Nominations are open for inductees into the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism’s 2026 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame.
The program, in its 10th year, recognizes “the outstanding food establishments that represent Arkansas’ unique culinary heritage and the proprietors who share their rich contributions to visitors.”
Members of the public can submit nominations through Sept. 30 online in the following categories:
Arkansas Food Hall of Fame – recognizing long-standing restaurants that help create Arkansas’ food culture.
Restaurateur of the Year – honoring a chef, cook and/or restaurant owner with significant impact on local food and the larger culinary community.
Food-Themed Event – honoring a community food-themed event or festival that shares unique food traditions.
Gone But Not Forgotten – remembering past establishments whose legacy has helped shape the state’s food legacy.
People’s Choice – celebrating the restaurants or food trucks that have captured the public’s attention and appetite, including new discoveries or beloved institutions — “the places everyone says you have to try.”
“Arkansas’ food traditions tell the story of our communities, our people and the places that make our state special,” Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, explained in the news release.
“Arkansas Food Hall of Fame is about the total culinary experience of yesterday and today, celebrating people, hospitality, tradition and most importantly food. As we celebrate ten years, we invite Arkansans to nominate their favorite places and people that make the Arkansas culinary scene vibrant.”
Award finalists, usually five in each category, will be announced later this year. Winners will be announced in early 2027.
Eric E. Harrison covers classical music, theater and restaurants for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. He joined the then-Arkansas Democrat on the copy desk in June 1977 and served for 17 years (including the entirety of the newspaper war) as the paper’s entertainment editor before taking on his current role as features reporter. He is also host of the weekly classical music show “Major and Minor Masterpieces” on public radio station KLRE-FM, 90.5.
