Notable openings, closings, flavors and fun in Pleasant Valley, Chenal, Ferndale and beyond.
FOOD & DRINK
We begin with the bittersweet news that Capers closed its doors earlier this year after nearly three award-winning decades in the Little Rock restaurant scene. The sweet part? The Croissanterie, located less than a quarter of a mile away, is working to move into the larger Capers space with plans for an expanded menu.
In the Chenal area, Milano’s Italian Restaurant opened in the former Kemuri spot at 17200 Chenal Pkwy., while Gandolfo’s Deli in The Promenade has evolved to include Raiz Eatery with a menu focused on pizza, bowls and sandwiches.
Bheemas Indian Kitchen will soon move its authentic eats into the former Khalil’s Pub & Grill space at 110 S. Shackleford Road. Just down the street, the new Las Mamalonas Mexican Bar and Grill has moved into the Shackleford Crossings complex complete with a stage and dance floor. Meanwhile, the Chicago-based Papa Chocolate is unleashing its sweet treats in the shopping center at 12911 Cantrell Road.
One last bit of bitter news, JJ’s Grill closed its West Markham Street location, but you can still get a taste of the Arkansas classic at one of its seven other spots (and yes, the closest is Conway).
FIRST-RATE SECOND LOCATIONS
One of the best trends to watch unfold in recent years has been the westward expansion of some of the city’s favorite restaurants. In 2025 alone, second locations opened for Community Bakery in the Market Place Shopping Center on Rodney Parham Road, for Cha Cha Boba Tea Co. in the Bowman Heights Shopping Center and for The Root Cafe in Breckenridge Village, where another Deluca’s Pizza opened last fall and another Flyway Brewing is still in the works.
At The Promenade, a second Little Rock location of ZAZA Fine Salad & Wood Oven Pizza Co. is moving into the Local Lime space, which will transplant just a few storefronts down into the former Bravo space.
RETAIL + RECREATION
West Little Rock bookworms finally got their locally-owned wish in the form of Sammy’s Bookshelf, an indie pop-up that opened a storefront in the Market Place Shopping Center this summer.
For the action seekers, Swing Social, a golf simulator lounge and sports bar, has also recently opened in Market Place. Likewise, West Markham’s popular Full Out Barre fitness studio found its new owners in Lydia and KenDrell Collins, and House of Beauty by KT Aesthetics found its new home last fall at 13924 Cantrell Road.
Further west, Parker Post Boutique is now open in The Promenade, and home decor and gift shop Waverly Wood opened its doors at 18020 Chenal Pkwy.
COMING SOON TO A THEATER NEAR YOU
Film Alley, a “movie entertainment center” that features dine-in theaters, duckpin bowling and an arcade, is inching closer to opening in the former Regal UA Breckenridge Theater.
FERNDALE FRESH
Your westward scenic route just got a little more green thanks to Ferndale Market. Set at 27024 Kanis Road, the shop is a joint effort between The Front Porch Market and Krause House Farms, carrying a variety of locally grown produce, specialty groceries, to-go meals, flowers and more. Too hungry to wait? Grab a bite from their underrated sandwich menu.
EVENTS
Fall brings a handful of events to WLR — especially outdoor activities like the Creep ’N’ Crawl Half Marathon — but two this month are grabbing all the attention.
The International Greek Food Festival returns to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church on Oct. 3-4, marking its first full in-person return since 2019. The fest promises authentic cuisine, live entertainment and family-friendly activities, plus it locally benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas & North Louisiana, Youth Home and Community Connections.
At the end of the month, the Simmons Bank Championship will again descend on the Pleasant Valley Country Club from Oct. 20-26 after a popular debut in 2024. The tournament is the second stop of the PGA Tour Champions Playoffs, and the top 54 players will battle it out on the course for a chance to make the Charles Schwab Cup Championship.
EXPLORE
Once the warmer days slip past and the leaves begin to change, locals return to their favorite trails to take in the sights, favorites like the trail systems of Pinnacle Mountain, Two Rivers Park and Rattlesnake Ridge.
This fall, take in the foliage with a little extra flow. Carry over your summertime water activities and rent a kayak or canoe to explore independently or join a tour with Rock Town River Outfitters or the Arkansas State Parks system.
Click here to see some of the local businesses that make these neighborhoods so special.