Nominations for the next round of the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame are open through the end of the month.
Now in its sixth year, the Arkansas Heritage program was created to celebrate the state’s unique culinary heritage. It recognizes Arkansas restaurants, proprietors, food-themed events, and influential businesses that are no longer in operation.
“Food is a compelling piece of the story of Arkansas,” said Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “This is a chance for people to let their voice be heard and to celebrate the food, places, events and people that make our state unique.”
Public nominations are accepted each fall, while official finalists and winners are made by a panel of judges made up of historians, chefs, foodies and food authors.
Nominees are accepted in the following categories:
- Arkansas Food Hall of Fame – Recognizes long-standing restaurants that have become legendary
- Proprietor of the Year – Honors a chef, cook, or restaurant owner with significant impact on the food industry
- Food-Themed Event – Honors a community food-themed event or festival
- Gone But Not Forgotten – Remembers past establishments
- People’s Choice – Restaurants or food trucks, new or old
Hurst said the department received over 2,000 nominations representing all 75 counties across the state.
Nominations are open through Oct. 31 at ArkFoodHOF.com.
The 2021 winners were Star of India in Little Rock (Arkansas Food Hall of Fame); Matt McClure of The Hive in Bentonville (Proprietor of the Year); Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival in Warren (Food-themed Events); Roy Fisher’s Steak House in North Little Rock (Gone But Not Forgotten); and Bistro Bar & Grill in Helena-West Helena (People’s Choice).
