Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Pawsitive Vibes
7 Brew brings the love to Fort Smith animal shelter
It’s important for any small business to connect with the community where they live. And what better way to get your paw in the door than to visit and boost the spirits of a local animal shelter?
That’s exactly what 7 Brew Coffee, a Fayetteville-based coffee shop, did after opening their newest location on Jan. 15 at 400 Rogers Ave. in Fort Smith.
Two days after the city’s second 7 Brew opened, the coffee house’s staff, the Brew Crew, visited Fort Smith Animal Haven, according to a release.
The Brew Crew brought pup cups to the animals and gave them lots of love and sweet treats while bringing always-needed attention to the shelter’s animals looking for their forever homes.
Fort Smith Animal Haven also thanked 7 Brew for their charitable donation in a recent Facebook post.
“Thank you and congratulations to the crew at 7 Brew! We cannot thank you enough for your gracious donation of $1,500 and for coming out to spend time with some animals in need,” the post says. “We are so excited for what is to come for your team!”
Fort Smith Animal Haven is a shelter and clinic providing comfort and refuge with highquality medical treatment to prepare animals for adoption. The shelter has aided and facilitated in the adoption of nearly 8,000 animals and counting, the release states.
For more on the shelter’s record number of adoptions last year, check out Monica Brich’s excellent story here: nwaonline. com/news/2024/jan/28/fortsmith-animal-haven-saw-recordnumber-of/.
Slim Chickens
Pre-flight chicken will finally be an option at the Northwest Arkansas National Airport.
Well, I suppose it always was if you stopped off for some fried chicken on the way to the airport or had some just before you left the house.
But starting Feb. 5, Slim Chickens will be conveniently available just after the security checkpoint in XNA, according to a press release from the restaurant.
“My family and I have been a fan of Slim Chickens for years,” Mike Philip, a Northwest Arkansas native of 54 years, said. “This new location is the perfect fit for myself, our group, and the Northwest Arkansas National Airport, especially since there is no other concept like it within the airport.”
Arkansas Trails Brewing Co.
An old machine shop is transforming into a new brewery coming to Rogers.
Arkansas Trails Brewing Co. announced in a Facebook post that they would soon be opening at 13429 E. Arkansas 12.
The brewery will boast a family friendly environment with a large outdoor patio, a cozy taproom and influences that embrace the outdoors of Arkansas, according to the post.
“Welcome friends, to Arkansas Trails Brewing Co. We’re busy fixing up my grandpa’s old machine shop and transforming it into a special place we can all get together and share some laughs and stories over a cold, delicious craft beer,” the brewery posted.
Arkansas Trails Brewing Co. is aiming for a grand opening on July 4, according to another recent social media post.
Arkansas Food Hall of Fame
The Division of Arkansas Heritage recently announced that nominations for its 2024 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame have opened as of Jan. 22, according to a press release.
Nominations will be accepted online at arkfoodhof.com.
“Everyone has a story to tell about food,” said Marty Ryall, director of the Division of Arkansas Heritage. “In Arkansas, food is at the heart of our heritage. Whether it’s a meal prepared at home with family or a special dining experience, Arkansas’ food stories run deep. We are encouraging the public to share their stories with us by nominating for the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame.”
Nominations will be open through Feb. 29, with categories that recognize culturally significant restaurants, proprietors and food-themed events that celebrate food heritage from every part of our state, according to the release.
Award finalists will be announced in May, and honorees will be inducted during a special event in September.