WHITE HALL, Ark. — In every small town, there’s always a central meeting location— a place known for its comfort and charm, and almost always, it’s a restaurant. In White Hall, that place is known as The Hive.
Co-owner Michael Hartz described the cozy café as a “place where friends meet friends.”
The Hive Café and Sweet Shoppe is a specialty sandwich shop. Bread is baked fresh every morning, and only the highest quality shaved meat is served. Brisket, chicken, and pork are smoked on-site.
Without a doubt, it’s one of the most popular lunch destinations in the area because of its hearty sandwiches, but the sweet array of desserts draws in crowds from all around the area.
Cakes, pies, breads, loaves, cookies— you name it, they serve it! The blueberry loaf is a fan favorite and I really enjoyed the chocolate pecan pie.
When you look at the crowds that swarm to The Hive on a daily basis, you’d be led to believe these folks have a decorated culinary career... but you’d be wrong.
Surprisingly, Michael and his wife Janet have no prior experience in the restaurant industry.
“I learned how to cook fried eggs and bacon from my momma,” Hartz jokingly said regarding the extent of his culinary experience.
So how’d the couple go from amateurs to running a café that routinely has lines out the door? It’s simple, really— they did it by treating people good.
"When you walk in that door, I promise you you’re taken care of,” Hartz described the business philosophy that he credits for The Hive’s success. “It’s my purpose.”
It’s hard to miss the customer-focused mission. Every wall in the restaurant is decorated with dozens upon dozens of pictures of customers.
In addition to serving a large menu ranging from soups and sandwiches to desserts and casseroles, The Hive also offers a growing variety of sandwich platters that are quickly becoming a favorite of local organizations and businesses.
The Hive Café and Sweet Shoppe is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. They are located at 7106 Dollarway Road in White Hall.
