One of Little Rock’s better affordable dining options has closed. Chicago’s Phillys and Gyros on University Ave. announced last week it would be shutting the doors on its restaurant across from UA Little Rock. Owner Fred Farrah announced on Facebook that he is working on a new location somewhere in West Little Rock. Farrah opened Chicago’s in 2015 and quickly gained a following with his standout cheesesteaks and hot sandwich options that were well-made and easy on the wallet. Here’s hoping that Farrah finds a place sooner rather than later.
After a shake-up at Ciao Baci in Hillcrest left him without a job, David Burnette has landed at another stellar Little Rock restaurant. Burnette has been hired by Table 28 as its new service manager. Burnette has built up an impressive career in the Little Rock restaurant scene, first gaining recognition as a talented barman at Capital Bar and Grill and later at South on Main. Some of his cocktails at South on Main are still among my personal favorites, including the Sweet Potato Lemonade and the Cheerwine Swizzle. He switched to the front of the house with his move to Ciao Baci in 2017, where he worked as the restaurant’s general manager. Burnette has a penchant for customer service and attention to detail, and there’s little doubt he will do well at Table 28.
The Pantry West on Rodney Parham Road will soon be closed for some renovations. Owner Tomas Bohm is shutting down The Pantry starting this Saturday throughout next week, with plans to reopen on Monday, August 19. The overhaul will focus on updating and redesigning the dining room, including adding more sound absorption. We’re not sure what to expect from this, but given the gorgeous renovation work done at The Pantry Crest five years ago, it’s pretty safe to assume the changes will be for the best. Keep an eye on The Pantry’s Facebook page to follow the restaurant’s progress.
Happy birthday to South on Main, which is celebrating six years of business this week. Every day this week, Matt and Amy Bell are giving away an appetizer via a social media promotion. Just like, comment and share the Facebook photo of the day to get your free app. Today’s promotion is pimento cheese; trust me when I say you want to do this. There will be at least two more giveaways this week on South on Main’s Facebook page.
If you haven’t done it yet, you need to take a trip to Prestonrose Farm and Brewing Co. in Paris. We stopped by for an amazing day with brewers from all over Arkansas; that recap and the week’s beer news is in our Growlers feature.
Little Rock is getting a new spice shop. Check out our preview of the new Fennel and Fire, set to open later this fall.
RIP Damgoode Pies
November 20, 2023
