Writer: Virginia Brown Photographer: Beth Hall
Sink your teeth into restaurant news from across the state
Junto Sushi
Bentonville
From the owners of Indigo Road Hospitality Group comes Junto Sushi, which opened in August in the new Motto by Hilton hotel in downtown Bentonville. Junto, a name that founders say refers to “the truth of things,” sources products from local purveyors like Spring Creek Food Hub and Grow NWA. “Guests are really enjoying the upscale but approachable dining experience,” says Anthony Szymanski, Director of Food & Beverage with Indigo Road Hospitality Group. “We saw this as a chance to create a unique culinary destination that complements the vibrant downtown scene.” Popular options so far include the Salmon Usuzukuri, a chef’s speciality with pickled wasabi, black volcano salt, chives, and truffle ponzu; the Whitefish Crudo, served with Yuzu kosho, citrus juice, pink salt, and micro cilantro; and the chef’s signature pork buns. Although known for sushi, Junto recently launched a brunch with an inventive fusion of Asian-inspired dishes and classic American favorites. Standouts include the Motto Morning “Benedict,” with lump crab, miso hollandaise, and local greens served on a croissant; and Pork Belly Hash. For more information, visit juntosushi.com.
Scallops from the dinner menu at Junto Sushi in Bentonville.
Photo courtesy of The Purple Cow Restaurant
The Purple Cow
Little Rock
Burger and shake lovers rejoice! Little Rock’s Purple Cow Restaurant recently hosted a grand reopening of its original 1989 location on Cantrell Road, following devastating tornado damage in 2023. The beloved spot, modeled after a 1950s diner, is known for its half-pound, steak-knife burgers, hot dogs, chili dogs, shakes (namely its Famous Purple Vanilla), malts, and more. Blending nostalgia with something new, the Cantrell location’s interior features purple beams, a cow-print backsplash, and a fun take on the classic soda-bar look. The owners also plan to open a Benton location in early 2025. For menus and more information, visit purplecowlr.com.
Photo courtesy of Keeney’s Village Store
Keeney’s Village Store
Malvern
Joshua Garland, executive chef of DONS Southern Social and Best Café in Hot Springs, is breathing new life into Keeney’s Village Store, formerly Keeney’s Food Market, in Malvern. Originally opened by Charles “CK” Keeney (seen above with his wife, Maurine) in 1956, Keeney’s has long-since served up homestyle meals and stood as an important community meeting place. With Garland’s fresh vision, Keeney’s will offer daily meat-and-two-sides meals featuring down-home specials like meatloaf, catfish, lasagna, and fried chicken paired with a choice of fried okra, sidewinder fries, baked beans, cole slaw, mac and cheese, or other sides. Homages to the original owner include the CK Chicken Sandwich and CK’s Platter, featuring breakfast offerings. In addition to lunch, breakfast is also served daily and all day on Saturday. Visit keeneysvillagestore.com for hours and more information.
Photo courtesy of Smalls Sliders
Smalls Sliders
Jonesboro
Smalls Sliders is former LSU basketball player and Walk-On’s Bistreaux co-founder Brandon Landry’s second restaurant concept. With 18 locations throughout the Southeast and 24 more scheduled to open in the near future, the rapidly growing franchise is gaining popularity for its menu focused on mini burgers and fries. Its first Arkansas location, which opened in October, is owned by David and Amber Kearby. The duo selected Jonesboro in part because it is home to Arkansas State University. “Bringing Smalls Sliders to the Jonesboro community is an exciting moment for us,” says Matt Crews, operations manager at the new location. Smalls specializes in cooked-to-order cheeseburger sliders topped with pickles, bacon, and more; seasoned waffle fries smothered in queso or its signature secret “Smauce;” and chocolate, vanilla, and cookies and cream milkshakes. Their modular building, known as “the Can,” is built from shipping containers, painted in a signature “Smorange” color, and dropped into place. Restaurants include a “slide-thru,” walk-up window, and dining patio. The couple plans to open six more locations across Arkansas and Missouri. Visit smallssliders.com/locations/jonesboro-ar for hours and more information.
Southern Tail Brewing
Little Rock
Owners Brent and Tracy Cryder opened Southern Tail Brewing in September in Little Rock’s East Village. Featuring events like Oktoberfest and beer yoga, Southern Tail aims to become a go-to hub for good beer and a close-knit, dog-loving community. Brews range from a crisp American lager to a hoppy IPA, English Bitter, and coffee- and chocolate-infused stout. In line with their inventive spirit, the brewery also features an “experimental” menu with a gluten-free option and a curry pale ale. Blend any brew with items from the robust food menu, like the Panko-fried Arkansas Rice-otto Balls, made with Arkansas rice, corn, peppers, and smoked gouda, plus salads, hot dogs, corn dogs, burgers, and other hearty mains. Not a beer lover? Southern Tail also offers sodas, mocktails, ciders, and a wine menu. For more information, visit southerntailbrewing.com
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar
Bentonville
California-based Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar, known for its housemade daily pastas, mozzarella, and seasonal gelato flavors, expanded to Bentonville in August. Since Mezzaluna opened its Carmel-by-the-Sea location in 2019, chef Soerke Peters has prioritized using fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients from nearby farms. “Bentonville felt like a natural fit for our second location, due to the city’s evolving culinary landscape and commitment to supporting local and sustainable businesses,” Peters says. Popular dishes include the Rigatoni Alla Buttera—house-made rigatoni, pork sausage, English peas, cream, tomato, and garlic chili flakes—and Ravioli Di Spinaci, made with spinach, ricotta, wild mushrooms, and white wine garlic sauce. They’re also known for their mozzarella and gelato bars, the latter of which features rotating flavors like pistachio, chocolate, and hazelnut. Visit mezzalunapasteria.com for a full menu and other information.
Sheep’s milk pimento cheese at The Stonebreaker. Photo courtesy of The Stonebreaker
The Stonebreaker
Fayetteville
The Stonebreaker, the restaurant and bar that’s part of a new boutique hotel with the same name, opened in Fayetteville’s Markham Hill in October. “This has been an exciting journey, from crafting a menu that showcases not just technical skill but also deep passion for ingredients, to building a team that shares the same commitment to excellence,” says executive chef Tyler Rogers. “I’m eager to create an engaging dining experience that sparks joy, curiosity, and connection.” Rogers calls the menu a labor of love, adding that it pays tribute to the terroir and traditions of the region while adapting global, and even forgotten, cooking techniques to showcase seasonal flavors. Small bites include the whipped Sheep’s Milk Pimento with onion preserve and sourdough, plus a signature cornbread with Bansley’s ham, house kimchi, and apple butter. Scallops, lamb, roasted chicken, pasta dishes, and an elevated burger round out the mains. “We’ve taken great care to source the freshest ingredients, most of which are locally grown here in Arkansas, to bring you dishes that are not only delicious but also sustainable and supportive of our local community,” he adds. Visit stonebreakerhotel.com for more information.
There is so much happening in the Arkansas food scene, and this round-up barely scratches the surface. Do you have news about a restaurant opening or update to share? Let us know! Email [email protected] or tag us on Instagram and Facebook (@plated.mag).
