Brewery-Restaurant, The Fermentary, Set to Open in Lowell
The Fermentary Public House, a brewery and pub serving English fare and fermented foods, is set to open in Northwest Arkansas this summer. read more >
Fossil Cove Brewing Property Changes Hands in $3.4M Deal
An investor partnership led by T.J. Lefler of Fayetteville and Ralph Simon III of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, has acquired a 60% stake in two parcels that include Fossil Cove Brewing and nearby warehouses. read more >
![Shell convenience store at 3300 Bankhead Drive in east Little Rock.[George Waldon]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Real_Deals_1_opt-scaled-e1749222071891-300x194.jpg)
East Little Rock Convenience Store Sale Closes at $3.5M (Real Deals)
SIKH4 LLC, led by Rajbir, Gurpreet and Ravinderpal Singh, purchased the Shell convenience store at 3300 Bankhead Drive. read more >
by George Waldon -
![Whataburger at 1815 N. First St. in Jacksonville. [George Waldon]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Whataburger_1_opt-scaled-e1748645599573-300x194.jpg)
Whataburger Sale Exceeds $3.6M (Real Deals)
A 2,580-SF fast-food eatery in Jacksonville tipped the scales at $3.61 million. read more >
by George Waldon -
Permit Application Hints at New Venture for @ the Corner Restaurateurs
A building permit hints that the team behind @ the Corner may be reviving the former Cañon Grill space in Hillcrest with a new breakfast-focused restaurant. read more >
![David Hesselbein, left, Greg Baber and Wes Mickel, the daily operating partners of the Barnaby Group, at George’s restaurant in Little Rock’s Heights neighborhood, one of the projects of the hospitality company.[Karen E. Segrave]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ARBusiness-Georges-12_opt-300x194.jpg)
Getting to Know Team Barnaby
The Barnaby Group is quickly reshaping Arkansas’ hospitality scene with new restaurants, a revived Town Pump, and an ambitious retreat in Fayetteville. read more >
by Jan Cottingham -
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