AQ Chicken to hire 80 employees for new restaurant – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Springdale, Ark. – AQ Chicken House, a staple of local dining since 1947, began recruiting for its forthcoming downtown location this week. The restaurant aims to fill around 80 positions across front- and back-of-house operations. Interviews kicked off Wednesday at a temporary site on West Emma Avenue, signaling steady progress toward a spring 2026 debut.
Hiring Push Targets Diverse Roles
The recruitment drive focuses on cooks, hosts, servers, and other essential staff. Applications opened online, with priority given to those who submit digitally ahead of in-person interviews. Walk-ins remain welcome at 100 W. Emma Ave., Suite 101, though advance applicants gain an edge in the process.
A news release highlighted the qualities sought in candidates. “AQ is hiring for a variety of roles and is looking for individuals with strong hospitality, energy, and a desire to be part of something meaningful in the Springdale community,” it stated. The emphasis falls on team members eager to uphold the brand’s heritage while infusing fresh vitality.
This hiring phase addresses immediate staffing needs for the new venue, positioned next to Onyx Coffee Lab in the heart of downtown. Local residents stand to benefit from these opportunities, particularly amid a competitive job market in northwest Arkansas.
From Highway Closure to Downtown Revival
Roy Ritter founded AQ Chicken House – standing for Arkansas Quality – on July 20, 1947, along U.S. Highway 71B. The original site operated for decades until its closure on March 18, 2023. Shortly after, Club Car Wash, based in Missouri, purchased the 3.1-acre property and 14,600-square-foot building for $1.75 million.
The buyer promptly razed the structure to construct a car wash, ending an era for the landmark eatery. In September 2023, Catalyst Capital, a family office tied to the Lundstrum family of Springdale, secured the rights to AQ’s name, recipes, and branding. The firm’s principals – Tom and Robin Lundstrum, their daughter Gracie Lively, and her husband Jacob Lively – now guide the brand’s next steps.
Adapting to Challenges
Initial plans called for a new AQ near the Interstate 49 interchange with Elm Springs Road. Escalating construction and material costs derailed that proposal, prompting a pivot to the downtown Springdale site. An exact opening date remains forthcoming, though spring 2026 serves as the target window.
This relocation aligns the restaurant with Springdale’s revitalizing urban core. Proximity to Onyx Coffee Lab positions AQ to draw foot traffic from coffee enthusiasts and nearby businesses. The move reflects broader trends in restaurant development, where adaptive site selection often trumps original visions.
Key Hiring Details:
- Roles: Cooks, hosts, servers, and more (front- and back-of-house).
- Interviews: In-person starting Wednesday at 100 W. Emma Ave., Suite 101.
- Priority: Online applicants first; walk-ins accepted.
- Target: 80 employees for spring 2026 opening.
Boost for Local Economy and Heritage
The hiring initiative promises tangible gains for Springdale’s workforce. With 80 positions on offer, it injects jobs into a community that values its culinary traditions. Catalyst Capital’s involvement ensures continuity for AQ’s recipes and reputation, appealing to longtime patrons.
As construction advances, the project underscores resilience in the face of site losses and economic pressures. Springdale residents now have a clear path to join the team shaping AQ’s return.
