2026 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame Finalists Announced

The nominations have been counted and now it’s time to find out the finalists in the 2026 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame.

I love this concept to give restaurants and food events a chance to shine after years of success and loyal customers. It also gives us all a chance to see the best places all across Arkansas to grab a bit to eat when traveling.

There were 5 categories for Arkansans to nominate their favorites

The categories are: Arkansas Food Hall of Fame, Restaurateur of the Year, Gone But Not Forgotten, Food-Themed Event, and People’s Choice.

So here they are, drum roll, please…

2026 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame Finalists

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

READ MORE: Arkansas Fall Foliage Train Rides: Ozark Mountain Scenic Routes

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
Public voting is now open to select the top three winners.
Salty Dalty’s BBQ – Morrilton
Jesse James Foods – Benton
Country Chic Chocolate Company – Pine Bluff
Ozark Farmhouse – Clinton
The Wooden Spoon – Gentry

Food of the Year: Arkansas Black apple

Have you been to any of these restaurants or events? I’m sad to see that no Texarkana, Arkansas, places made the finals, but our area has shown up and won in its categories.  Texarkana’s Cattleman’s Steakhouse made it into the Food Hall of Fame. In 2019 and the Hope Watermelon Festival made the Hall of Fame for Food-Themed Event in 2020.

The Most Historic Restaurant in Arkansas

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13 Popular Foods Gone Forever at Arkansas Stores

As a new year begins, we’re looking back at some of the foods that were discontinued in 2024. You won’t find these items at regular Idaho stores or restaurants anymore.

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