Special Advertising Section of the Arkansas Times
FACES OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS 2025
When we first introduced the Faces of Central Arkansas in 2016, we set out to find those within our community who exemplified, uplifted and otherwise stood out among the crowd in their respective fields and industries. Now, almost 10 years later, we are happy to once again bring you the Faces of Arkansas.
From environmental law and litigation to fine dining, from cannabis to French antiques, these are the select individuals who represent their work within Arkansas with outstanding commitment, contributions and collaboration with The Natural State. They are your neighbors, your friends and your family, keeping Central Arkansas a top destination among our surrounding states.
As the original spotlight shone on these individuals, we welcome you to explore their stories and celebrate the achievements of their work.
The Face of Hospitality.
Heather Baber of The Taco Society is undeniably the “Face of Hospitality” in Central Arkansas. Her expanding portfolio of restaurants is a testament to her welcoming approach. From the casual, lively atmospheres of Baja Grill and Revival to the refined experience of RŌBER, her establishments prioritize guest comfort and enjoyment. Baber’s acknowledged reliance on her team underscores a collaborative ethos that translates into positive guest interactions. By consistently creating must-visit destinations with distinct ambiance, Baber demonstrates a deep understanding of how to make diners feel valued. The Taco Society’s growing presence in Benton’s entertainment district further solidifies their reputation for fostering convivial spaces and extending genuine hospitality across diverse range of dining preferences.
Heather Baber
The Faces of Pub-style Pizza.
Conan Robinson and Jess McMullen, the duo behind The Pizza Pub, are poised to become the hot spot in the Park Hill neighborhood of North Little Rock. Their collaboration sparked from a strong “bar neighbor” relationship forged through their successful Argenta establishments. Robinson saw a perfect opportunity to join forces with McMullen, driven by a desire to bring a much-needed cool spot to the neighborhood near where he lives. McMullen readily agreed, envisioning a premier location where quality pub-style pizza meets a relaxed pub atmosphere, fostering a social gathering place. Their combined experience in creating welcoming environments and serving great food fuels their ambition to replicate Argenta’s vibrant energy in Park Hill, hoping to contribute to the area’s growth and provide a beloved neighborhood hub.
Conan Robinson Jess McMullen
The Face of Spirits, Fine Wine & Craft Beer.
For John Crow, owner of 107 Liquor, having grown up in the liquor business since age 4, it’s more than a job; it’s a foundation for his passions. As a founding board member of the Argenta Downtown Council, his involvement in countless events, such as the Argenta Vibe Music series and the Arkansas Times Craft Beer Festival, continues to show his commitment to culture and community. As president of the United Beverage Retailers of Arkansas, Crow advocates for small, independent liquor stores, even facing legislative battles to protect them from larger corporations. His dedication extends to personally selecting unique offerings for his customers, traveling to Kentucky and even Mexico to hand-pick barrels. 107 Liquor isn’t just a store; it’s a platform for community enrichment and industry leadership.
The Face of Environmental Law and Litigation.
To Richard Mays, the “environment” includes everything that impacts our quality of life. He has spent much of his life attempting to preserve and protect not only the air, water and earth in which we live, but also the social, civic and human elements that make our lives richer, safer and secure. In doing so, Richard takes on entrenched political interests, large state and federal agencies, and corporations that violate environmental laws and the rights of individuals and small entities. Richard has handled environmental cases protecting the Buffalo River from the impacts of factory hog-farming; preventing boat docks from crowding and polluting Greers Ferry Lake; fighting construction of coal-fired electrical generating plants; and opposing herbicides that kill native plant life. He also fights for social and civic causes, suing the State’s Attorney General for attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 national general election; suing to void a discriminatory reapportionment law; challenging unconstitutional use of taxes to expand highways; and to restore the historic Pike-Fletcher-Terry House in the Quapaw Quarter.
The Face of Good Eats.
Doe’s Eat Place, a Little Rock institution since 1988, truly embodies the “Face of Good Eats” through its exceptional steaks and welcoming Southern charm. Inspired by the Mississippi original and brought to the city by George Eldridge, its unassuming diner-style atmosphere has cultivated a loyal following of locals, travelers and celebrities. Now run by George’s daughter, Katherine, Doe’s prioritizes making everyone feel at home, fostering a strong sense of community. Beyond the legendary food, the casual environment creates a magnetic draw, solidifying Doe’s as a must-visit destination for authentic hospitality and good eats that will always leave you wanting more
The Face of Esthetics.
When Princess Gupton opened Little Rock Day Spa & LashBar in 2015, she wasn’t just launching a business — she was stepping fully into her purpose. Her passion for the beauty industry lit the way, and what started as a spa offering top-tier aesthetic, massage and cosmetic services quickly became a launchpad for something even bigger.
Determined to help others chase bold, beautiful dreams, Gupton founded the Arkansas Institute of Esthetics & Advanced Esthetics — a school built to train, inspire and launch the next generation of beauty professionals and entrepreneurs.
With more than 15 years of experience, Gupton has mastered turning passion into profit by empowering women through education, elevating the beauty industry and setting a new standard for what success looks like in esthetics.
Katherine Eldrige, Owner
Princess Gupton
The Faces of Personal Injury Law.
With 31 years dedicated to personal injury law, Taylor King Law has grown from a small-town Arkadelphia practice into a statewide force, becoming the “Face of Personal Injury” for many across Arkansas. Recognizing that their target market is broad – anyone vulnerable to accidents – they’ve strategically established physical offices in numerous communities, including Little Rock, Conway, Fort Smith, Springdale and Jonesboro, with further expansion planned. Their commitment to brick-and-mortar locations, beyond just advertising, has underscored their dedication to truly serving and investing in each community. Taylor King Law strives to ensure every client receives fairness and justice, working diligently to help them recover and be made whole after an injury.
The Face of Cannabis.
For Casey Flippo, CEO and co-founder of Dark Horse Cannabis, the cannabis industry has always been about more than products — it’s about people. He sees the true value of this space in the relationships it cultivates — between operators, patients, teams and the communities they serve.
A native Arkansan, Flippo entered the cannabis space through the hemp sector before transitioning into medical cannabis, securing Arkansas’s first processing license in 2021. Today, Dark Horse operates across Arkansas and Missouri with a focus on user-first products, retail innovation and a steadfast commitment to quality. But for Flippo, the bigger mission is building a cannabis community that’s stronger because it works together.
His leadership style is grounded in strategy, adaptability and a strong belief in collective growth. “The challenges we face — from regulation to public education — aren’t ones we can solve alone,” he says. “When we collaborate, we raise the bar for everyone.”
As Dark Horse looks to expand its footprint, Flippo remains focused on fostering an inclusive, resilient industry. Whether supporting his team’s growth, connecting with patients or championing education, he’s committed to building something that lasts — and bringing others along for the ride.
Above all, Flippo sees cannabis as a movement — one that thrives when led with purpose, transparency and a shared vision for what’s possible.
The Face of Farm to Table Fine Dining.
Brave New Restaurant has cultivated a reputation as the “Face of Fine Dining” by committing to fresh, local ingredients and fostering a familial atmosphere. Its culinary excellence since its founding by Peter Brave in 1991 is rooted in a farm-to-table philosophy, with seasonal produce harvested from Brave New’s own farm. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing from local farmers, building strong relationships that ensure quality ingredients without exorbitant prices and maintaining a passion for every dish to celebrate fresh, local flavor. This dedication and multigenerational passion, combined with an active engagement in the community, make Brave New Restaurant a genuine and accessible fine-dining experience.
The Faces of T he Funeral Profession in Arkansas.
Renata Jenkins Byler is the leader of the funeral care profession in Arkansas. She lifts everyone she touches, from the families she serves to the communities she supports through Bolo Bash, the Baptist Health Foundation and her work on the UA Pulaski Technical College and Arkansas State University-Mountain Home boards. Byler leads from the front, often working at funerals and offering her personal healing touch when it is needed most. She previously served as Arkansas’s representative on the National Funeral Directors Association Policy Board and is respected nationwide for carrying on the legacy of her grandfather, Denver Roller, who founded Roller Funeral Homes over a century ago.
ROLLER FUNERAL HOMES
rollerfuneralhomes.com
The Face of French Antiques.
The Punchbowl, owned by Angela Sortor and operated with a deep love for old houses and French culture, is the “Face of French Antiques.” Her unique path, including growing up restoring an old family home and living in France, cultivated her obsession with antique markets. Her genuine passion for curating beautiful, unique pieces from France, often restored to modern glory, has led to immense success. She has fostered a strong connection to the supportive local community, including neighboring vintage shops, just blocks from her home in SoMa. This collaborative spirit, coupled with her dedication to bringing quality and unique French treasures to the area, truly sets her and The Punchbowl apart.
The Face of Human Trafficking Treatment.
The Centers has been home since 2014 to one of the nation’s most comprehensive treatment programs for children and teens who have experienced human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
As a nationally accredited human trafficking program, The Centers provide trauma-informed care rooted in evidence-based practice. Its treatment team is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist-Sex Trafficking and Exploitation, as well as providing substance use services.
Its highly trained clinicians and treatment team provide individualized support through residential care, specialized evidence-based therapies and on-campus education within a safe and supportive environment. The Centers goes beyond treatment — addressing physical health, including complex medical needs, nurturing self-worth and equipping young survivors with the life skills they need to move forward with confidence and resilience.
The Centers also partners with law enforcement, provides training across sectors and advocates for policies that protect survivors and prevent future exploitation.
Everyone deserves safety, hope and stability. The Centers is committed to helping survivors reclaim their futures — one step, one story, one life at a time.
The Faces of Prosthetics & Orthotics.
Frank Snell is the president and CEO of Snell Prosthetics & Orthotics, a family-owned company that has been serving the Arkansas community since 1911. With over five decades of experience in the field, Frank’s journey began at age 14, working alongside his father, Ed Snell. He earned his certification as a prosthetist/orthotist by age 22, after completing Northwestern University’s first long-term orthotics program in 1970 and later taking prosthetic courses.
Under his leadership, Snell Prosthetics & Orthotics has expanded to 11 locations across Arkansas, providing custom prosthetic and orthotic care to patients of all ages. The company is recognized for its commitment to patient care and its innovative use of technology, including being the first in Arkansas and the surrounding region to offer Computer-Aided Design and Manufacture capabilities and, more recently, the first to invest in the Symphonie Aqua System.
Snell’s dedication to the field is further exemplified through his leadership in the Arkansas State Orthotics & Prosthetics Association, and his involvement in the push for O&P licensure legislation in Arkansas — a significant victory for higher standards and better patient care. His leadership continues to inspire the next generation of professionals in the orthotics and prosthetics industry.
SNELL PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS
625 N. University Avenue Little Rock 501-664-2624
SnellArkansas.com
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