TIME Magazine and data analytics firm Statista have released the inaugural edition of America’s Best Private Companies, recognizing 500 privately owned businesses across the country based on employee satisfaction and broader social impact.
Three Arkansas companies were included in the rankings. Harps Food Stores placed highest among the state’s businesses at No. 284, followed by Simmons Foods at No. 330 and Arvest Bank at No. 383.
Founded in 1930 by Harvard and Floy Harp, Harps Food Stores says its business was built around hometown service and treating customers the way employees would want to be treated.
Siloam Springs-based Simmons Foods supplies poultry, pet food and animal nutrition products through its affiliated companies.
Arvest Bank operates more than 200 branches across Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri and was also recognized by Forbes earlier this year as one of its 2026 Best Employers for New Grads.
