The city of Fort Smith has started expanding within the past year to keep up with bigger cities, such as Fayetteville, by introducing new restaurants such as Chipotle, Whataburger, Crumbl Cookies, Jersey Mikes, and Nothing Bundt Cakes to the small city.

Fort Smith introduced Nothing Bundt Cakes on October 28th 2022. Whataburger opened November 28th 2022. It has been one of the most popular restaurants since it opened. Chipotle has been the number one restaurant in Fort Smith since its opening on December 30th 2022. Swavory Snacks opened January 7th 2023. Jersey Mikes and Crumbl Cookies are predicted to open during 2023.

When asked about how he felt about the new restaurants eighth grade Chaffin Middle School student Connor Scarlet explained, “All I’d say is that it is very nice. I am getting sick and tired of the same thing every night.” 

Fort Smith had not introduced many news businesses since the pandemic, so the new influx of businesses is a major event for the city. 

Fort Smith’s restaurants’ variety mainly consist of fast food chicken, asian food, bbq, and mexican food. Citizens are hoping the new influx of businesses will cause the city to grow into a bigger city like Fayetteville. Some, such as Scarlet believe a bigger city will provide a bigger variety in food, entertainment, and culture.

When asked about what type of businesses she wants to see in the city, 8th grade Chaffin Middle School student Kensley Mankins said, “I would love Fort Smith to have more businesses to hang out and relax. Places where teens and people can go.”

Fort Smith does not currently have any businesses designated for teen social gatherings.

Other people such as 8th grade Chaffin Middle School student Aamina Siddiqui are suggesting the city invest in getting a Top Golf. 

Top Golf would become a major source of income and entertainment. Citizens travel all the way to Fayetteville to go to the Top Golf there. Imagine how often they would go to one in town.

Citizens are excited for the new restaurant businesses, but still want Fort Smith to expand its entertainment options.