Neighbor’s Mill Bakery & Cafe in Harrison and Ermilio’s in Eureka Springs have been named finalists for the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame, a program that recognizes culinary excellence across the state.
The Arkansas Department of Heritage announced the finalists Wednesday during the Arkansas Hospitality Association’s Stars of the Industry awards gala. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the program, which celebrates restaurants, proprietors, and food-themed events that contribute to Arkansas’s rich culinary culture.
Neighbor’s Mill and Ermilio’s join seven other restaurants as finalists in the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame category. Other finalists include Stoby’s in Conway, Trio’s in Little Rock, Dixie Pig in Blytheville, Yellow Umbrella in Fort Smith, Tacker’s Shake Shack in Marion, Ray’s in Monticello, and Hugo’s in Fayetteville.
In addition to the Food Hall of Fame, the program also recognized finalists in other categories:
- **Restaurateur of the Year**: Rafael Rios of Yeyo’s in Bentonville and Rogers, Matthew Cooper of Conifer in Bentonville, and Jerry Barakat of Arthur’s Steakhouse in Little Rock. - **Gone But Not Forgotten**: Couch’s Bar-B-Q in Jonesboro, Mrs. Miller’s Chicken in Hot Springs, and Joda’s in Nashville. - **Food-Themed Event**: The Johnson County Peach Festival in Clarksville, the MHS Chocolate Roll Festival in Marshall, and the Tontitown Grape Festival in Tontitown.
The committee also selected the Arkansas Black apple as the state’s food of the year.
A separate People’s Choice category remains open for public voting, with the top three winners to be selected from semifinalists such as Salty Dalty’s BBQ in Morrilton, Jesse James Foods in Benton, Country Chic Chocolate Company in Pine Bluff, Ozark Farmhouse in Clinton, and The Wooden Spoon in Gentry.
Winners and honorees will be officially inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame during a special event in early 2027. For more information and to participate in People’s Choice voting, the public is encouraged to visit ArkFoodHOF.com.