At the end of every year there are always a number of restaurant changes. Many choose to close at the end of the year to time with tax returns, while many decide to dive into new projects or take advantage of new leasable buildings at the first of the year. This list is by no means comprehensive and we will update for a period of time after, if you have an update please email me at greg@rockcityeats.com.
Please note that some of these are current or former clients through our Rock City Commercial business that provides business brokerage and consulting services, as well as commercial real estate services through Keller Williams Realty.
Closings / Business Sales
South on Main – This space has long served as the anchor to the restaurant area in South Main before it was even called South Main. It appears the South on Main chapter has closed with the space shutting down at the end of the year, although a buyer has purchased the space and will be announced soon, so it will not stay vacant for long.
YGFBF Kitchen – This opened last spring in the former Arthur’s space on Rahling Rd, previously operating in Conway for a few years. They announced at the end of the year that they would return to Conway after a few months of operating the Little Rock location.
The Library – The River Market bar/restaurant/event venue closed the doors in late 2022. Being one of the newer venues in the River Market, and therefore less established, it seemed to suffer the hardest due to COVID. Prolong shut downs, lack of being able to hold concerts, and more. The space is currently for lease.
Openings coming in 2023
The Bagel Shop – The bagel themed popup has been operating at farmer’s markets and out of Stone’s Throw Brewing for the past year. Now it is ready for a brick and mortar opening later this year on South Main next to Pink Olive.
Delucas – For almost 10 years now Little Rock residents have been making the drive down to Hot Springs for what has been consistently one of the top pizza spots in the state. Delucas will finally (after contemplating for a few years) open a Little Rock location as part of the renewed Breckenridge development. They are expecting a late spring/early summer opening.
Copper Mule – Copper Mule opened in Bryant a couple of years ago and quickly became a favorite there. Now they are looking to open a second location in the Heights district of Little Rock sometime later this year.
Big Bad Breakfast, Downtown – Big Bad Breakfast has been absolutely packed since opening their first location on Bowman and Markham last year. Now they are adding a downtown location in the former Soul Fish spot on Main Street later this year. No word on opening, but it shouldn’t take long thanks to an existing restaurant.
Moody Brews – We announced this last year, but the opening for Moody Brews should be fairly early in 2023 in the Pettaway area of downtown. With it will come some of the best small batch brewing to ever cross our pint glasses in Little Rock.
If you are looking to open a restaurant or sell a business, give us a shout over at Rock City Commercial. We will be glad to help you get going with a long standing expertise in the food industry.
