Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau Announces Inaugural E.A.T.S. Award Winners

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Dec. 22, 2023) — Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau is proud to announce its inaugural 2023 Employees Accomplishing Terrific Service (E.A.T.S.) Award winners. This publicly-nominated award, sponsored by Ben E. Keith Foods, spotlights and honors outstanding restaurant employees across Little Rock’s dynamic restaurant scene, showcasing their dedication to creating unforgettable dining experiences.

Those selected as 2023 E.A.T.S. honorees are:

Kelly Lambert, server at The Pantry West
Madere Toure, cook at AfroBites
Pamela Hobbs, host at U.S. Pizza Co.
Yassine Tebba, server at Ciao Baci
Ben Hoanzl, assistant director of operations at Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe

"This award highlights the invaluable contributions of our city's brightest restaurant staff who elevate the dining experiences for visitors and locals alike,” said Kasey Summerville, vice president of Marketing, Communications & Community Engagement at LRCVB. “We are proud to have this new platform to recognize the exemplary individuals who go above and beyond to make Little Rock a celebrated foodie destination."

The 2023 winners were selected from submissions received over the course of LRCVB’s month-long nomination campaign, representing staff members from popular dining establishments across the city. Acknowledged for their exceptional service by both peers and patrons, the E.A.T.S. honorees were chosen based on their dedication to elevating the hospitality standards and enhancing the culinary experience for visitors and residents of Little Rock.

"Ben E. Keith Foods is honored to sponsor the first ever E.A.T.S. Awards, celebrating the unsung heroes of Little Rock's vibrant restaurant community,” said Yvette Parker, marketing manager at Ben E. Keith Foods Mid-South Division. “These awards exemplify our own mission to champion the passion and hard work that drive these culinary establishments."

Each award recipient will receive special recognition by the LRCVB and an experiential prize package of their choosing donated by Ben E. Keith Foods.

About Ben E. Keith Foods

Ben E. Keith Foods is a broadline food distributor headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. With a footprint that extends to 20 states with 10 divisions in three time zones, Ben E. Keith is the fifth largest foodservice distributor in the United States. Ben E. Keith Foods has been in foodservice distribution for nearly 117 years.

About the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Little Rock, charged with marketing and selling the city as a meeting, sports and leisure travel destination. The Bureau also manages the Statehouse Convention Center, Robinson Center, the River Market's Ottenheimer Hall and outdoor pavilions, First Security Amphitheater and multiple parking facilities. The LRCVB is primarily funded by a lodging and prepared foods tax. Learn more at littlerock.com.