I’m tapping into the fascinating origin of craft brewing in Central Arkansas, and I’ve also got a brief on 30 Crossing Park below. As the weather shifts, I am optimistic that one day these two stories will merge, and I’ll be sipping a brew while walking through a generational and regionally significant park downtown.
I’m a little iffy on the efficacy of manifesting, but it can’t hurt. I’m putting it here in writing. Every little bit helps.
Before I lose your precious attention, consider becoming a founding sponsor of the newsletter. You’ll get an exclusivity agreement, guaranteed placement, and the unbelievable, effusive joy of seeing your name in the city’s premier marquee: The Little Rock Letter. Finally, authoritatively, you can die happy having reached the highest high.
Take care,
Reid
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THREE STORIES YOU SHOULD KNOW
Hurts Donut leaves downtown. Hurts Donut is closing its downtown Little Rock store, and KATV reports it's opening a Hot Springs location. Arkansas Times.
The drought reaches the roadside and the farm. ArDOT is suspending fall mowing because of wildfire risk, and the governor issued an order allowing dyed diesel on highways. Little Rock Public Radio.
City opens code enforcement playbook to residents. Little Rock is offering a free Residents Academy, a five-week course on how its Housing Code Enforcement division is organized and operates, starting Oct. 22. Sessions run from 6–7 p.m. at the Willie Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center. City of Little Rock
Really, you’ll be the most famous person in Little Rock if you become a founding sponsor today.
ONE STORY YOU DIDN’T KNOW: ARKANSAS BREWING COMPANY
I’m not one to be ungrateful for the wonder and beauty of the zeitgeist’s affinity for craft beer and breweries, but long before it was cool (maybe it’s always been cool?), Arkansas Brewing Company was doing it way back in 1983.
But…maybe brewing beer wasn’t their greatest strength? William Lyon, the brewery’s founder, told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette his primary motivation for starting the brewery: “boredom.” You’d be correct to assume this venture didn’t go well.
Arkansas Brewing Company offered four beers: Riley’s Red Lyon, an English-style ale, White Tail, a lager, Ten Point, another lager, and Arkansas Sesquicentennial Beer, made to coincide with the 1986 Sesquicentennial Celebration. Really rolls off the tongue, that one.
But issues cropped up immediately. Bacterial infections ruined multiple batches of beer, and the brewery itself couldn’t sell food or beer. It was a rough combo for business, and the brewery went under eventually.
But wait, there’s more. Perhaps the most notable event in the history of the Arkansas Brewing Company involves Arkansas political operative Jim McDougal, who accused Lyons of receiving favorable treatment from the state’s alcohol board because of Lyons’ connection to Bill Clinton. Clinton had named Lyons to the Arkansas Banking Board in 1980, and Lyons had taken out a loan to start the brewery. Lyons was called to Washington, D.C. to testify in what was later referred to as the Whitewater Scandal.
Arkansas Brewing Company can’t be considered a complete failure. Without it paving the way, we may’ve never seen Vino’s or Diamond Bear, or any of the next generation of Little Rock’s breweries.
So let’s all say it loud and say it proud: THANK YOU ARKANSAS BREWING COMPANY!
WHAT’S NEXT?: 30 CROSSING PARK
Rendering of the riverfront portion of 30 Crossing Park, courtesy of Sasaki Associates.
Let’s begin with the end: 2029 is the target for completion.
Here’s another date you should know: October 12th. That’s the day qualifications are due for subcontractors who want to bid on the work. Subcontractor selections will be announced in early November, with (listen up) work beginning in early December. Early December.
Context
If you’re out of the loop, the city has secured funding for a world-class park right in the middle of downtown. Take a look at the plans here. When the city removed the ramps of 1-30, a lot of space was left over. Prime real estate. We should be thankful this space was seen for the massive community opportunity it is, instead of something bequeathed to corporations or big business.
Among other amenities, the park will include a welcome center, basketball courts, a dog park, playgrounds, and a rose garden.
How is it funded?
It’s a mixture, but there are two primary pots to pull from:
The Bezos Earth Fund. In July, Little Rock was named one of eight cities in the Bezos Earth Fund's Greening America's Cities program, with a $30 million commitment toward the park. The grant covers the initial phase and is held by the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce's foundation.
State grant. In August, the city board authorized applying for a state matching grant of up to $1 million. The city would need to front the full $2 million and get half reimbursed.
Open questions
Sasaki estimated the full park at $93 million to $128 million. The range reflects options like building it in phases over 20 years. Which leads to one of many obvious questions:
Where will the other ~$60 to $90 million originate?
Which piece of the plan will the first $30 million cover?
Will any portion be open before 2029?
The Bezos Fund money is handled by the Chamber of Commerce, not the city. Will there be transparency over how that account is used?
SPECULATION: PERMITS AND LICENSE APPLICATIONS
Three Amigos files on Cantrell
Restaurante Three Amigos filed for a restaurant mixed drink (minimum) permit at 7710 Cantrell Road. ABC week ending Sept. 25, 2026
Grady's Pizza Bistro on West 12th
Grady's Pizza Bistro filed for a restaurant mixed drink (minimum) permit at 6801 W. 12th Street. A new restaurant in SW Little Rock? ABC week ending Sept. 11, 2026
Outdoor Soul Food Cafe on Colonel Glenn
Outdoor Soul Food Cafe filed for a restaurant mixed drink (minimum) permit at 6818 Colonel Glenn Road. ABC week ending Sept. 11, 2026
Clubs and hotels
The Chenal Club files twice
The Chenal Club filed two applications. One, at 10 Chenal Club Blvd., Suite B, covers restaurant wine, a private club permit, and on-premises beer. The second, at the main address, covers the private club and beer permits. ABC week ending Sept. 25, 2026
Until next week,
Reid