Arkansas TV Features 29 Eateries in New Food Series
Three new programs on Arkansas TV profile local diners, dairy bars, and pie bakeries across the state.
By Sergio Ramirez ·
Arkansas television viewers can now watch three new food series that profile restaurants across the state. The programs are available on the Arkansas TV YouTube channel starting today.
The first series, Taste Buds, is hosted by actor and comedian Brett Ihler. Each half-hour episode visits a different establishment to discuss the food and the people who serve it. The show’s crew traveled the state to film these segments. The series features six specific locations. These include Dixie Pig in Blytheville and Mud Street Cafe in Eureka Springs. Star of India in Little Rock and Taylor’s Steakhouse in Dumas also appear. Oark General Store in Oark and Pops Place in Texarkana round out the list.
A second special, Arkansas Dairy Bars: Neat Eats and Cool Treats, focuses on a mid-century dining style. In these restaurants, customers order ice cream and burgers through a window. Food historian and author Kat Robinson guides viewers through these venues. The special profiles 13 locations across the state. Feltner’s Whatta-Burger in Russellville is one featured spot. Bailey’s Dairy Treat in Hot Springs and Dairyette in Mount Ida are others. Susie Q Malt Shop in Rogers and Burge’s Hickory Smoked Turkeys & Hams in Lewisville and Little Rock are included. Ray’s in Monticello and Salem Dairy Bar in Benton appear as well. Kream Kastle in Blytheville and The Bulldog Restaurant in Bald Knob are also shown. Hamburger Station in Paragould and Troy’s Drive-In in De Witt are featured. The Original ScoopDog in North Little Rock and Daisy Queen in Marshall complete the dairy bar segment.
The third program is Make Room for Pie. This film follows pie bakers from the Delta region to the Ozark Mountains. Kat Robinson hosts this tour as well. The documentary visits 15 bakeries and diners. Charlotte’s Eats & Sweets in Keo is the first location listed. Big John’s/Tacker’s Shake Shack in Marion and Lindsey’s Hospitality House in North Little Rock follow. Honey Pies in Little Rock and Miss Anna’s on Towson in Fort Smith are included. Ed Walker’s Drive-In in Fort Smith and Sweet Treats Sandwich & Pie Shop in Lamar appear next. Hillbilly Hideout in Ozark and PattiCakes Bakery in Conway are also featured. Shangri-La Resort in Mount Ida and Mr. & Mrs. Chef in Hot Springs round out the mid-list. The Skillet Restaurant in Mountain View and Batten’s Donuts & Bakery in Paragould are included. Rhoda’s Famous Hot Tamales & Pies in Lake Village and The Backyard B-B-Q Co. in Magnolia finish the list.
A note in the program description states that some restaurants featured in these shows may have closed since filming. Viewers can watch all three programs on the Arkansas TV YouTube channel.
The three series cover a total of 29 distinct food locations. These sites span from the state's northern border to its southwestern corner. The shows combine historical context with current restaurant visits. Each episode or special segment is designed to showcase the local community behind the food.
