Stewart Opens Smiling Jack?s

Jack Stewart had traveled around the country and the world, eating some of the best sandwiches he’d ever had at small, mom-and-pop operations. A visit to a gas station and market outside of San Francisco gave him and his wife Kelly a vision for what they wanted to do in Fayetteville.

Smiling Jack’s Fresh Foods opened Aug. 18 on North School Avenue, and features a deli serving all natural and organic food and drinks, including local produce and bread from Stone Mill Bread and Flour Co.

Because he is from the area, Stewart is in tune with the local culture and knows what people want and how to cater to them, he said.

Stewart would not disclose financial information or startup costs, but said he has worked extensively with the Arkansas Small Business Development Center and area banks. He has also received guidance and advice from other local business owners, such as Greenhouse Grille owners Jerrmy Gawthrope and Clayton Suttle.

Stewart installed a deck and plans on adding green space behind the building. He is also applying for a beer and wine permit.

Business hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday, but Stewart will operate on a floating schedule, staying open later for occasions such as University of Arkansas football games, Walton Arts Center events and Bikes, Blues & BBQ.