Restaurant, bar open in Motto by Hilton in Bentonville

Charleston, S.C.-based Indigo Road Hospitality Group recently opened Japanese restaurant Junto and tropical Bar Kapu in the lobby of the new Motto by Hilton hotel in downtown Bentonville.

The six-story hotel at 229 S. Main St. is across the street from Ledger.

“I’ve yet to meet someone in Bentonville who is not excited about Northwest Arkansas,” said Steve Palmer, founder of Indigo Road Hospitality Group. “By bringing two new unique culinary concepts to the community, with something for every occasion, we’re hoping to build new spaces for locals and travelers to commune and create lasting traditions.”

Curated by James Beard Award-winning chef Masa Hamaya, Junto’s menu comprises sushi offerings, including chef’s omakase, fresh sashimi and nigiri, seasonal plates, and chef’s specialties. Curioso designed Junto’s 150-seat indoor dining space. The sushi bar seats 11 and stretches in front of the chef station. A covered outdoor patio seats 70.

Bar Kapu offers tropical beverages and food. It features indoor and outdoor spaces, a custom bamboo bar and a live-fire 40-inch grill. A tiki bar seats eight, and the outdoor space seats 65.
The 4,500-square-foot restaurant and 4,400-square-foot bar have 39 full-time and 14 part-time employees.

Greenville, S.C.-based Windsor Aughtry Group is the owner and developer of the 175-room Motto by Hilton. Hospitality America, a third-party hotel operator and asset management company based in Greenville, is the property manager.