AQ Chicken House officially reopened July 4 in downtown Springdale, bringing back the nearly 80-year-old restaurant where generations of Arkansans gathered for its famous chicken, cloverleaf rolls and family-friendly atmosphere.
Located at 100 W. Emma Ave., the restaurant marks the return of an Arkansas dining institution after the original Springdale location closed in 2023, leaving many longtime customers wondering whether the historic brand would disappear for good.
Instead, local owners Tom and Robin Lundstrum, along with their daughter and son-in-law, Gracie and Jacob Lively, stepped in to preserve the restaurant’s legacy.
“AQ was a brand our family just couldn’t see leaving Northwest Arkansas,” said Gracie Lively, partner of AQ Chicken House. “For decades, this restaurant has meant something to families across Springdale, Arkansas, and many traveling through. Our goal has been to honor that history while creating a place where people can gather, eat well, and make new memories.”
Founded in 1947 by Roy Ritter, AQ Chicken House (AQ standing for Arkansas Quality) became a destination for locals and travelers alike, earning a reputation for its signature chicken cooked over the coals and classic Southern hospitality.
The new downtown location blends longtime favorites with a refreshed space designed for families, groups and community gatherings. Diners will find familiar menu items like Ozark Smothered Chicken Breast, catfish cooked over the coals, fried okra and sweet potato casserole.
The restaurant also pays tribute to its history with several nostalgic touches, including the original neon “Big Red” sign, a children’s treasure chest, a custom sign-in book, a hometown map pin board and a “Hi Hon!” host stand honoring longtime greeter Miss Jerri, who welcomed guests for 41 years. A lobby mural inspired by a vintage AQ postcard was hand-painted by local artist Carol Counce.
“Our family has worked tirelessly to recreate the original recipes that people remember,” said Tom Lundstrum, partner of AQ Chicken House. “We consider ourselves stewards of the brand for the city of Springdale and the state of Arkansas. This is about bringing back a hometown tradition with the care it deserves.”
The reopening has generated excitement across Northwest Arkansas, where AQ Chicken House has long been woven into family traditions, celebrations and road trips. For many guests, its return represents more than a favorite meal; it’s the revival of a cherished Arkansas tradition.
The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday and is closed on Tuesdays.
Photo Credit: aqchicken.com
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