Revamped Cannibal and Craft Opens Coffee Shop and Announces Future Restaurant

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Cannibal and Craft, a longstanding Dickson Street bar, has reimagined half of its space into a coffee shop and cafe during the day. With free Wi-Fi, Arsaga’s coffee, and a selection of cafe food, this transition marks the first chapter in a multi-phase evolution culminating in a name and concept change to The Collective. The former tiki bar side will be renovated into an upscale restaurant offering a collection of Americana and world cuisine.

For nearly two months, Cannibal and Craft Cafe has been a coffee shop with a menu ranging from espresso shots and a full bar, including a wide variety of specialty coffee drinks. It recently added a cafe-inspired food menu offering budget-friendly options for customers.

Owners Don and William Ray, twin brothers and native Arkansans, founded Willy D’s in 2002 and evolved into FIX dance club, then Cannibal & Craft. They have since invented Craft Standard, a premium cocktail keg distributed by Anheuser Busch nationally, and opened Ben’s Apartment, a speakeasy hidden in the back of Cannibal & Craft Cafe on Dickson Street.

“My brother and I have a deep passion for hospitality and have always aimed to create a place where people can enjoy Fayetteville’s entertainment district. Our transformation into a coffee shop and cafe offers a refreshed community space on Dickson Street,” said Don Ray. “We are excited to evolve Cannibal and Craft into what we think Fayetteville visitors and residents alike need.”

Chris Tanner, owner of Cheers in the Heights, The Oyster Bar, and Samantha’s Tap Room & Wood Grill, is partnering with the Rays to create an upscale restaurant in the tiki bar of Cannibal and Craft Cafe. With over two decades of experience in the restaurant scene, Tanner is anticipated to bring a unique and refined menu to the restaurant.

“I’m excited to partner with the Rays on this new venture at Cannibal and Craft Cafe,” Tanner said. “We aim to create a unique experience that complements the existing offerings on Dickson Street, not just compete with them. I believe this concept will be a great addition to the Fayetteville restaurant scene.”

During the renovation, Cannibal and Craft Cafe will continue offering its coffee and cafe menu. Ben’s Apartment fayettevillesecret.com will continue operations in the back of the establishment at 212 West Dickson Street, Fayetteville.

Press release courtesy of AM Group