June 22, 2026 (Update): The new Waldo’s location, 2205 Dave Ward Dr in Conway, has officially put up signage and is one step closer to opening! While the grand opening date has not yet been revealed, the restaurant’s latest Facebook post assures patrons that it will be opening soon!

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Feb. 17, 2026 (Original): Waldo’s Chicken & Beer is planning to open a Conway location in early summer, said Ben Brainard, market partner at Little Rock-based JTJ Restaurants. The fifth location in Arkansas and first in Conway, the restaurant will be at 2205 Dave Ward Drive, the former site of Volstead Proper. 

“I’m extremely excited,” he said. “We had such a wonderful response with our Big Bad Breakfast opening in Conway that Tommy [Keet, co-owner] and I were quick to realize that the town is growing so fast, and we had a real opportunity, especially when we found that space on Dave Ward. It was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up.”

Because the restaurant will be situated on a major thoroughfare across from the University of Central Arkansas, the location will have an emphasis on its drive-thru and catering, he said. 

“We’re just primarily focused on being what Conway needs us to be and really engaging the campus right across the street,” he added. “We’ve already started a lot of conversations about partnering with UCA on a lot of events, so go Bears!”

There are currently Waldo’s locations in North Little Rock, Bentonville, Breckenridge Village in Little Rock and Bass Pro Drive in Little Rock. Brainard said he is actively looking for opportunities to grow the Waldo’s footprint across central Arkansas, particularly in Benton, Bryant and Cabot. 

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