Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Raise The Ruff
Raising Cane’s donates to local animal shelter
Todd Graves, founder and CEO of Raising Cane’s, originally planned to call the restaurant “Sockeye’s” as a tribute to his time in Alaska, the fast-food chain’s website says.
Instead, he took a friend’s advice and named it after his Labrador retriever, Raising Cane.
It’s nice to know that the popular chicken finger restaurant has not gotten too far from its roots, even with more than 700 locations around the country. The eatery still has great appreciation for pets and our undying love for them.
Last week, Raising Cane’s in Rogers presented a check for $4,384.33 to the Northwest Arkansas Humane Society for Animals, according to an email from a restaurant representative.
The NWA Humane Society for Animals is a no-kill shelter providing for the welfare of dogs and cats from rural Benton County through shelter and adoption services, spaying and neutering, and humane education.
The donation was from funds raised late last year from the brand’s annual Holiday Plush Puppy campaign.
According to the email, this year’s designs were influenced by Raising Cane’s entry into The Big Apple, where it opened the doors to its World Flagship Restaurant in Times Square in June.
The brand’s holiday plush puppy sales raises more than $500,000 annually for pet welfare organizations nationwide, the email states.
Pressroom closes
Just in case you missed it, a downtown Bentonville restaurant abruptly announced it would shut down after more than a decade in business.
Pressroom, at 100 N.W. Second St., had a sign posted on its front entrance Monday announcing the closure.
“To our customers, thank you for your years of patronage,” the sign stated. “We are honored to have been a part of the downtown community. Stay tuned this spring as a brand new vibe will fill this space.”
For more on this, check out NWA Democrat-Gazette reporter Thomas Saccente’s full story here: nwaonline.com/news/2024/ mar/05/pressroom-restaurant-inbentonville-suddenly/.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
A deal to bring California-based Dave’s Hot Chicken to Arkansas and nearby Missouri has been inked with some of those new food joints landing in Northwest Arkansas, according to business reporter John Magsam.
“Dave’s Hot Chicken’s product is amazing — it’s really good food,” Nick Morgan, the leader of Morgan Food Groups, said. “It offers great portion sizes, a great price point and simple ordering.”
Read the full article here: nwaonline.com/news/2024/ mar/03/california-chain-clearedto-build-eateries-in/.
And more
Here is a quick rundown of some upcoming restaurant openings in Northwest Arkansas, according to recent permits filed with the Arkansas Department of Health. Stay tuned for more information and opening dates from these eateries in the coming weeks and months.
Wienerschnitzel
Weinerschnitzel plans to add its third location to Northwest Arkansas in the next few months. The hot dog eatery is looking to locate at 850 U.S. 412 West in Siloam Springs. The food chain also has stores in Springdale and Bentonville.
Andy’s Frozen Custard
Andy’s Frozen Custard has a new Fayetteville spot in the works at 272 E. Joyce Blvd. Boss Man Taco and Taco Bueno have formerly occupied the space. The frozen treat business is anticipated to open in May.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread looks to have its eyes on a new location in Springdale at 471 W. Sunset Ave. Panera currently operates restaurants in Bentonville and Fayetteville.
FlavorSmith’s Craft Barbecue
FlavorSmith’s Craft Barbecue plans to open soon in Fayetteville at 50 E. Township St., the former location of The Beer Keg. The restaurant is locally owned by Billy Ray Smith and will feature a barbecue that is a mix between Kansas City and Texas.
We’ll be back soon with more restaurant news across Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley. Email your news to bcollins@ nwaonline.com.