Arkansas Food Hall of Fame

By DWAIN HEBDA

On March 6, Arkansas Heritage will announce the latest inductees into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame. The program was launched in 2016 to recognize legendary restaurants, proprietors and food-themed events across the state.

These kings and queens of the state’s culinary scene may be new to the Hall, but not to our hearts — nor our taste buds. Each entry represents so much of what makes the fabric of Arkansas’ food landscape special, and they have been for a long, long time.

The Arkansas Food Hall of Fame categories are:

• Gone But Not Forgotten

• Food-Themed Event

• Proprietor of the Year

• People’s Choice

• Arkansas Food Hall of Fame

“It’s special to see Arkansans from across the state come together to celebrate food, an important part of our state’s heritage and culture,” says Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “We are honored to recognize such incredible proprietors, restaurants and food-themed events that mean so much to our state and its residents.”

Winners will be selected from a group of finalists announced in January, which were derived from nominations that flooded in from all 75 counties. This year’s inductees were chosen by a committee of Arkansans who are historians, chefs, foodies and food authors. The People’s Choice category is the only exception, as it is decided by votes from the community.

“Celebrating Arkansas food is a great way for all of us to enjoy our state’s heritage and share it with others, especially during uncertain times,” Hurst says. “We are thankful for each person across the state for getting involved.”