Fred's Hickory Inn
rebuilds after fire forced closure
Construction is under way for the reopening of Fred's Hickory Inn.
Located at 1502 N. Walton Boulevard in Bentonville, the restaurant closed after being severely damaged by a late-night fire on Oct. 22.
"We are working to reopen as soon as possible, and as of now the projected reopen date is late July to early August. This may be subject to change due to weather or any unforeseen complications," general manager Greg Cockrum said.
The architects and interior design teams are working to have the renovations maintain the traditional, warm ambiance of the original Fred's Hickory Inn. The end result will have some updates, but the majority of antiques and furniture were not damaged by the fire and will remain in the restaurant when it reopens.
The main building that contains the dining area was most damaged by the fire, but the historic wing, lounge and bar area were largely spared, as reported in a story about the restaurant revival in the Arkansas Business Journal on Jan. 19.
Guests can expect the same menu and service upon which Fred's Hickory Inn's reputation was founded.
"We are well known for our from scratch recipes, freshly smoked barbecue, hand-cut steaks, cheesecake and other items unique only to Fred's Hickory Inn. The food will continue to represent our passion and pride that has been around for 45 years," Cockrum said.
Fred's Hickory Inn was opened in 1970 by Fred and Lucia "Lou" Gaye. The original site was two acres that housed Wildwood Camp, a youth church summer retreat. There were several buildings that were renovated as word of mouth and popularity of the restaurant grew.
"During the early 1970s, several buildings were leased to various artists, sign painters and potters with the hope of creating a craft area.... [until] expansion was necessary to accommodate the lines of waiting diners," the restaurant's website describes.
Updates about the construction and photos of the work as it is completed are continually posted to Fred's Hickory Inn's Facebook page.
Arsaga's expands
with two new
Fayetteville locations
The Arsaga family continue to adapt to the needs of the community and is planning two new locations that will aim to satisfy the foodie culture cravings.
The first location set to open this spring, as reported by The Arkansas Traveler. The shop is located at 200 W. Center Street, one block west of the Fayetteville Square on the corner of Church Avenue. This location will have coffee and pastries, and plans are to have taps with cold-brewed coffee, kombucha and possibly Apple Blossom craft beers.
The second location will be set in the blue-painted building on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, near the South School Avenue intersection. The former tire auto shop provides a setting that will allow different rooms, including a coffee bar, indoor and outdoor seating, and a venue space for live music and events.
The menu will feature a Cajun theme, with muffulettas, gumbo, shrimp-and-shiitake po'boys and red beans and rice. The Arsagas also hope to have a vegan ice cream and snow cone stand beside the Razorback Greenway Trail.
Located at 514 Martin Luther King Blvd., this location will open next year.
NAN Dining Guide Spotlight on 02/13/2015