By now Little Rock natives are incredibly familiar with the red and yellow iconic truck that harbors the beloved Southern Gourmasian.

 

A staple in the scene since 2012, head chef Justin Patterson is currently living out his dream of seeing the endeavor grow into a concrete reality – the much awaited brick-and-mortar. He and his team are giddy with excitement, and he says, “It’s good to see my foremost goal materialize.”

Located on 219 West Capitol, the restaurant opened its doors to the public in early March of this year. Although the project has been daunting at times, Patterson is extremely proud of the final product. “I love that we are no longer confined to a 157 square foot space to produce food. We can finally cook all the things we’ve been wanting to try out for a while,” he says.

The interior exhibits a natural aesthetic that is both minimal and posh. The reclaimed wooden walls paired with a splash of Southern Gourmasian red make for an inviting oasis away from the bustle of downtown. Once through the doors, it’s hard to leave as the aroma of the day’s menu catches your senses mid-step.

Stalwarts from the food truck days are available as well as new, innovative dishes. Patterson said, “I’m personally excited about our Fried Chicken. It’s one of those dishes we experimented with and immediately knew it would be great on the menu. We also have a great Ham Plate which consists of a selection of Benton Country Ham and Deviled Eggs.” Of course, you can’t go wrong with the Ramen or the Chicken and Dumplings.

For those who simply can’t give up the traveling dragon logo, never fear. The Southern Gourmasian will keep its truck in operation and can often be found at Stone’s Throw Brewing or the Hillcrest Farmer’s Market, and is available for catering.

If you haven’t ventured to the restaurant, check it out soon. The Southern Gourmasian’s hours are Monday – Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.