Yellow Rocket Concepts: Building a Sustainable Restaurant Empire
When it comes to successful restaurant groups, Yellow Rocket Concepts stands out for its commitment to community, sustainability, and exceptional culinary experiences. The company, founded by four partners – Scott McGehee, Russ McDonough, John Beachboard, and Amber Brewer – has been making waves in Arkansas and beyond with its diverse range of restaurants and a brewery.
The Story Behind Yellow Rocket Concepts
Scott McGehee, the Executive Chef and Culinary Lead of Yellow Rocket, recalls the inspiration for the company’s name. Growing up in Little Rock, he fondly remembers a video arcade called Yellow Rocket from the 1980s. This nostalgic spot evokes a sense of joy and magic, which is exactly what each of their restaurants aims to achieve. From this vision, five distinct restaurant concepts were born: Zaza, Big Orange Burger, Local Lime, Heights Taco & Tamale Co., and Lost 40 Brewing.
Culinary Concepts Under the Yellow Rocket Umbrella
Each restaurant offers a unique experience:
– Zaza: This salad-and-pizza joint boasts ten salads on the menu, including a build-your-own option. It’s the perfect spot for lunch with a glass of wine.
– Big Orange Burger: Known for its thick patties and fresh-baked buns, Big Orange Burger offers indulgent burgers as well as healthy options. It also serves great cocktails and milkshakes.
– Local Lime: McGehee’s passion for Mexican cuisine led to the creation of Local Lime, which serves authentic California-style fresh Mexican food, filling a need in Central Arkansas.
– Heights Taco & Tamale Co.: Located in a historic building in the Heights District, this restaurant blends Tex-Mex with local flavors, creating a unique “Ark-Mex” style.
– Lost 40 Brewing: This brewery concept is a collaboration between McGehee’s partners and their wives. It features a Southern-meets-German beer hall with amazing sausages, barbecue, and charcuterie.
Sourcing Excellence
Yellow Rocket Concepts relies heavily on Sysco for their supplies. The company sources from Sysco a whopping 80 percent of their needs, ensuring access to high-quality ingredients like pecorino fresco cheese from Italy or tipo 00 flour for pasta. Their commitment to ethical meat treatment is also met with Sysco’s support, providing antibiotic-free and all-natural meats that excel in blind tastings.
The Yellow Rocket Creed
At the heart of Yellow Rocket Concepts is a simple yet powerful creed: treating everyone—guests and staff alike—with dignity, respect, and kindness. This foundational principle defines every aspect of their operations, reflecting the joy and magic of the Yellow Rocket arcade that inspired the company.
Expansion Plans
Yellow Rocket Concepts is not content to rest on its laurels. With a continued focus on local, seasonal ingredients, they are expanding into new markets, including Northwest Arkansas and possibly Tulsa. Their most recent venture includes opening Fayetteville Taco & Tamale Co. in the South Yard Lofts development, further solidifying their commitment to community and sustainability.
Cultivating Community
This restaurant group is dedicated to creating a sustainable food system by partnering with local farmers. They aim to play a vital role in their local communities, not just by serving great food, but by fostering a deeper appreciation for local food systems. This vision is evident in their approach to expansion, ensuring that new venues continue to contribute positively to their communities.
As Yellow Rocket Concepts continues to grow and thrive, one thing remains clear: their passion for community and sustainability is more than just a mission statement—it’s a way of life. By blending exceptional culinary experiences with a deep commitment to local food systems, they are building a restaurant empire that truly makes a difference.
