Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Adapt And Evolve
Dickson Street bar reimagined as coffee shop, cafe
All businesses must transform for the future or they will become a thing of the past. This is especially true with the food and restaurant industry, which may be why a Fayetteville bar is evolving into what the owners think the community needs right now.
Cannibal & Craft, a longstanding Dickson Street bar, has reimagined half of its space into a coffee shop and cafe during the day, according to a press release.
With free Wi-Fi, Arsaga’s coffee and a selection of cafe food, this transition marks the first chapter in a multi-phase evolution culminating in a name and concept change to The Collective.
The former tiki bar side will be renovated into an upscale restaurant, the release states, offering a collection of Americana and world cuisine.
Owners Don and William Ray, twin brothers and native Arkansans, founded Willy D’s in 2002 and evolved into FIX dance club, then Cannibal & Craft. They have since invented Craft Standard, a premium cocktail keg distributed by Anheuser Busch nationally, and opened Ben’s Apartment, a speakeasy hidden in the back of Cannibal & Craft.
“My brother and I have a deep passion for hospitality and have always aimed to create a place where people can enjoy Fayetteville’s entertainment district. Our transformation into a coffee shop and cafe offers a refreshed community space on Dickson Street,” says Don Ray. “We are excited to evolve Cannibal & Craft into what we think Fayetteville visitors and residents alike need.”
Chris Tanner is partnering with the Rays to create an upscale restaurant in the tiki bar of Cannibal & Craft. With over two decades of experience in the restaurant scene, Tanner is anticipated to bring a unique and refined menu to the restaurant.
“I’m excited to partner with the Rays on this new venture,” Tanner said. “We aim to create a unique experience that complements the existing offerings on Dickson Street, not just competes with them. I believe this concept will be a great addition to the Fayetteville restaurant scene.”
During the renovation, Cannibal & Craft Cafe will continue offering its coffee and cafe menu.
Damgoode Pies
“We’ve made a lot of pies, and you’ve eaten them.”
A succinct message from longtime Fayetteville pizza joint Damgoode Pies announced its closure on Facebook earlier this month.
Furthermore, the marquee outside the restaurant last week read “RIP Damgoode Pies – Thank you pie eaters.”
Damgoode Pies originally opened in Little Rock in 2001, expanding to Fayetteville in 2009.
The Fayetteville spot was the last remaining of the pizza business after the Little Rock locations were closed last year. At the end of March, I wrote about how a Colorado-based restaurant chain specializing in sandwiches named after marijuana strains, among other fun menu items, is coming to Fayetteville. But no opening date had yet been announced. Until now.
On May 20 (perhaps a tip-ofthe-hat to a certain day exactly a month prior), Cheba Hut will open at 1947 N. College Ave., according to a recent email update from a restaurant representative.
According to Cheba Hut’s website, the only other Arkansas location in Little Rock operates from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Taste of Rogers
The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to the Taste of Rogers on May 23, according to the chamber’s website.
The event is a celebration of the folks who make Rogers so amazing and the city’s food so delicious, the website states.
“This year’s theme is Local Heroes, and we’re looking for culinary stars, established restaurants and rising stars to showcase their talents,” the website says. “The evening will be filled with live music, amazing tastes, and beverages. We encourage you to purchase your tickets as this event sells out quickly.”
Tickets are available for
$40 each at the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce website. An elegant tequila tasting experience is coming to Bentonville this June.
Experience the rich culture of Jalisco, Mexico, during Noche en Jalisco, an immersive tasting event featuring rare tequilas, live music and delicious food options curated by Tula Restaurant at the Ledger from 6 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on June 15, according to the event’s website.
Proceeds from the event will support https://www.casadosalas.com Casa Dos Alas, a new nonprofit tackling food insecurity among the Hispanic community in Northwest Arkansas, the website states.
Tickets range from $150 to $200, with options for access to a VIP Tasting Terrace with exclusive drinks and appetizers.
We’ll be back soon with more restaurant news across Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley. Email your news to bcollins@ nwaonline.com.