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Marty Ryall, director of the Division of Arkansas Heritage, announced the finalists for the 2026 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame at the Arkansas Hospitality Association’s Stars of the Industry awards gala on Oct. 15. Now in its 10th year, the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame honors Arkansas’ unique culinary heritage by recognizing outstanding restaurants, proprietors and food-themed events.
“Every nomination is a reflection of the pride Arkansans have in the people and places that make our state’s
food culture special,” said Marty Ryall, director of the Division of Arkansas Heritage. “We’re grateful to everyone who helped us recognize so many deserving establishments and culinary traditions. Now we encourage everyone to keep the celebration going by voting for their favorite People’s Choice semifinalist.”
Arkansans nominated their favorite restaurants and chefs earlier this year in these five categories:
● Gone But Not Forgotten
● Food-Themed Event
● Restaurateur of the Year
● Arkansas Food Hall of Fame
● People’s Choice
Finalists include:
Arkansas Food Hall of Fame
● Neighbor’s Mill Bakery & Cafe - Harrison
● Stoby’s - Conway
● Trio’s - Little Rock
● Dixie Pig - Blytheville
● Yellow Umbrella - Fort Smith
● Tacker’s Shake Shack - Marion
● Ermilio’s - Eureka Springs
● Ray’s - Monticello
● Hugo’s - Fayetteville
Restaurateur of the Year
● Rafael Rios - Yeyo’s - Bentonville/Rogers
● Matthew Cooper - Conifer - Bentonville
● Jerry Barakat - Arthur’s Steakhouse - Little Rock
Gone But Not Forgotten
● Couch’s BBQ - Jonesboro
● Mrs. Miller’s Chicken - Hot Springs
● Joda’s - Nashville
Food-Themed Event
● Johnson County Peach Festival - Clarksville
● MHS Chocolate Roll Festival - Marshall
● Tontitown Grape Festival - Tontitown
People’s Choice Semifinalists
(Voting is now open for the public to pick the top three winners.)
● Salty Dalty’s BBQ - Morrilton
● Jesse James Foods - Benton
● Country Chic Chocolate Company - Pine Bluff
● The Ozark Farmhouse - Clinton
● The Wooden Spoon - Gentry
“To be named an Arkansas Food Hall of Fame finalist is to be recognized as part of the culinary legacy of our state,” said Shea Lewis, secretary for the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “These honorees have created more than memorable meals and experiences; they’ve built traditions, strengthened communities and helped shape what Arkansas food means to generations of Arkansans.”
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 Arkansas Black apple.
Honorees will be inducted into the Arkansas Hall of Fame during a special event in early 2027. Event details will be announced later this year. More information about the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame can be found at ArkFoodHOF.com.
