Little Rock is never short on flavor, but there are a handful of restaurant projects Team Soirée is already working up an appetite for. Get hungry and keep an eye out for these eats.
Tamalcalli // From beloved food truck to popular (if tiny) downtown brick and mortar, the tamale, taco and cerveza stand is set to open a second location at 305 N. Shackleford Road complete with a drive-thru and ample parking on Jan. 5.
The Croissanterie // Having also made the jump from food truck to solid ground a few years back, this bakery and restaurant is taking over the former Capers location just down the street with plans to open in early 2026. Update: The Croissanterie will open on Jan. 15.
Hazel’s Public House // The team behind Allsopp & Chapple is expanding its culinary radius downtown with an elevated burger joint opening in early 2026 in the former Big Whiskey’s location.
Red Door + Loca Luna // Both owned by Remolinos Group, these neighboring Riverdale restaurants are deep into renovations. Red Door will return as a completely new concept in summer 2026, while Loca Luna is getting refreshed and reimagined for a spring 2026 debut complete with a new sister concept inside. Rumor has it Fidel & Co., another Remolinos project, may make an appearance on the street, too.
Restaurant Fleur // “Master Chef” finalist Jennifer Maune is bringing French-American flair to the ground floor of the Bob R. Brooks Justice Building (formerly the Boyle Building) with Restaurant Fleur, plus a coffee shop and a European-style pastry shop opening in early 2026.
Ease Supper Club // With sold-out dining events becoming the norm, Ease quickly outgrew its cozy cottage in Park Hill and will move into The Baker in Argenta this month.
Local Lime + ZAZA // The two sister restaurants are finding new homes in The Promenade at Chenal. Local Lime will move three doors down to the former Bravo space, and a new ZAZA’s will open in the vacated Local Lime space. They’re slated to open in early summer and late 2026 respectively.
The Lady // The latest venture from Barnaby Group, the hospitality company behind George’s in The Heights, The Lady will bring “Southern heart and English charm” to the corner of Kavanaugh Boulevard and North Fillmore Street and is aiming for early 2027.
Plain Jane’s // The sister trio behind At the Corner and Flora Jean’s is at it again with a cafe offering a menu focused on “Southern simplicity with a fancy French flair” set in the former Cañon Grill location in Hillcrest. An official timeline has not been announced, but remodels are underway.
Ottenheimer Hall // The iconic River Market food court is in talks to undergo renovations that would bring new eats, drinks and extended hours as it marks its 30th anniversary. Details have not been finalized, but we’ll be watching. Update: The city has officially approved the project, which is tentatively set to debut in 2027. Details here.