With Little Rock’s dining scene constantly changing, keeping track of what’s happening can be hard, even for foodies who follow the local food scene closely. Already within the two months since Soirée’s last foodie news blog, there are a few new spots to keep up with along with a few places that are regrettably closing their doors.

Here’s a look at the latest restaurant news and headlines you may have missed.

Coming Soon:

Certified Pies // Certified Pies is the first Black-owned pizzeria in Little Rock and just recently found a brick-and-mortar home at 9807 W. Markham St. The pizzeria was opened in 2020 by Kreg Stewart and his wife Samantha Stewart along with chef Harlem Wilson. Certified Pies has been praised by word of mouth for their delicious pies and must-have Certified Truth wings, and is set to open sometime this fall.

certifiedpies.com | Facebook | Instagram 

Funky Stretch // A new pizza restaurant from the Brood & Barley family is set to open in Argenta later this year. The name? Funky Stretch Pizza. Opened by co-owners Tina Bone and Chrissy Prange, Funky Stretch will have different pie offerings as well as salads, wings, sandwiches and a full bar and outdoor area.

Stay tuned for website and social media details.

Pettaway Square // The Pettaway neighborhood in downtown Little Rock is coming along nicely thanks to developer Michael Orndorff. The newly constructed square will soon be home to Moody Brews, the craft beer brewery from locally known brewer Josiah Moody. It originally launched in 2014 and was well-loved with locals, and after a short hiatus is now back again. Along with this new brewery comes a coffee bar, bookstore, offices and more.

Pettaway: Facebook | Instagram

Moody Brews: moodybrews.co | Facebook | Instagram

Draft and Table // With Cregeen's closing this month (scroll down for more on that), a new restaurant has already claimed the corner space in Argenta. Draft and Table is set to open in late summer or early fall of this year and will offer "American fare" dining.

Executive chef Kevin Doroski told Soirée, “I simply want people to know that, while many of us are sad to see Cregeen's bittersweet exit from the block, we have a lot of exciting and new things to bring to the table, and I absolutely can't wait to see the reactions from people when they come in and get a taste.”

Stay tuned for website and social media details.

Recent Closings:

Cregeen's // Last weekend, Cregeen's Irish Pub in North Little Rock closed its doors for the last time. The neighborhood tavern was originally opened in 2007 and will definitely be missed by locals and beer lovers.

Grafitti’s // Italian restaurant Grafitti’s announced earlier this month that it has closed its Cantrell location. However, you can still enjoy the original dishes you know and love, which have now been added to the menu at La Terraza Rum and Lounge in Hillcrest.

Recent-ish Openings:

Flora Jean's // Downtown recently got a fresh and hip breakfast, lunch and brunch spot named Flora Jean’s. What was originally supposed to be Henrietta’s, the new spot is owned and operated by the sisters Leila and Helen Grace King along with Kamiya Merrick who also own At the Corner. The restaurant focuses on vegan and vegetarian options with a twist.

Facebook | Instagram

Sterling Market // East Village has a new member of the food scene. Located in the old Sterling Paint Factory across from Fidel & Co., the market-style restaurant includes a salad/sandwich station, butcher station, pizza station, bakery station, a full bar and grab-and-go grocery options. The market is currently in its soft open phase and will fully open by the end of the month.

sterlingmarket.com | Facebook | Instagram

Argenta Parklets // The outdoor dining scene in Argenta is growing with a few newly added "parklets." The new sidewalk dining space is the first of two on Main Street and includes tables, seating, a new deck, planters and a safety rail to enjoy meals and drinks in the fresh air.

Rumor Has It:

South on Main // This SoMa icon shuttered its doors in January. However, the sale of the restaurant did not go through, and owner Don Dugan has said that he plans to reopen South on Main with a new concept later this year.

Southern Tail Brewing // A new brewery has high hopes to join East Village. Brent Cryder and his wife Tracy are seeking a permit from the city to open Southern Tail Brewing, a family- and pet-friendly restaurant with an indoor and outdoor event space.

Have the scoop on the latest restaurant or foodie news? Email us at info@littlerocksoiree.com.