LITTLE ROCK — Nominations for the Division of Arkansas Heritage’s ninth annual Arkansas Food Hall of Fame will close on March 7, 2025. The program recognizes Arkansas’ unique culinary heritage by celebrating the state’s best restaurants, restaurateurs and chefs. Nominations will be accepted online at ArkFoodHOF.com.
“The Arkansas Food Hall of Fame is a way for communities around our state to spotlight those who have shaped Arkansas’ culinary landscape,” said Shea Lewis, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “We encourage everyone to nominate their local dining icons and help us celebrate the flavors and stories that bring our communities together.”
Nominations are accepted in categories that recognize culturally-significant restaurants, proprietors and food-themed events that celebrate food heritage from every part of our state including:
Arkansas Food Hall of Fame – recognizing long-standing restaurants that help create our food culture.
Proprietor of the Year – honoring a chef, cook and/or restaurant owner with significant impact on our local food tastes and preferences.
Food-Themed Event – honoring a food-themed event or festival that preserves a community’s unique food history.
Gone But Not Forgotten – remembering past establishments that set the table for our food tastes and preferences today.
People’s Choice – restaurants or food trucks, new or old, that keep our palettes whet for more Arkansas flavors.
“The Arkansas Food Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize the great food experiences and unique establishments that set our state apart in the culinary world,” said Marty Ryall, director of the Division of Arkansas Heritage. "Communities across our state have unique, iconic dining establishments that contribute to our Arkansas heritage and culture. We encourage Arkansans to honor their favorites by submitting nominations by March 7."
Those interested in finding more information about the program or visiting existing Arkansas Food Hall of Fame restaurants can visit ArkFoodHOF.com to learn more. Follow the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame on Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms by searching and using the hashtag #ArkFHOF.
