From the Editor

Welcome to the first issue of PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide!

The idea for a digital magazine focused on local dining was born from conversations with people in the restaurant industry who pointed out there wasn’t one central location for food coverage across the state. And once we started brainstorming what all this publication could encompass—chef profiles, recipes, restaurant news, a roundup of food festivals, even ideas for catering and private dining—the next step became obvious. We would create something to fill that hole. 

Who is “we”? We’re Root Publishing, the team behind At Home in Arkansas, which has been the state’s go-to resource for home design and lifestyle content since, well, before stories were referred to as “content.” When our publisher, Kelly Fraiser, bought the magazine 10 years ago, she deliberately chose “Root” for her company’s name as a nod to bringing the magazine’s ownership back to Arkansas—back to its roots. That focus on local has remained at the heart of everything we do with At Home in Arkansas, and it’s been the focus of our discussions about what to include in PLATED, too. 

Every area of the state has a rich tapestry of locally owned eateries, and we’re excited to highlight not only the spectacular food, drinks, and atmosphere you can find there, but the people and places behind them, too. My family owned a restaurant in downtown Little Rock for a short time, and I saw firsthand some of the particular challenges those in the business face. Our hope is that this publication not only shines a light on the hardworking people who pour their hearts into these eateries, making their communities more vibrant in the process, but also encourages our readers to support these businesses as best they can. When dining out, choose local. If you’re planning an event, see if your favorite restaurant caters or can accommodate a large group—chances are, they want to make it work. Show up to the festivals in your community or, better yet, use one as excuse to make a road trip to somewhere you’ve never been and enjoy all our state has to offer. 

Of course, we also hope PLATED becomes a valuable resource for our readers, too. Because PLATED is annual and digital only, know that you’ll find even more online throughout the year. Be sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram (@plated.mag). Reach out and let us know where you’re eating, what you’re loving, and what you want to see more of.

Cheers!