2023 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame Finalists, Have You Been to Any?

It feels like we've been waiting forever but the time has come. The finalists have been announced for the 2023 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame.

The Arkansas Food Hall of Fame by the Arkansas Heritage has been around since 2016 and even though it's young it has become one of the most anticipated lists in Arkansas. Why? Because Arkansas has some fantastic restaurants, eateries and food events and it's great to see them all being recognized.

All these are winners. If you're a foodie and love to check out unique places to eat, this list is a great place to start. Whether they are in your town or when you are traveling Arkansas, these will all be great places to grab a bite to eat.

According to the press release there were over 1,800 nominations received in the month of October from all across the 75 counties in Arkansas.

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

Take a look at the list and see how many of these you have been to and how many you still need to visit.

Up for Arkansas Food Hall of Fame

Betty’s Old Fashion in El Dorado (Union County)
Big Banjo Pizza in Pine Bluff (Jefferson County)
Black Angus in Little Rock (Pulaski County)
Bulldog Restaurant in Bald Knob (White County)
Daisy Queen in Marshall (Searcy County)
DeVito’s Restaurant in Harrison (Boone County)
Hugo’s in Fayetteville (Washington County)
Kream Kastle in Blytheville (Mississippi County)
Meacham's Family Restaurant in Ash Flat (Sharp County)
Ozark Cafe in Jasper (Newton County)
Skyline Cafe in Mena (Polk County)
The Ohio Club in Hot Springs (Garland County)

Finalist for Proprietor of the Year

Chuck Taylor, Taylor’s Steakhouse of Dumas (Desha County)
Chester and Laura Huntsman, Beech Street Bistro of Crossett (Ashley County)
David Stobaugh, Stoby’s Restaurant of Conway (Faulkner County)
James Woods, Woods Place of Camden (Ouachita County)
Jamie McAfee, Pine Bluff Country Club of Pine Bluff (Jefferson County)
Jim Keet, JTJ Restaurants of Little Rock (Pulaski County)

 3 Finalists in the Food-Themed Events

Slovak Oyster Supper in Prairie County
Magnolia Blossom Festival and World Championship Steak Cook-Off in Columbia County
Mayhaw Festival in Union County

Gone But Not Forgotten

4-Dice Restaurant in Dallas County
Bohemia Restaurant in Garland County
Chip’s Barbeque in Pulaski County
Sir Loin’s Inn in Pulaski County

Congratulations to the finalist. Now our job as foodies is to try to get to some of these places and check them out.

When Will The Winners be Announced?

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Central Arkansas Library System’s Ron Robinson Theater on March 6 along with the People's Choice Award. This award will go to the restaurant that had the most nominations from the public back in October.

The ceremony will be held in person and virtually. You can find out more about the ceremony and ticket information at ArkFoodHOF.com  

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