We've been struggling to catch up with what's been going on at 220 W. Sixth St., Little Rock, where the most recent tenant, Cellar 220, closed a few weeks ago, apparently, based on the posting on the front doors, for nonpayment of its Convention & Visitors Bureau "hamburger" taxes. Behold, one of our sharp-eyed colleagues forwarded, just before the deadline for this column, information about the rebirth in that space of Lulav. The announcement, with a heading that says, "Help Us Celebrate The Re-launch of a Classic Downtown Little Rock Restaurant!" notes Herman Lewis is the new owner/operator; former Lulav owner Matt Lile is back on the scene as a consultant; and the "all-star menu" will bring back several Lulav "classics," but with a new twist, courtesy of new chef Keyno Blackshear. Hours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for weekday lunch, 5-9 p.m. for dinner Monday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday. The phone number is (501) 374-5100.
Central Arkansas' second J. Gumbo's outlet opened May 8 at 2050 John Harden Drive, Jacksonville, in what used to be a Quiznos. Hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-8 p.m. Sunday. The phone number is (501) 241-0800. The first location opened almost exactly a year ago in the Centre at Ten shopping center, 12911 Cantrell Road, Little Rock.
Don Pepe's Gourmet Burritos and Tacos, we're told, is replacing Casa Mariachi at 2225 Prince St., Conway. We're a little short on details; a message left at the listed telephone number, (501) 358-6007, was not returned by deadline. We'll keep you posted.
The Catfish Hole, 603 E. Spriggs Road, North Little Rock, has closed after 38 years in business. An announcement on their Facebook page indicates that a longstanding family dispute was the issue, although the author isn't credited: "I am so sorry to say that after a long lawsuit from my siblings, regardless of the fact my mom gave me the restaurant but I could not afford a good attorney, Mr. Jennings of Simmons Bank locked our doors." A male voice provides a similar message (with the occasional sniffle) in the message left on the restaurant phone, (501) 758-3516.
Dinner and Sunday brunch hours are now in place at Victorian Garden Bistro, 4801 North Hills Blvd., North Little Rock, which Eric Greer, the new owner-chef, is changing to Garden Bistro. Hours are now 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for Sunday brunch. The phone number is (501) 758-4299.
And June 6, being National Doughnut Day, Krispy Kreme outlets will once again be handing out free doughnuts "of any variety, no purchase necessary, while supplies last." Visit KrispyKreme.com.
Has a restaurant opened -- or closed -- near you in the last week or so? Does your favorite eatery have a new menu? Is there a new chef in charge? Drop us a line. Call (501) 399-3667 or (501) 378-3513, or send a note to Restaurants, Weekend Section, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203. Send email to:
eharrison@arkansasonline.com
Weekend on 05/29/2014