Three restaurants in Bryant are the focus of social media talk lately, and this article should help to dispell some bad information. Two closed in May and one definitely didn’t, but it was rumored.
Before I get into the particulars, don’t let this cast any reflection on Bryant’s current state of growth, because it’s blowing up with business – including new or expanded restaurants like new Different Dough, a refreshingly chef-driven pizza restaurant by Brian Krikorian; Nori, a surprisingly good sushi and ramen restaurant; and Blue House Bakery & Cafe, known for its fantastic sandwiches, salads, quiche and more. It recently moved to a new construction location with a space more than twice its previous size. But on to address those rumors…
MySaline was excited to announce in December 2022 that a new restaurant called Crave Hot Dogs and Barbecue was coming to 3429 Market Place Avenue in Bryant. We gave an update a month later that we knew the opening would be Summer 2023. I was one of the first customers that summer and showed off a video of their restaurant and food and fun activities.
So it’s with much disappointment that I have to report that our local Crave location closed their doors last week, just shy of a year after opening. They told employees on the morning of May 6th, 2024, that they unfortunately would not have a job going forward.
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I spoke with the owners on May 7th but they did not have a public comment at that time. They are local residents themselves and are likely heartbroken at having had to make this decision.
The restaurant featured several kinds of hot dogs and brats, barbecue sliders and nachos, a self-pour beer wall, ax throwing, and special nights for karaoke and trivia.
At this time, we can’t report whether the location will reopen under the same management, or if there might be another investor to take over. We only know that they are closed, and they have taken down their social media. Watch MySaline for any updates.
The Dickey’s BBQ location at 3213 Main Street in Bryant closed their doors several days ago. There was an ownership change and according to several comments on social media, the normal customers noticed a big change for the worse in customer service. It wasn’t long before the restaurant apparently couldn’t stay in business. That’s all I have to report there.
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On the other hand, Rookh + Knight Lounge, the restaurant that popped up after Luigi’s closed in the same location at 22000 Interstate 30, is definitely still in business.
On one day last week, the restaurant did close temporarily, due to helping with a large event in Little Rock. On another day, they were closed due to updating some kitchen equipment. On Thursday, May 9th, I personally visited for lunch and had a great time talking to the owner, Abhay.
He told me he loves to play Chess, so that accounts for the name of the restaurant. He said the word “rook” in his language means “stop,” so he spelled it a little differently, adding an “h” to the end.
However, you should “stop” by and have lunch or dinner soon, because their food and service is top-notch. The menu is a fusion of Indian and Italian. You can ask them to go spicier or less spicy. On my first visit I wasn’t very brave and just ordered the artichoke pizza. It was superb.
On my second visit I got the beef seekh lasagna roll and I can say that if you love Indian spices you will love this dish. I also tried the butter chicken tortellini from my neighbor’s plate and it was delicious as well.
You may have heard they have popcorn. They serve it as an appetizer. The puffy kernels are mixed in a savory spicy blend you will love. They also bring a plate of toasted pan (flatbread) to the table, to dip in your pasta sauce or just eat it by itself. THEY ARE OPEN!
Read more local business news at www.mysaline.com/business-news