Photography: Jamie Lee
Meet the newest inductees to the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame
In late September, new inductees and honorees were announced for the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame. Helmed by Arkansas Heritage—a division of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism—with all nominations open to the public, the Food Hall of Fame aims to celebrate The Natural State’s rich culinary institutions, destinations, and the people who make it all possible. Read on to learn more about its seven new members.
Arkansas Food Hall of Fame 2025 Inductees
Taylor’s Steakhouse
Dumas
What began as a family grocery on the outskirts of Dumas has evolved into a nationally recognized steakhouse. Since 2012, Pam and Chuck Taylor have operated Taylor’s Steakhouse as a first-come, first-served destination for beef. Open just three nights a week (Thursday through Saturday from 5:30-9 p.m.), their thick, flavorful cuts have a cult following with customers coming from across the state and region to dine. With options that range from a T-bone to a filet and everything in between, Taylor’s uses USDA Prime Black Angus that is cut in house. The eatery has also been inducted into the National Steakhouse Hall of Fame. If you’re planning a trip, make sure you have a reservation because when the steaks are gone, they’re gone!
K Hall & Sons
Little Rock
For five decades, Wright Avenue in Little Rock has been home to K Hall & Sons. First offering produce, the grocery became a hub where neighbors met up not only to shop but also catch up. Founded by Estella and Knoxie Hall, the tradition is carried on today by their son, David Hall, Sr., his wife, Monica, and their three sons, David, Jr., Daron, and Devin. Through the years—and generations—the business has evolved to include wholesale distribution and a walk-up food counter, all in the same Central High School Neighborhood Historic District location. In recent years, they’ve also become well known for their flavored lemonades, “Seafood Saturdays” (with a long line of hungry guests stretching outside), and lively banter on Facebook. Stop in to stock your fridge, try one of their famous burgers or lunch plates, or visit with the crowd gathered.
The Ohio Club
Hot Springs
As the oldest bar in the state of Arkansas, The Ohio Club has seen a thing or two in
its time. Opened in 1905 as a (at that time legal) casino and bar, it survived the days of prohibition as a speakeasy by changing its name to Ohio Cigar Store. During the days of notable gangsters visiting Spa City, the club saw the likes of Bugsy and Al Capone, as well as Babe Ruth, who visited during spring training. Today, its history is amplified through the Old World feel conveyed by its carved mahogany bar, tin ceiling, and overall hospitable feel. Currently owned by J&S Hospitality, the Central Avenue institution is a favorite for enjoying a burger, a drink at the bar, or hearing live music Thursday through Sunday.
Other nominees for induction into the 2025 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame included Big Banjo Pizza in Pine Bluff, Brave New Restaurant in Little Rock, The Dixie Pig in Blytheville, and The White House Café in Camden.
2025 PROPRIETOR OF THE YEAR
Jim Keet, JTJ Restaurants
Little Rock
With popular local eateries such as Cypress Social, Count Porkula, and the eponymous Petit and Keet under his umbrella, Jim Keet has numerous plates in the air—or on the table, should we say? Along with his sons, Jake and Tommy, he formed JTJ Restaurants, the umbrella company for these ventures as well as the local locations of Taziki’s and Waldo’s. Recently, Jim played a role in the revitalization of Little Rock’s Breckenridge Village, making it a culinary destination with numerous offerings and a reenergized scene (read more about that here).
Other nominees in this category included Joe St. Columbia and Susie Powell.
FOOD-THEMED EVENT
Arkansas Pie Festival
Cherokee Village
With a pie-eating contest, pie tasting and auction, and a baking competition, there’s a sweetness to this spring festival that celebrates Arkansas’s rich tradition of pies in all flavors. What’s more, the festival’s baking competition is an official qualifying event for the World Food Championships, meaning the winner secures a spot in the dessert category at this prestigious culinary showdown.
Other nominees in this category included El Dorado’s Mayhaw Festival and The Arkansas Cornbread Festival, held in Little Rock.
People’s Choice Award
Meme’s Burgery
Batesville
It’s hard to beat a good burger! The sentiment proved more true than ever with Meme’s Burgery, a food truck based in Batesville, taking the top honor of People’s Choice Award this year. Owners Paola Shrenger Ramirez and Manuel Ramirez, who started their business in 2020, are known for their Angus beef creations that have a Latin American flair: think guac, chimichurri sauce, pineapple, and salsa alongside the patties and buns. Aside from the generously portioned, juicy burgers, Meme’s is also making a name for itself with loaded fry dishes, known as Rocket Fries.
Other nominees in this category included Jesse James Foods in Batesville, Oxley Store & Diner in Oxley, Salty Dalty’s BBQ Food Truck in Morrilton, and The Gypsy Willow Scratch Kitchen & Oyster Bar in Cave City.
Gone But Not Forgotten
Cajun’s Wharf
Little Rock
A Play-De-Do, an order of fresh seafood, and live music on that big deck overlooking the Arkansas River—it’s the stuff Cajun’s Wharf was made of. For 44 years, the spacious restaurant and bar was the site of first dates, birthdays, and even wedding or retirement celebrations. With Chef Mary Beth Ringgold at the helm, the consistency and quality of the menu made it a repeat restaurant for many who wanted a night on the town or simply a meal that wouldn’t miss. On May 30, 2019, the party ended at Cajun’s, leaving only good memories in the wake. Today, the Gone But Not Forgotten award, which is touted as “remembering past establishments that set the table for our food tastes and preferences today,” means these highlights not only live on in our memories but in the Hall of Fame forever.
Other nominees in this category include Browning’s Mexican Grill in Little Rock and Polar Freeze in Walnut Ridge.
