November 20, 2025 – In an
exciting addition for Conway, the
Conway City Council passed an ordinance establishing an entertainment district
in The Village at Hendrix at its meeting last Tuesday. The ordinance takes
effect 30 days from the meeting, allowing patrons of restaurants selling
alcoholic beverages to carry those drinks within the district.
“This development enhances the vibrancy
of The Village, supports local entrepreneurs, and creates new opportunities for
neighbors and visitors to gather and enjoy all we have to offer. We are proud
to be part of Conway’s continued growth and to help cultivate spaces where
community and creativity thrive,” said Hendrix College President Karen
Petersen.
The Arkansas legislature passed Act 812
in 2019, allowing cities to create entertainment districts by passing local
ordinances. The City of Conway passed its first ordinance last December allowing
an entertainment district during approved special events within limited
boundaries downtown and has seen immense success since its implementation.
Unlike the downtown district, the
entertainment district at The Village at Hendrix will not operate only during
special events but instead will allow adults aged 21 and older to carry
alcoholic beverages purchased from participating restaurants within the
district Sunday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Under the ordinance,
alcohol sales cease at 10 p.m. Boundaries of the entertainment district include
only the green space in the center of the commercial district at The Village,
between Ellis Avenue, Steel Avenue, and Altus Street.
Supporting the arts, entertainment, and
outdoor recreation, the new entertainment district will enhance Conway’s appeal
for residents and visitors, ensuring long-term viability for the area. In
addition, it will aid in the continued commercial development of The Village at
Hendrix as a gateway to downtown Conway.
Participating restaurants in The Village
at Hendrix include La Pista Pizzeria and soon-to-open Roost & Tap Kitchen.
Ernesto Castro, owner of La Pista, is excited
about the addition of the entertainment district, saying, “We’re proud to
partner with Hendrix in helping make Conway a standout destination for great
food, connection, and community.”
La Pista opened in The Village at Hendrix last
summer, serving made-to-order artisan pizzas, pasta, and salads. Their addition
to The Village’s restaurant selections has been well received and is already a
local favorite to many.
Roost & Tap, owned and operated by well-known
Conway restaurateur Charles Frost, Jr., will fill the vacant space that was
once occupied by Panera. The taproom will offer a menu of elevated comfort food
and a variety of beers. Expected menu items include steak, pasta, chicken, and
pork chops, all at an affordable price point. Roost & Tap hopes to attract
a variety of patrons, including young professionals and families with kids. It
is slated to open near Valentine’s Day next year.
"We couldn't be more excited to join
The Village at Hendrix and become part of Conway's growing dining and
entertainment scene,” said Frost. “This district represents exactly what makes
Conway special—a commitment to quality, community, and creating spaces where
people can gather, celebrate, and build memories together. Roost & Tap is
honored to contribute to making Conway an even more vibrant place to live,
work, and play."
Within the boundaries of the
entertainment district, visitors can purchase alcoholic beverages from La Pista,
Roost & Tap, or other restaurants that have a liquor license. Beverages
will be served in a designated cup, and patrons will be given a wristband
allowing them to leave the restaurants with their drinks and explore the area
in the defined district. The experience will provide a safe, fun space for the
entire community to gather, adding to the nightlife offerings and overall
appeal of Conway to visitors.
Visit La Pista starting December 11 to take
advantage of the new entertainment district in The Village at Hendrix. Look for
more information on Roost & Tap as its opening date nears.
About The Village at Hendrix
The Village at Hendrix is a traditional
neighborhood development designed by the renowned New Urban planning firm of
Duany-Plater Zyberk and Company and founded by Hendrix College. A 93-acre
mixed-use walkable community, The Village combines classic architecture and a
commitment to green building principles, offering residential homes and
commercial spaces, as well as entertainment and outdoor amenities, including
the 18-acre Hendrix Creek Preserve. For more information, visit www.hendrix.edu/village.
About
Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is
featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 45 Schools That Will Change the Way You
Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts
colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career
preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors
compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the
United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the
classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice,
and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives
of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix College Statement of
Purpose