Jesse James Foods • Batesville
A converted train‑car diner with a flair for creative comfort food, this Batesville gem offers a mouthwatering menu of old‑school classics with a modern twist. Named favorites include the Bacon Jam Burger, Pizza Burger, Queso Burger, Patty Melt (served on Texas toast), and tantalizing chicken & waffle plates. Diners also rave about hearty breakfast plates, chicken tenders, and signature sides like Cajun fries, fried jalapeños, pickles, and cheese curds
The Gypsy Willow Scratch Kitchen & Oyster Bar • Cave City
This popular Cave City hotspot blends regional Ozarks flair with coastal charm, offering a refined but relaxed dining experience. While detailed menus are still emerging, the restaurant is known for its scratch‑made dishes, fresh oysters, and inventive takes on Southern standards. As a finalist, it reflects the restaurant’s growing reputation for quality and creativity .
Meme’s Burgery • Batesville
A food‑truck favorite turned local legend, Meme’s Burgery is praised for its juicy, flavorful burgers that consistently draw crowds in Batesville—earning glowing mentions on Reddit, where locals stand in line for mouth watering homemade burgers. While the full menu isn’t widely published, fans highlight Meme’s knack for classic, satisfying burger flavors.
Cast Your Vote!
These finalists were chosen by Arkansans for Arkansans. Now, it’s time to cast your vote in the People’s Choice category and help crown your favorite. Voting is open now, and winners will be announced at the Food Hall of Fame ceremony this fall.
Support these homegrown Arkansas flavors—your vote could help celebrate these culinary champions!
To place your vote head to https://www.arkansasheritage.com/
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Karin Huffman is an Independence County native who graduated from Cushman High School in 1996. Traveling throughout the state is one of her passions, along with writing about her adventures.
Taking over as travel writer for the Ozark Gateway Region is a dream come true for Huffman who lives in the region with her two daughters, Grace and Stella.
As a family, they enjoy canoeing the Poke Bayou, Salado Creek and the many waterways along the White River in Independence County. Camping and hiking throughout the region is a must for them in the spring and fall as well.
Huffman is an avid nature photographer who will do just about anything to find the perfect waterfall shot, and has visited many in the great state. From Twin Falls and the Richland Creek area in Northwest Arkansas to little known places off the beaten path, waterfalls will be found.
Huffman has been a travel writer for the Eye on Independence Magazine as well as a staff writer for the Batesville Guard, and is looking forward to devoting her time to traveling throughout the eight county region that the Ozark Gateway offers.
If you would like to contact Huffman about an adventure or would like to know how to get more information out about your area, contact her at 870-307-5473, karinhuffman78@gmail.com or karinozarkgateway@sbcglobal.net.