A dinner series kicking off in August at the new Arkansas Food Innovation Center at the Market Center of the Ozarks, or AFIC@MCO, will blend local food, culinary artists and mentorship — all to promote community and raise funds for local food entrepreneurs.

"The dinner series is a great example of how Northwest Arkansas collaborates around a shared goal," said Darryl Holliday, director of the Arkansas Food Innovation Center at the Market Center of the Ozarks, a unit of the UA Agricultural Experiment Station.

"By using some of the best culinary talent locally and seeing the buy-in of regional and national culinary partners, the series will highlight locally grown food, support local food entrepreneurs and mentor students," he said.

He noted that the series is also a fun way for the community to become involved with AFIC@MCO for a charitable cause, as funds raised from the dinners will support scholarships for individuals aiming to start or grow food businesses.

The start to the series, scheduled for Aug. 22, will feature Chef Andrew Straka with Simmons Foods. The menu, inspired by flavors of the Ozarks, will include fresh produce celebrating the region's strong agricultural legacy.  

Other dinners in the series are slated to feature a variety of influences, including Latin culinary traditions and tailgating with gourmet flair.

Elliot Hunt, owner and executive chef of Atlas in Fayetteville, will lead the May 2026 dining experience, which is inspired by the idea of a global journey.

Hunt said the series is an opportunity to connect "with people who value not just good food, but the dedication and heart behind it."

"Being part of the AFIC@MCO dinner series is an honor — a heartfelt celebration of community, growth and giving back," he said. "AFIC@MCO empowers entrepreneurs by providing the tools and space to bring their culinary visions to life, and this fundraiser helps ensure that support continues for those following their dreams. This dinner is a chance to share my passion and tell my story through every dish."

Hunt also said he is grateful to "create experiences that nourish both the palate and the spirit, and to be part of a community that grows stronger together."

Those interested in attending a dinner have two dining experience choices.

The Hearth Room, at $250 per ticket, will provide guests with a direct view of the featured chef and culinary team preparing the evening's menu.

These guests will also enjoy an additional cocktail or palate cleanser tied to the evening's featured culinary artist.

The Gather Room, $150 per ticket, will provide guests with the same tasting and beverage items that make up the evening's themed menu to be enjoyed in the new center's foyer, allowing for a shared experience with fellow patrons.

Each month's events will begin at 6:30 p.m., with dinner served at 7 p.m. The AFIC@MCO is located at 821 E. Emma Ave. in Springdale. Those interested may view a schedule of the monthly themes with links to register online.

The Arkansas Food Innovation Center at the Market Center of the Ozarks is a unit of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the U of A System Division of Agriculture. The original Arkansas Food Innovation Center is based at the Milo J. Shult Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Fayetteville.

To learn more about the Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website. Follow us on X at @ArkAgResearch, subscribe to the Food, Farms and Forests podcast and sign up for our monthly newsletter, the Arkansas Agricultural Research Report. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. Follow us on X at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu.

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About the Division of Agriculture: The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture's mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation's historic land grant education system. The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three system campuses. Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.