Chef Tyler Rogers on Hospitality, Local Farms, and Building Community at Stonebreaker
I Am Northwest Arkansas®
Local Sourcing and Culinary Innovation
This chapter explores the creative culinary philosophy behind unique menu offerings, focusing on local sourcing and diverse ingredients like braised lamb and gluten-free options. It discusses the importance of building relationships with local farms and the positive impact of dietary restrictions on creativity in the kitchen. The conversation also highlights aspirations for future culinary ventures, emphasizing community connections and the significance of ethical sourcing.
About the Show:
"Food and giving people food is my love language."
– Chef Tyler Rogers
On this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Chef Tyler Rogers at the beautiful Stonebreaker Restaurant on Markham Hill in Fayetteville. Chef Rogers is an Arkansas native whose culinary journey has taken him from humble beginnings in Magnolia to the legendary French Laundry in Napa, California, before returning home to celebrate Arkansas’s rich agricultural bounty.
Chef Tyler talks about finding inspiration in Thomas Keller’s French Laundry Cookbook, learning the value of farm-to-table at Brave New Restaurant in Little Rock, and the impact of working in Michelin-starred kitchens. Now as Executive Chef at Stonebreaker, he’s all about making guests feel at home and connecting local farmers with the community through creative, comforting dishes.
You’ll also hear Chef Tyler’s advice for young chefs, his dreams of opening his own diner or a wood-fired bakery, and his passion for serving inclusive menus—including vegan and gluten-free options. If you love great food, local farms, and uplifting stories, this episode is for you!
Key Takeaways:
- Inspiration at Home: Chef Tyler’s Arkansas roots and early kitchen experiences shaped his love for hospitality and detail.
- Culinary Journey: From dropping out of college to pursuing some of the top kitchens in the world, Chef Rogers shows how non-traditional paths can lead to big dreams.
- Farm-to-Table Focus: He’s passionate about forming “a conduit between farmers and consumers,” using as many local products as possible at Stonebreaker.
- Intentional Hospitality: Hospitality is at the heart of Chef Tyler’s approach—“servant leadership” and a guest-first mentality ensure everyone feels welcome.
- Continuous Growth: Tyler shares how stepping out of your comfort zone—whether in the kitchen or life—leads to true growth.
- Advice for Aspiring Chefs: Work hard. Seek mentors. Stage (apprentice) in great kitchens. Read, and never stop learning.
All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.
Important Links and Mentions on the Show*
- Stonebreaker Hotel and Restaurant Fayetteville | stonebreakerhotel.com
- The French Laundry (Napa)
- Brave New Restaurant (Little Rock)
- Vieux Carre in the Afterthought (Little Rock)
- Bansley Berkshire Farm (Harrison, AR)
- Hannah Family Farms (Bentonville)
- Onyx Coffee Lab
- Books Mentioned: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, Resetting the Table, On Food and Cooking by Harold McGee
- FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business Directory
Tune in to KUAF 91.3 FM to listen to the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast on Ozarks at Large every Tuesday at 12 Noon and 7 PM CST. And, check us out on their podcast as well.
This episode is sponsored by*
*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.
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Mentioned in this episode:
Winetopia 2025
We’re back at the barn! Winetopia is THE annual event that highlights the best of what our NWA Community has to offer, and we are thrilled to be back at the Barn at the Stonebreaker this year! Winetopia is where you can taste incredible top-tier wine, local craft beer, top-shelf bourbon, a variety of other spirits from our favorite local distilleries, AND hand-crafted mocktails. A specially-selected menu from Stonebreaker catering and our favorite Mia Tarts round out the evening! A ticket is all you need to access one of the most special nights of the year. Your favorite features from Winetopia will be there - the famous wine toss with Carny in the Corner, DJ Shortfuze spinning smooth tracks all night long, and the best silent auction around! You’ve been waiting all year for this event, and it’s now around the corner! We cannot wait to see you there!
Apple Seeds An Evening at the Farm, Saturday, October 11th, 2025
Evening at the Farm is a celebration of community and togetherness. Gather with friends, family, and fellow food enthusiasts for a memorable farm-to-table meal. What began as a small gathering has grown into one of our most beloved traditions, celebrating the flavors of the season and the community that makes it all possible. By attending this event, you'll not only treat yourself to an unforgettable culinary experience but also support our mission to empower and nourish our community.
FindItNWA.com
Looking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport"
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