We have no shortage of food news throughout Arkansas, so each week, we’ll be providing you with a snapshot of the goings-on inside the culinary world, from events to specials to restaurant openings to awards. Do you have news to share? Please email our editor, Dustin Jayroe, at djayroe@aymag.com.

 

Healthy James, a meal prep, supplements and smoothies chain, is about to open a location in Little Rock. Sometime in April appears to be the target opening date. According to its website, this will be the second franchise location of the brand in Arkansas, with the first being in Clarksville.

 

Little Rock is also about to get a new brunch and breakfast spot. The Toasted Yolk recently announced nine upcoming locations across the South, one of those being slated for the capital city.

 

A Rocket Fizz location is in the works for the Outlets of Little Rock shopping center. The chain is based out of Camarillo, California, and its stores feature hundreds of different types of candies and bottled sodas.

 

The Rogue Roundabout, a new craft kitchen and taproom in downtown Conway, has named Amanda Denys as its executive chef and kitchen manager. According to the announcement, she is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Atlanta, and previously served as corporate chef of the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville.

 

“Food is not just something we eat to sustain life. It’s culture, family and history,” she says of her food philosophy. “A home-cooked meal can transform long-forgotten memories into making new ones around a dinner table. Good food and good drinks have the ability to bond perfect strangers, and to create something with that kind of power is a huge reward in itself. Engaging people to love and create food is what brings me happiness, and I am looking forward to bringing Conway some new and old classics with a twist.”

 

The fast-casual chain I Heart Mac & Cheese is getting closer to opening up shop in Benton. Earlier reports from the brand indicated a “first of April” target date, but the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported last week that we were “about four weeks” away.

 

The Taste of Maumelle Food Truck Festival is this Saturday, April 2, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Maumelle Middle School. Lots of local food trucks will be dishing out food, and the event also features carnival games, bounce houses and a train ride.

 

Rogers’ Fox Trail Distillery and Modoko Asian Kitchen are teaming up for a four-course dinner with specialty cocktails event on April 7 at 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.

 

In case you missed it:

 

Table 28 is hosting another Wine + Pairings Tasting Class on March 31 at 6 p.m.

 

Nexus Coffee & Creative is hosting The Office Trivia on March 31 at 7 p.m.

 

Rusty Tractor Vineyards is hosting a five-course wine pairing dinner with Heritage Catering and Vino Distribution on March 31 at 6:30 p.m. Get your tickets here.

 

The popular Dogtown Throwdowns in the Argenta Arts District are back. The 2022 season kicks off on April 8 and 9.

 

Ella’s Table in Fayetteville is hosting an Easter Buffet on April 17. Reservations are required.

 

Tune back in next week for the next taste of Arkansas food news.

 

 

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