Celebrating the Flavors of Arkansas: 2025 Food Hall of Fame Finalists
Get ready, food lovers! The 2025 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame finalists have just been announced, and it’s time to roll up those sleeves and dive into the delectable myths and culinary experiences that shape the Natural State’s rich gastronomic culture. From charming eateries to iconic festivals, the spotlight is shining bright on the very best Arkansas has to offer!
A Culinary Celebration
Launched in 2016, the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame is a tribute to the exceptional culinary gems dotting the state. It’s not just about good food; it’s a heartfelt celebration of the stories, places, and people that bring us together over a shared passion for flavor. As Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders revealed the finalists, excitement crackled in the air like the zest of a fresh lemon!
Marty Ryall, the director of the Division of Arkansas Heritage, said it best: “These finalists are more than just names—they’re stories, memories, and celebrations.” Every dish has a narrative, and every restaurant is a piece of Arkansas’s soul!
Nostalgia on a Plate: The “Gone But Not Forgotten” Category
This year’s finalists include some beloved spots that have left a flavorful imprint on locals’ hearts.
Finalists:
- Browning’s Mexican Grill – Little Rock
- Cajun’s Wharf – Little Rock
- Polar Freeze – Walnut Ridge
Imagine biting into a crispy taco from Browning’s and feeling that clutch of nostalgic warmth, or savoring hoagies at Polar Freeze, now under new management after a whopping 63 years! These establishments taste like home, and their stories are forever imprinted in our culinary heritage.
Festivals That Will Give You “Food FOMO”
Mark your calendars! The Food-Themed Event finalists bring the community together in the most delicious ways.
Finalists:
- Arkansas Pie Festival – Cherokee Village
- Mayhaw Festival – El Dorado
- Arkansas Cornbread Festival – Little Rock
Celebrate sweetness at the Arkansas Pie Festival where flavors collide in a pie-filled paradise that’ll make you feel like a kid again, rummaging for dessert!
Meet Your Culinary Heroes: Proprietors of the Year
This category acknowledges the faces behind your favorite culinary delights.
Finalists:
- Jim Keet – Little Rock
- Joe St. Columbia – Helena-West Helena
- Susie Powell – McGehee
Each proprietor brings their unique flair and dedication to the table, and their stories of creativity and passion shine through in every dish they serve.
The People’s Choice: Your Voice Matters!
And for those who want to get in on the action, it’s your turn to vote! The People’s Choice finalists are a buffet of delicious choices featuring:
- Jesse James Foods – Batesville
- Meme’s Burgery – Batesville
- Oxley Store & Diner – Oxley
- Salty Dalty’s BBQ Food Truck – Morrilton
- The Gypsy Willow Scratch Kitchen & Oyster Bar – Cave City
Cast your vote for who should claim the title—and don’t forget to get a taste while you’re at it!
A Grape Achievement
In an exciting twist, this year’s Food of the Year is none other than the Cynthiana grape! Celebrate its taste, versatility, and tremendous impact on Arkansas’s culinary landscape.
Join the Feast!
The honorees will be officially inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame during a special fall event, which promises to be a food lover’s dream. Keep your eyes peeled for more details and prepare to feast on the best flavors Arkansas has to offer!
For more tantalizing details, head over to ArkFoodHOF.com. The future of deliciousness is unfolding, and you won’t want to miss a moment of this mouthwatering journey!
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