Top 3 restaurants in Arkansas for business dining

Ramp processes billions of dollars in business expenses across thousands of companies every month. Our unique position in the payments ecosystem provides visibility into actual spending patterns, including restaurant and dining expenditures across diverse industries and business sizes.

Understanding Arkansas's evolving restaurant landscape requires more than anecdotal evidence—it demands real spending data that reveals where businesses invest their dining dollars. With 50.7 million annual visitors contributing significantly to the state's dining economy and a growing emphasis on business travel to key commercial hubs like Little Rock and Bentonville, data-driven insights help identify establishments that consistently deliver value for corporate entertaining and client meetings. This approach cuts through marketing noise to spotlight venues where actual business transactions occur most frequently.

Understanding Arkansas restaurant industry

Arkansas's restaurant sector generates $8 billion in annual sales across 5,816 eating and drinking establishments, employing 126,400 workers who represent 10% of the state's total employment. The industry serves a population of 3.09 million residents while benefiting from tourism that brings $9.9 billion annually to the economy, with food purchases accounting for 28% of visitor spending. Arkansas's position as a national leader in food processing shapes local dining preferences, with barbecue and Southern comfort food dominating the culinary landscape. The state's agricultural abundance supports farm-to-table initiatives, while outdoor destinations like Hot Springs and the Ozarks drive consistent tourism traffic to local establishments.

Top 3 restaurants for business meals and client dining

Our analysis of corporate spending data reveals three establishments that consistently rank highest for business dining in Arkansas. These selections reflect actual expense report data from companies using Ramp, not individual consumer spending, providing unique insight into where Arkansas businesses choose to conduct meetings, entertain clients, and host corporate events. The data shows a preference for venues offering flexibility in service styles, from formal catering to casual barbecue settings that facilitate relationship building.

Gina's Catering

Founded in 2011 by executive chef Gina Simpson, Gina's Catering operates from its Benton headquarters, specializing in customized corporate events and business functions. The woman-owned enterprise has built a reputation for accommodating diverse dietary requirements while delivering modern interpretations of classic Southern cuisine, making it a reliable choice for companies hosting mixed groups of clients and employees.

Notable facts: The establishment maintains an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and has served as the featured chef for high-profile events including Preview Night of Holiday House 2013. Operating exclusively in central Arkansas, Gina's focuses on delivery and off-premise catering rather than traditional dine-in service, offering comprehensive packages that include setup, serving, and cleanup—eliminating logistical stress for corporate event planners. The business leverages Simpson's decade of culinary experience prior to launching the venture, with menus spanning American, Southern, Cajun, and Italian influences adapted seasonally.

Signature dishes:

• Beef Tenderloin with creamy horseradish sauce
• Raspberry Chipotle Glazed Pork Loin
• Romano Crusted Chicken
• Smoked Beef Brisket
• Chicken & Sausage Gumbo

Best for: Corporate events requiring full-service catering, board meetings with dietary restrictions, and company celebrations where professional presentation matters. The grab-and-go meal service also suits businesses needing reliable lunch solutions for working meetings or training sessions. Their emphasis on stress-free execution makes them ideal for executives who need flawless event delivery without micromanagement.

Wright's Barbecue

Launched in 2017 by former Tyson Foods executive Jordan Wright, Wright's Barbecue has expanded to four Arkansas locations, earning a 2025 James Beard Award nomination for its 24-hour wood-fired smoking process. The establishment combines Texas-style barbecue techniques with Arkansas flavor profiles, creating an authentic yet refined dining experience that resonates with business diners seeking memorable meals.

Notable facts: Wright's transformation from food truck to multi-location success story reflects strategic growth supported by approximately $230,000 in monthly revenue per location. The restaurant employs about 25 staff members who receive healthcare benefits and above-minimum wages, demonstrating the owner's corporate background and commitment to sustainable business practices. Weekend live music and heated outdoor tents accommodate the lines that regularly form during peak hours, while the rustic ambiance with communal picnic tables encourages informal business networking.

Signature dishes:

• Texas-style Brisket (24-hour smoked)
• Pork Ribs with house dry rub
• Homemade Sausage Links
• Pulled Pork Sandwich
• Smoked Chicken Plates

Best for: Informal client meetings where authentic local flavor matters, team lunches that build camaraderie, and entertaining out-of-state visitors who want to experience Arkansas's barbecue culture. The communal seating arrangement naturally facilitates conversation, making it ideal for breaking down formal barriers during negotiations or partnership discussions. Their consistent quality across multiple locations ensures reliable experiences for businesses with offices in different Arkansas cities.

Chili's Grill & Bar

With 16 locations across Arkansas, Chili's Grill & Bar provides consistent, accessible dining options in major commercial corridors throughout the state. The national chain's blend of American comfort food and Tex-Mex cuisine, combined with value-oriented pricing and extensive beverage programs, makes it a practical choice for routine business meals and larger group gatherings.

Notable facts: Each Arkansas location typically employs 30-50 staff members, contributing significant economic impact across the state. Recent menu innovations include Cajun-inspired dishes and plant-based options responding to evolving dietary preferences in corporate settings. The chain's digital initiatives have driven measurable revenue increases, while signature items like the Molten Chocolate Cake have remained menu staples for decades. Southwestern decor elements create a relaxed atmosphere that works equally well for casual team meetings and client entertainment.

Signature dishes:

• Original Trio Fajitas (chicken, steak, shrimp)
• Smoked Molasses BBQ Ribs
• Crispy Chicken Dippers with honey-chipotle sauce
• Big Mouth Burgers
• Southwestern Egg Rolls

Best for: Budget-conscious business lunches, large team gatherings where varied menu options accommodate different preferences, and predictable dining experiences when entertaining risk-averse clients. The widespread locations make Chili's particularly suitable for sales teams covering multiple Arkansas territories or businesses coordinating meetings between offices in different cities. Their combo meal value propositions help companies manage entertainment budgets while still providing substantial meals.

Tips for business dining in Arkansas's restaurant scene

Arkansas business dining reflects the state's blend of Southern hospitality and corporate pragmatism. Make reservations at least 48 hours ahead for popular spots like Wright's Barbecue, especially Thursday through Saturday when local businesses frequently entertain clients. Consider seasonal factors—outdoor dining thrives April through October, but summer humidity can make covered patios preferable to fully outdoor seating for formal meetings.

Local customs favor relationship-building over rushed meals, so budget 90 minutes for lunch meetings rather than the coastal standard of 60 minutes. When hosting out-of-state clients, showcase Arkansas's barbecue heritage or farm-to-table options rather than defaulting to national chains, unless dietary restrictions require predictable menus. Many Arkansas executives appreciate the gesture of meeting at locally-owned establishments that support the community.

For corporate events, book catering services like Gina's at least two weeks in advance, as Arkansas's limited high-end catering options book quickly during spring graduation season and fall football weekends. Consider traffic patterns around Razorback game days when planning meetings in Fayetteville or along I-40 corridors. Finally, remember that Arkansas's alcohol laws vary by county—some remain dry or partially dry—so confirm beverage service availability when planning client entertainment in unfamiliar areas.