If you’ve ever wandered the charming streets of downtown Rogers, you might’ve been lured by the scent of roast beef and fig jam wafting through the air. Follow your nose and you’ll land at Nola’s Pantry, a delightfully eclectic cafe and specialty food market tucked at the corner of First and Chestnut.
A Tucson Soul with a Northwest Arkansas Heart
Owner Alicen Rumsey may hail from Tucson, but she’s spent the last 16 years turning Rogers into her home and her canvas. Originally a retail interior designer, Alicen brought her creative spirit to the food scene after falling in love with her husband’s culinary flair. What started as a dream of a tea and spice shop turned into something so much more—a full-blown cafe, market, and community hangout.
“I thought I’d be making three sandwiches a day and chatting about cooking,” Alicen laughs. “Now we serve up to 100 people daily.”
From Market to Menu: The Accidental Cafe
Nola’s Pantry wasn’t meant to be a restaurant. The idea began with bulk spices, artisan jams, and a mission to let customers taste before they buy. But when Alicen whipped up a few sandwiches using market ingredients, locals went wild. Suddenly, tables replaced retail displays, and the cafe side took off like a rocket.
The menu? A blend of gourmet comfort and creative flair. Think jammy sammies like roast beef and fig jam with blue cheese on a corn-dusted kaiser, or the popular “Cherturkin” featuring turkey, Havarti, sour cherry spread, and pea shoots on multigrain. (And yes, they use Duke’s mayo—because quality matters.)
The Space: Character Counts
Housed in a century-old building, Nola’s Pantry exudes vintage charm. Alicen partnered with the building’s owner to lovingly restore the space, now filled with cozy nooks, vibrant pantry goods, and one of the best patios in downtown Rogers. Dog lovers, take note: it’s pet-friendly too!
More Than Food: A Community Staple
With 12 employees and a growing legion of regulars, Nola’s is more than a place to eat—it’s a gathering spot. Alicen says seeing familiar faces and feeding folks good, honest food is the most rewarding part.
“We’ve had blessings rained on us,” she reflects. “A lot of what you see here came from auctions, donations, and sheer determination.”
What’s Next?
Though a second location on Highway 12 is on hold due to renovation and parking hurdles, Alicen isn’t ruling out the idea of expansion—maybe even a food truck. For now, she’s thrilled to have found a dynamo manager, River, to help carry the torch.
“I never ran a restaurant before this,” she says. “I just figured it out.”
Final Bite
Nola’s Pantry is what happens when passion, creativity, and a little serendipity meet. It’s not just about what you eat—it’s about how you feel when you’re there. Whether you’re craving a jammy sammy, a colorful salad, or a warm sense of community, Nola’s is the place.
Insider Tip: Grab a seat on the patio, bring your pup, and try the sour cherry jam. You won’t regret it.
Want to Visit Nola’s Pantry?
📍 114 S 1st St, Rogers, AR 72756
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Whether you’re in the mood for a jam-packed sammy, looking to sip on something special, or just want to soak up the charm of downtown with your pup, Nola’s Pantry is your cozy, flavor-filled haven. With Alicen’s creative spark and a whole lot of heart, you’re in delicious company.
