Get your spoons ready! Soup Sunday, a fundraiser to benefit Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, returns to the Rogers Convention Center in a few weeks. Wondering what to expect? We chatted with popular Northwest Arkansas foodie Joseph Nguyen of Hangry Pedaler NWA (@hangrypedalernwa), who serves as this year’s restaurant chair. Read on for his inside take!
Q: How did you get involved with Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families and Soup Sunday NWA?
A: I was initially invited to be a judge a couple of years ago by event chair Randy Wilburn. I had no idea this event existed and loved their mission. I told them if they need help in the future to let me know, and they did! I’m happy to help out with the event for this cause.
Q: Tell us a bit about your role as the restaurant chair. How do you work with local eateries to make this event happen?
A: As the restaurant chair, I’ve been trying to reach out to new restaurants that haven’t been involved in the past. I’ve been successful and have gotten a bunch onboard. They also love the mission and want to support it. I feel like I’ve talked to many of these places before, so I wasn’t just a total stranger reaching out.
Q: What soups have been some of your favorites in years past? Anything you are looking forward to this year?
A: I loved the soup that won back in 2023, made by Chef Elliot Hunt of Atlas in Fayetteville. It was a butternut squash with coconut, cardamom, and candied pepitas. Delicious! Another one that stood out was from Conifer. Chef Matthew Cooper made a roasted mushroom and fennel soup that was amazing. As a judge, I scored both of those soups very high. I might have even given them perfect scores!
Q: Anything event-goers should know or bring with them?
A: Muffin pan, muffin pan, MUFFIN PAN! The first year my wife and I attended we saw a bunch of people with muffin pans and thought it was a great idea. The event gives cup holders that hold about 4 cups of soup, but that’s just more time up and down from the table—a muffin pan can hold more. And wear stretchy pants. Heck, maybe even come in sweats since it’s a very casual event. Also, bring your wallet for the silent auction. There will be a ton of great things to bid on.
Q: Other than soup, what else can guests expect to experience at Soup Sunday?
A: There will be a Kid’s Zone with fun activities for little ones. Breyers and Gelatissimo be there giving out ice cream and gelato for dessert, and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Most importantly, you get to experience a room full of love with people wanting to help out this great nonprofit.
Northwest Arkansas Soup Sunday is February 2
Don’t miss your chance to support Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families while trying delicious soups from local restaurants.
Rogers Convention Center | 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Photography courtesy of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families and Joseph Nguyen
