Alright Foodies, here is your chance to help recognize some of the state’s most beloved restaurants, food traditions and culinary leaders.
The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism has officially opened nominations for the 2026 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame. Now celebrating its 10th year, the program honors the restaurants, proprietors and food-related events that help tell the story of Arkansas through food.
Nominations are being accepted online through September 30 at ArkFoodHOF.com.
Honoring Arkansas Food Traditions
State officials say the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame celebrates more than just great food. The program highlights the people, hospitality and traditions that make communities across Arkansas unique.
Did you know we have winners in our area? In 2019, the Hope Watermelon Festival made the Hall of Fame for Food Themed Event and then in 2020, Texarkana’s Cattleman’s Steakhouse made it into the Food Hall of Fame.
We have loads of great places to eat in the Arkansas side of Texarkana and in the surrounding areas. Let’s start nominating them!
READ MORE: Rare 2.29-Carat Yellow Diamond Found in Arkansas Park
Several categories are open for nominations, including Arkansas Food Hall of Fame, which recognizes long-standing restaurants that have helped shape the state’s food culture. Other categories include Restaurateur of the Year, Food-Themed Event, Gone But Not Forgotten and the People’s Choice Award.
The People’s Choice category recognizes restaurants or food trucks that have captured the public’s attention, whether they’re longtime favorites or great new ones.
Looking for Nominations From All 75 Counties
Officials are hoping to receive nominations representing all 75 Arkansas counties and are encouraging residents to nominate the restaurants, food festivals and culinary leaders that make their communities special.
Finalists will be announced later this year, with winners set to be inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame in early 2027.
More information and nomination forms can be found at ArkFoodHOF.com.
LOOK: Do You Know the Signature Dish in Each State?Stacker compiled a list of the signature dishes in each U.S. state, consulting local newspapers, histories, and recipe collections.
Gallery Credit: Stacker
LOOK: Food history from the year you were bornFrom product innovations to major recalls, Stacker researched what happened in food history every year since 1921, according to news and government sources.
Gallery Credit: Joni Sweet
Dining and Cooking