2024 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame Winners Announced

The Division of Arkansas Heritage launched the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame in 2016 to shine a light on the state’s best restaurants, food festivals, and industry individuals. On September 30, seven Natural State names were inducted during the ninth annual awards ceremony at the Ben E. Keith Foods Mid-South Distribution Center in North Little Rock. “We are proud to continue the tradition of honoring the Arkansas food scene,” said Shea Lewis, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, in a press release. “Food is an important element of Arkansas culture and what makes it unique. These winners embody this legacy.” In addition, honey was named the Arkansas Food of the Year.

2024 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame Winners

The Arkansas Food Hall of Fame consists of five categories and relies on public nominations. A committee determines finalists (this year, a total of 32 names) and winners, which were announced at the September 30 awards ceremony. Winners of the 2024 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame are:

Gone But Not Forgotten: Juanita’s (Pulaski County)

From left: Marty Ryall, director of the Division of Arkansas Heritage; Mark Abernathy, founder of Juanita’s; Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism & Director of Arkansas State Parks *(Photo by Will Newton/ADPHT)*

Food-Themed Event: Mt. Nebo Chicken Fry (Yell County)

From left: Marty Ryall, director of the Division of Arkansas Heritage; organizers with the Mt. Nebo Chicken Fry; Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism & Director of Arkansas State Parks (Photo by Will Newton/ADPHT)

Proprietor of the Year: Rob Nelson with Tusk & Trotter American Brasserie (Washington County)

From left: Marty Ryall, director of the Division of Arkansas Heritage; Chef Rob Nelson, Tusk and Trotter; Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism & Director of Arkansas State Parks *(Photo by Will Newton/ADPHT)*

Arkansas Food Hall of Fame Inductees:

The Faded Rose (Pulaski County)

From left: Marty Ryall, director of the Division of Arkansas Heritage; Laurie David, owner of The Faded Rose; Ed David, owner of The Faded Rose; Ed’s son Zac David; Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism & Director of Arkansas State Parks *(Photo by Will Newton/ADPHT)*

Herman’s Ribhouse (Washington County)

Doe’s Eat Place (Pulaski County)

From left: Marty Ryall, director of the Division of Arkansas Heritage; Katherine Eldridge, owner of Doe’s Eat Place; George Eldridge, former owner of Doe’s Eat Place; Chef David Brown, Doe’s Eat Place; Adam Edmonson; Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism & Director of Arkansas State Parks. *(Photo by Will Newton/ADPHT)*

People’s Choice: Beech Street Bistro (Ashley County)

From left: Marty Ryall, director of the Division of Arkansas Heritage; Laura Huntsman, owner of Beech Street Bistro; Chester Huntsman, owner of Beech Street Bistro; Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism & Director of Arkansas State Parks (Photo by Will Newton/ADPHT)

In press materials, Marty Ryall, the director of the Division of Arkansas Heritage, recognized the contribution these honorees make to the state’s cultural landscape: “By celebrating these culinary experiences, we’re recognizing their commitment to great food, the communities they serve, and the traditions they’re keeping alive.”

Visit ArkFoodHOF.com for more information about the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame.