It feels like we’ve waited forever, but the time has come. The finalists for the 2023 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame have been announced.
The Arkansas Food Hall of Fame by Arkansas Heritage has been around since 2016, making it one of the most anticipated lists in Arkansas despite being young. why? Arkansas has some great restaurants, eateries, and food events, and it’s great to see them all recognized.
These are all winners. If you’re a foodie and love checking out unique places to eat, this list is a great place to start. It’s the perfect place to pick up
Photo by Sebastian Coman Photography on Unsplash
According to the press release, there were over 1,800 nominations in October from across 75 Arkansas counties.
The five categories are Arkansas Food Hall of Fame, Owner of the Year, Food-Themed Events, People’s Choice, and Gone But Not Forgotten.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Take a look at our list to see how many of these you’ve been to and how many you still need to visit.
Arkansas Food Hall of Fame
Betty’s Old Fashions 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)
Marshall’s Daisy Queen (County Searcy)
DeVito’s Restaurant in Harrison, Boone County
Hugo’s in Fayetteville (Washington County)
Cream Castle in Bryceville (Mississippi County)
Meacham’s Family Restaurant in Ash Flat (Sharp County)
Ozark Cafe in Jasper (County Newton)
Skyline Cafe in Mena (Pork County)
Ohio Club in Hot Springs, Garland County
Owner of the Year finalist
Chuck Taylor, Taylor’s Steakhouse of Dumas (Desha County)
Chester Huntsman and Laura Huntsman, Crosset’s Beach Street Bistro, 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, Pine Bluff, Jefferson County
Jim Keet, JTJ Restaurant in Little Rock (Pulaski County)
Photo by Nate Johnston on Unsplash
3 finalists for the food-themed event
Prairie County Slovak Oyster Supper
Magnolia Blossom Festival and World Championship Steak Cook-Off in Columbia County
May Ho Festival in Union County
Photo by Alex Haney on Unsplash
gone but not forgotten
4 Dice Restaurants in Dallas County
Bohemian Restaurants in Garland County
Chips BBQ in Pulaski County
Sir Loins Inn in Pulaski County
Congratulations to the finalists. Now it’s our job as foodies to go and check out some of these places.
When will the winners be announced?
Winners will be announced along with the People’s Choice Awards at a ceremony on March 6 at the Ron Robinson Theater in the Central Arkansas Library System. This award goes to the restaurant with the most public nominations in October.
The awards ceremony will be held in person and virtually. For more information on the ceremony and ticket information, please visit: ArkFoodHOF.com
