Arkansas chef & MasterChef finalist opening restaurant in Little Rock

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A new restaurant is set to hit the Little Rock food scene early next year, led by nationally acclaimed chef and MasterChef finalist Jennifer Maune.

Maune, an Arkansas native, will be opening her first restaurant, Restaurant Fleur, on the first floor of the Bob R. Brooks Jr. Justice Building.

Maune described it as “a refined French-American lunch and dinner concept offering gastronomic cuisine rooted in classical technique and seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can expect soulful, elevated cooking that merges French elegance with Southern hospitality and cultural richness.”

In a press conference announcing the new business, Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement:

“Chef Maune, a lifelong Arkansan, has trained at some of the most elite culinary institutions in the world, and her concept for this restaurant will be a fantastic addition to the life of downtown Little Rock. I could not imagine a more perfect tenant for our beautiful building.”

Renovations on the first floor of the Brooks Building are still ongoing, and Restaurant Fleur is scheduled to open in January 2026. 

“This moment is the realization of a dream that began over five years ago. It’s the culmination of a lifelong passion for food, a dedication to excellence, and a deep love for Arkansas,” Maune added.