Arkansans have until September 30 to nominate their favorite restaurants, culinary leaders and food traditions for the 2026 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame.
The Division of Arkansas Heritage is accepting nominations for the program’s 10th annual recognition of the people, places and events that help define Arkansas food culture.
Residents from all 75 counties are encouraged to participate. Nominations can be submitted online at ArkFoodHOF.com.
“Every community in Arkansas has a food story worth telling, but we need Arkansans to help us find and recognize them,” said Marty Ryall, director of the Division of Arkansas Heritage.
Ryall encouraged residents to use the approaching deadline as an opportunity to recognize the people and places that have shaped their communities’ food culture.
5 NOMINATION CATEGORIES
The program accepts nominations in 5 categories:
Arkansas Food Hall of Fame: Recognizes long-standing restaurants that help create Arkansas food culture.
Restaurateur of the Year: Honors a chef, cook and/or restaurant owner who has made a significant impact on local food and the broader culinary community.
Food-Themed Event: Recognizes a community food event or festival that shares unique food traditions.
Gone But Not Forgotten: Remembers former establishments whose influence helped shape Arkansas food history.
People’s Choice: Celebrates restaurants and food trucks that have captured the public’s attention, including new discoveries and longtime favorites.
RECOGNIZING LOCAL FOOD TRADITIONS
For 10 years, the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame has worked to recognize and preserve the state’s culinary identity.
The program highlights establishments that have served generations of families, along with the people and community traditions carrying Arkansas food culture forward.
Nominations give residents an opportunity to share those local stories and help ensure their communities are represented.
HOW TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION
Submit nominations by September 30, 2026, at ArkFoodHOF.com.
The website also provides information about the program and existing Arkansas Food Hall of Fame restaurants.
Arkansas Heritage, established in 1975, is a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
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