An American food chain recently added a link in Northwest Arkansas building upon the existing dining options in Rogers.

• New in town: Texas Roadhouse recently opened its 6th location in Arkansas. The company decided on Rogers in 2020, and opened the doors last month for people to enjoy, and the parking-lot has been full since.
• Mouth watering: The location is right off I-49 between Duluth Trading Company and AG Russell Knives. Texas Roadhouse offers all the classic feel good American food — praised for its “fall-off-the-bone-ribs,” unlimited in-shell peanuts, and made-from-scratch rolls. 

For more information about Texas Roadhouse, click HERE.

Moosejaw, an outdoor outfitter in Bentonville, is seeking applications from Northwest Arkansas startups for its business accelerator program. 

• Expanding industry: The company is looking for businesses that have a product or service that “addresses a compelling need in the outdoor industry” and improves outdoor inclusivity. The product or service can be pre-revenue as long as it’s well defined. Moosejaw is taking applications through Feb. 3.
• Getting out there: The accelerator program is an intensive 8 week business mentoring program guided by local professionals. Businesses will have opportunity to connect with a large outdoor recreation network and potential investors, and have their product launched online or in stores.

Apply and find more information HERE. 

The Walton Family Foundation is building on and expanding the Northwest Arkansas Design Excellence Program (DEP). 

• Widening breadth: The DEP exists with now 68 architecture and landscape architecture firms after the 31 recent welcomed additions. The newest firms have history with “deep and diverse experiences” and all have created inclusive public spaces. 
• Projects: Since the establishment of the DEP in 2015, it has supported 15 projects across NWA’s 5 largest cities. Thaden School in Bentonville, TheatreSquared in Fayetteville, and Railyard Park in Rogers are a few. The new firms will focus on promoting design excellence in NWA and follow the DEP’s initiative for inclusive and vibrant communities. 

Learn more HERE. 

An exhibit examining the Black Experience will be in 3 locations in downtown Rogers starting Feb. 4, and artists can still submit their art to be included. 

• The exhibition: The call is for local artists of all ages or races who want to show any form of artwork reflective of the African diaspora. The goal is to highlight and localize Black history. The hope is to open a conversation of Arkansas history that influences living well in the present. 
• Where: The three locations of the exhibition starting in February will be the Into + View Gallery, the Rogers Experimental House, and Java Dudes Coffee Company.

Listen to the full KUAF story HERE.

A local sock company started last year in loving memory of the founder’s close friend is focused on giving back as it supports domestic violence victims. 

• Different colors: The Fayetteville startup, Bisoxual, got its name because the founder was hardly ever wearing matching socks. Thus, the company sells socks in sets of 3, none matching the other 2.
• Symbols: A portion of all of Bisoxual sales goes to the Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter, which assists all victims of domestic violence. Last year, approx. $2,500 was donated to the shelter from the startup. The mismatched socks have become a symbol of strength and courage. 

Read the full Talk Business & Politics story HERE.