Rogers-Lowell Area News

BITE NW Arkansas Relocating to 8th Street Market Site in Bentonville Market District June 22-23, 2017 - Festival Part of the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G

BITE NW Arkansas Relocating to 8th Street Market Site
In Bentonville Market District

The two-day food festival as part of the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G
will be first large scale event at new culinary venue in Downtown Bentonville on June 22 & 23

ROGERS, Ark. – 8th Street Market, one of Bentonville’s newest culinary destinations, will mark its opening in Northwest Arkansas by hosting BITE NW Arkansas, a two-day food festival now in its third year in the region. BITE will take place June 22 & 23 as part of the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G.

Encompassing approximately 10 acres along 8th Street in the Bentonville Market District near the Bentonville Square, 8th Street Market will ultimately showcase culinary education, music and the arts, new restaurant and hospitality venues, and other specialized food and drink concepts.

“8th Street Market will bring a truly unique culinary experience to Northwest Arkansas. We could not be more excited to be their inaugural signature event, and to partner with them in building upon the momentum of BITE NW Arkansas,” said Harry Hardy, event director. “Moving BITE to Bentonville is a part of our ongoing vision to expand our reach within the community, particularly as part of the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G. The unique qualities that 8th Street Market will bring as an event venue will enable us to grow attendance, and enhance experiences for our restaurant and brewery partners, sponsors and guests.”

After selling out two years in a row at the Walmart AMP, BITE NW Arkansas will once again include two nights of events to appeal to the entire community. Taste of NW Arkansas will take place Thursday, June 22, allowing event attendees the opportunity to discover and sample the area’s best restaurants, chefs and brands. Friday, June 23 will feature Beer & Burger Fest—a twist on a traditional beer festival highlighting local and national breweries in a fun atmosphere.

8th Street Market is home to Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, a program of Northwest Arkansas Community College. Brightwater represents one of the most comprehensive culinary arts and hospitality programs of its kind in the central United States. Spring classes are now underway at Brightwater’s campus within 8th Street Market.

Glenn Mack, Brightwater’s executive director said, “Given all the culinary and hospitality growth throughout Northwest Arkansas and in Bentonville specifically, I think BITE NW Arkansas is a great way to help introduce 8th Street Market and Brightwater to the residents of the region. Brightwater and our students have been a part of BITE from its inception, and now that we share the site I’m sure our engagement will only grow in the future.”

In addition to Brightwater, Bentonville-based Bike Rack Brewery has announced that it will open an 8,000 square foot facility at 8th Street Market, its second location in Bentonville. Beer will be brewed on site and sold for both on- and off-site consumption. Bike Rack will feature a 1,300-square-foot tap room with capacity for 90 people.

“We are ecstatic that BITE NW Arkansas is moving to 8th Street Market and that our brewery will have the chance to help grow the impact of the event,” said Jeff Charlson, CEO and Partner, Bike Rack Brewing Company. “For two years BITE has paired great food with great beer, and that is authentic to the mission of Bike Rack and what I think we can expect to see at 8th Street Market in the long term.”

Tickets for BITE NW Arkansas will go on sale March 1 along with tickets to the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G. Starting at just $30 for an individual, tickets are expected to sell out due to limited quantities. More information about BITE NW Arkansas and 8th Street Market is available at www.BITENWA.com.