November 18, 2025 – 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 age 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 restauranteur 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 peruse
the area in the defined district. The experience will provide a safe, fun space
for Hendrix students and 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-used 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.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.hendrix.edu ’
