NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - New spots to eat are popping up all over North Little Rock. One restaurant combines three dining experiences into one.
The idea got its start in the back of a church in Hillcrest. Now, Central Arkansas foodies say it has potential to shape the rest of the Argenta District for years to come. It is restaurant meets deli meets bar meets take out.
"I was just looking at what Little Rock needed," said Donnie Ferneau with Good Food by Ferneau.
To Donnie Ferneau, Central Arkansas needed a healthy option.
"We are really on the front end of this wave right now with the healthy eating, the clean eating," said Ferneau.
Good Food by Ferneau, Butcher & Public and Garden Press now call the Argenta District home.
"Juicing is huge out in the West Coast and in urban metros, and it is something we do not have in Arkansas," said Bo Bennett.
Bennett founded Garden Press. He says he is one of only a couple who do this here, and he uses all local produce.
"This is about utilizing local produce in a way and getting it into your diet that it is very accessible to the average hardworking Arkansan," said Bennett.
Travis McConnell, owner of Butcher & Public, says they are using the resources produced by Arkansans, which includes working with local ranchers.
"It is taking quality products locally and regionally and hand crafting them in house and selling them to the area and having a spot for the community," said McConnell.
The concept of having three businesses dealing with food under the same roof is a new concept to the Argenta District and a growing trend across the country. And foodies say it could influence other restaurants to come.
"When all three of these guys are going to work together and put together dishes that have influences from all three companies that's when we're really going to see something special," said Steve Shuler with Little Rock Foodcast.
And Ferneau already sees that something special.
"I just want to make sure people have good food, and they know what they are putting in their bodies," said Ferneau.
It opened Friday September 19 for a soft opening starting at 6:30 p.m. It will also open at 6:30 Saturday evening. The restaurants are located at 521 Main Street in North Little Rock.
