Rob Best Honored with Award

This year’s recipient of the Formica Ben E. Keith Culinary Community Service Award was

Chef Rob Best.

Here is the speech given by Rusty Mathis of Ben E. Keith

Rob not only agreed with Santo’s stance on giving back to the community & organizations around you; he was right beside Santo on many occasions. He has been in the Central Arkansas culinary field for over 30 years. Rob's legacy will be carried on by the many chefs that have been through his doors, and are now known throughout the community as well. In all likelihood every person in this room has attended an event he has catered. There is no doubt in my mind that he has changed the landscape of the culinary industry in Central Arkansas. He has worked diligently with Todd Gold over the past several years to the see the culinary school established in Little Rock. He has served in any role asked of him in countless organizations – the NLR A&P Commission, the Arkansas Hospitality Association, the Chamber of Commerce on both sides of the river – just to name a few. He has supported efforts to feed the homeless, by not only giving excess food to those in need, but by giving of his time at the Compassion Center, Potluck, and the Gospel Rescue Mission.

Rob is known as the type of person who would literally give you the shirt off his own back. Just a quick glance at the numerous events he has been a part of and you will see his giving spirit. He has been involved in many fundraising events for groups like Make-A-Wish, Easter Seals, Ducks Unlimited, the Arkansas Arts Center, the American Heart Association and Lakewood United Methodist Church.

In 2004, Rob was inducted into the AHA & ACF Central Arkansas Chapter’s Hall of Fame. He was awarded the Salut Au Restaurateur in 2005. He owns and operates both Simply the Best Catering and Best Impressions Restaurant and teaches full time at Pulaski Tech in the culinary department.

Rob will certainly be remembered for these awards and accomplishments, but also for how much he gives back to everyone around him. He has worked diligently to make central Arkansas a better place to live and even better place to eat.