Handshake opens at Fayetteville Public Library

A 3,000-square-foot restaurant recently opened on the first floor of the Fayetteville Public Library, near the Teaching Kitchen. Handshake was created by co-owners Hope Ray and Chef Jameson Hall.

Ray previously worked with Conifer in Bentonville. Hall previously worked at Mockingbird Kitchen in Fayetteville.

From the beginning, our partnership with the library has been incredibly collaborative,” Ray said. “We want Handshake to feel like a destination within this community resource — a place where people discover something new, support local makers, and feel welcomed. Every bit of encouragement we’ve received reminds us we’re building something meaningful together.”

The restaurant will share 1,000 square feet of kitchen space with the library. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. It will also host a variety of Sunday events featuring area makers and collectives.

“I’m excited to show people how creative we can get with a menu that’s rooted in local resources and still totally accessible,” Hall said. “You can spend $10 or $15 and get something that truly blows your mind. And being open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. gives us space to keep surprising people — from a great breakfast all the way into an elevated dinner service.”

The restaurant declined to disclose how much it invested in opening but hired area painters, muralist and carpenters. It worked with Lacuna Modern in Fayetteville for furniture, area equipment suppliers for kitchen tools, and an area branding agency for design, colors and merchandise.

The library invested about $12,000 into tenant upgrades and modifications to accommodate the restaurant. It has 10 full-time and 10 part-time staff.

Arsaga’s is on the third floor of the library.