Big Banjo Pizza, a beloved local favorite in Pine Bluff, has been named a finalist for the 2025 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame, a prestigious statewide honor recognizing culinary excellence and heritage.
The Arkansas Food Hall of Fame, created and managed by Arkansas Heritage, allows residents across the state to nominate their favorite food establishments and events in categories that celebrate the vital role food plays in community identity and culture.
Big Banjo Pizza earned its spot among the finalists in the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame category, which honors long-standing restaurants that contribute significantly to the state’s rich food culture.
Each year, Arkansans submit nominations across five categories:
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Arkansas Food Hall of Fame – Celebrating enduring restaurants that shape local culinary traditions
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Proprietor of the Year – Recognizing chefs, cooks, and restaurant owners making a significant impact
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Food-Themed Event – Honoring festivals and events that preserve a community’s unique food history
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Gone But Not Forgotten – Remembering iconic, now-closed establishments that left a lasting legacy
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People’s Choice – Highlighting popular restaurants or food trucks that keep Arkansas flavors alive
Finalists are selected from public nominations by a committee of culinary and cultural experts. Winners in each category will be announced at a special ceremony this fall.
