Cider-maker expanding distribution
Black Apple Crossing is launching regional distribution of its cider in Northwest Arkansas. The Springdale-based business will celebrate with a week of events starting today in Fayetteville.
The launch marks the first time Black Apple Crossing's line of cider will be available outside of its downtown Springdale taproom, which opened in July. The company's founders are Trey Holt, John Handley and Leo Orpin.
Six Fayetteville bars and restaurants will carry one or more varieties of Black Apple cider on tap, including El Carino and the Fitz. Up to three varieties of cider, as well as cider cocktails, will be available during these launch events: Today, Wood Stone Craft Pizza, 557 S. School Ave.; Monday, Maxine's Tap Room, 107 N. Block Ave.; Tuesday, Sideways, 331 W. Dickson St.; Wednesday, Farrell's Lounge Bar & Grill, 311 W. Dickson St.; Thursday, Puritan Brew Co., 205 W. Dickson St.; and Friday, Mojo's Pints & Pies, 1200 Garland Ave.
Arvest makes Consumer Reports' Top 10
Arvest Bank ranked No. 8 in the January 2016 Consumer Reports top 10 list of best traditional banks in the U.S. It is the only bank operating in Arkansas to make the list.
The magazine polled more than 49,000 of its readers to gauge satisfaction with their bank, and Arvest received a score of 87, only four points behind top-ranked Frost Bank. "Customer Service" was the primary attribute noted by Arvest customers leading to their high satisfaction.
Also in January, GOBankingRates, a consumer-focused website on personal finance, listed Arvest as offering one of the 10 Best Checking Accounts of 2016 nationwide. GOBankingRates based its measurement criteria on annual percentage yield, minimum deposit, monthly maintenance fee, nonsufficient funds fee and minimum balance required to avoid fees.
Firms team on wine-infused chocolate
A pair of Northwest Arkansas food artisan companies created a wine-infused chocolate. Kyya Chocolate and Sassafras Springs Vineyard created a Hispaniola single-origin chocolate bar that is infused with Sassafras' Syrah red wine.
The proprietary process to infuse the chocolate with the wine took more than three months to develop.
The wine-infused chocolate bars are sold only at Sassafras Springs Vineyard, 6461 E. Guy Terry Road, Springdale.
The companies will co-host events at the vineyard over Valentine's weekend.
Gene and Cheryl Long are co-owners of Sassafras Springs Vineyard, and Rick and Cindy Boosey are co-owners of Kyya Chocolate.
Briefs are for businesses in Northwest Arkansas that are new, have moved or closed, opened a new branch, changed owners or have been honored by an independent organization. Email items to [email protected]. Information will be published as space allows.
SundayMonday Business on 01/31/2016