Arkansas breweries made more craft beer in 2025 compared to 2024, according to new data from the national Brewers Association.

Why it matters: The state continues to buck a national decline in craft beer production and sales.

By the numbers: About 71,520 barrels of beer were produced in Arkansas in 2025, compared to about 69,760 in 2024, a 2.5% increase, Brewers Association spokesperson Ann Obenchain told Axios.

• Nationally, craft beer production decreased by 5.1%, according to a report from the association.
• The state had 56 breweries in 2025, and they had a $538 million economic impact, according to the association.

Reality check: The association previously published that 53,696 barrels were produced in Arkansas in 2024, but later learned that was underreported, Obenchain said in an email.

• "Updates shared by breweries or publicly available new information can shift these figures after the publication date," she wrote.

Context: Arkansas' beer industry is likely growing more than other states in part because it has more room to grow, Lacie Bray, former president of the Arkansas Brewers Guild, previously told Axios.

• Operating breweries has historically been illegal in much of Arkansas because of dry counties.

What they're saying: A brewery, The Rogue Roundabout, opened three years ago in Conway in a dry county, and public reception has been positive, owner and Arkansas Brewers Guild president Chris Smith told Axios, noting he strives for a family-friendly atmosphere.

• Breweries have only been able to get permits to operate in dry counties since 2019 and still have restrictions, like not being able to sell their beer at festivals in other counties or to restaurants, he said.
• The state legislature in 2025 passed a law allowing breweries in dry counties to advertise online.
• A few larger craft breweries in Arkansas have started helping produce beer for smaller breweries, which could be contributing to the increase in production, Smith said.

What's next: The industry will likely pursue more changes to the law during the legislative session next year, Smith said.

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The cluster of restaurants in the Pinnacle Hills area of Rogers has a new addition, Hideaway Pizza.

🌎 Catch up quick: Hideaway is a longtime Oklahoma spot that expanded into Arkansas in 2016. Until now, the nearest Arkansas location was in Fort Smith.

🍕 The vibe: This is very much a go-to pizza-for-any-occasion kind of place. With a medium price point, a comprehensive menu, plenty of seating and a lively atmosphere, it's trying to be a catch-all for anyone who likes good pizza and is succeeding.

• Bring the kids, go with friends after work, have a casual date — it'll work.

🤤 What to try: The Tuscan Torch ($18-$27) is killing it with Hideaway's small crispy "cup 'n' curl" pepperoni, sausage, ricotta dollops, garlic, basil and hot honey.

• Damn, that combo of toppings. Hot honey seems to be having a moment, and I'm so glad it's having it on this pizza.
• The Aporkalypse ($19-$28) gives you fair warning with its name, and it's definitely only for those who can't get enough pork, with smoked pork shoulder, bacon, sausage and Canadian bacon. But the meats are good quality, so if it doesn't deter you, then by all means order it

⭐️ Flashback: I actually tried Hideaway for the first time during its soft opening when they were giving away free pizza. I held off on forming an opinion until the restaurant was in full swing in case it wasn't an accurate representation. I'm happy to report the quality did not drop off.

📍 Stop by: 11am-9:30pm Sunday through Thursday and 11am-10:30pm Friday and Saturday at 4886 W. Pauline Whitaker Parkway in Rogers.

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🏫 Student test scores have dropped in Arkansas along with the nation as part of a "learning recession." (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)

📚 Centerton plans to convert its former city hall building into a library. (Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)

🦷 Arkansas Children's Hospital plans to work with the new Lyon College School of Dental Medicine, the state's only dental school, to support the hospital system's pediatric dental program. (KUAF)

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Taxes collected on tobacco and alcohol sales account for less than 3% of the $7.13 billion in gross general revenue collected in Arkansas during the first 10 months of fiscal 2026, almost $209 million.

The big picture: The state's "sin taxes" could be — how we've heard some CFOs describe it — a rounding error.

• Nonetheless, the money helps fund state government, infrastructure, education, public assistance, corrections, Medicaid and transportation.

By the numbers: Fiscal year totals for alcohol were about $60.5 million, but tobacco was more than double: about $148.2 million

• April alone brought in $6.3 million from alcohol sales and $15.9 million from tobacco.

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