Summary
Welcome to another episode of The Bentonville Beacon, the podcast where we shine a light on the inspiring stories and innovative people shaping the economic and cultural landscape of Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas. In this episode, host Brandom Gengelbach sits down with Izaak Barrett, co-creator and director of operations at Oasis Hospitality Group and its concept Calllisto—a vibrant new speakeasy that’s quickly becoming Bentonville’s “worst kept secret.”

Izaak shares the journey that led him from Phoenix to Bentonville, teaming up with his family to realize a longtime dream of building an immersive hospitality experience unlike any other in the area. Dive into the story behind Callisto's unique blend of art, craft cocktails, and tropical vibes, all tucked discreetly behind an art gallery. Izaak reveals the intentional design choices, the importance of place and community, and the ways in which Callisto is not just a place to grab a drink, but an artful escape built for genuine connection.

Whether you’re a local looking for your next great night out, a visitor curious about Bentonville’s creative energy, or someone passionate about hospitality, this conversation will transport you into the heart of one of the city’s most innovative new destinations. Get ready to discover how thoughtful creativity and a love for community are redefining what hospitality means in Bentonville!

Links
Brandom Gengelbach
Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce
Izaak Barrett
Oasis Hospitality Group
Callisto

Welcome to another episode of the Bentonville Beacon podcast! Today, our host Brandom Gengelbach sits down with two of Northwest Arkansas’s most influential changemakers: Chef Matt Cooper, acclaimed owner of Wren Hospitality and Conifer, and visionary real estate developer and restaurateur Paul Esterer. In this inspiring conversation, we dig into what makes Bentonville and the entire NWA region such an energizing place to live, create, and innovate.

Matt and Paul share their personal stories of calling Bentonville home and reveal the intentional, values-driven decisions behind their work, including the launch of their latest venture, Wren, a farm-to-table tasting menu restaurant rooted in community, sustainability, and a true sense of place. We explore the evolution of Bentonville’s culinary scene, from humble beginnings to national recognition, what it means to be a James Beard Award finalist, and why the town’s authentic, curious, and wellness-focused spirit is attracting people from across the country.

Tune in as we celebrate the people, passion, and purpose behind Bentonville’s growth, and discover how local champions like Matt and Paul are redefining hospitality, building enduring community connections, and helping shape the region's bright future!

Welcome back to the Bentonville Beacon podcast! In this episode, host Brandom Gengelbach sits down with James Harris, president and CEO of High Impact Analytics, to dive deep into the dynamic evolution of Bentonville’s retail landscape. As the hometown of Walmart and an epicenter for retail innovation, Bentonville is more than just a hub for the world’s largest retailer, it’s a thriving community where entrepreneurial spirit, tech startups, and third-party services are driving real transformation.

James shares his journey from growing up in nearby Siloam Springs to launching his own analytics-driven brokerage, High Impact, right at the forefront of retail’s data revolution. Together, Brandom and James unpack how the region’s unique blend of resources, talent, and entrepreneurial energy is fueling not just new business models, but also groundbreaking collaborations and growth in the consumer packaged goods space.

Tune in to hear how the rise of private brands, omni-channel commerce, and tech-enabled partnerships are reshaping Northwest Arkansas, and why it’s never been a better time to be part of Bentonville’s vibrant business community. Whether you’re a startup founder, an established supplier, or just curious about the future of retail, you’ll find plenty of inspiration and insights in this conversation with one of the region’s true innovators!