Our story
A Fayetteville tradition.
Since 1964.
An iconic Fayetteville restaurant and a Northwest Arkansas landmark. Legendary meals, great atmosphere, and generations of stories on North College Avenue.
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The story behind the tradition.
In 1929, P. M. Pace bought the land where Herman’s stands today. He built a house, raised livestock, and farmed the land. In 1941, he sold a one-acre tract and its buildings to Rolla H. Fitch, who opened the first restaurant on the site: the Royal Oaks Tavern.
On New Year’s Day in 1964, Fayetteville native Herman Tuck opened what we know today as Herman’s Ribhouse. The menu had nine choices: Rack O’ Ribs, Plate O’ Ribs, BBQ Chicken, a large T-bone, and five sandwiches. A large aquarium adorned the room, and the walls quickly filled with pictures of Herman’s fans.
When Herman retired in 1990, he brought in longtime family friends Bruce and P. J. Barnes to keep the business going with his kind of tradition. Bruce expanded the nine-item menu with filets, baby back ribs, and shrimp remoulade.
In 2000, Bruce and P. J. left Herman’s to start their own restaurant. That July, Herman sold the restaurant to Benny Spears and Shelby Rogers, who carried the tradition into the 21st century with new equipment and an outdoor deck.
In 2013, Shelby Rogers sold the restaurant to longtime employees Nick and Carrie Wright. They carried Herman’s traditions forward and shared the Herman’s experience with a new generation of guests.
Herman’s through the years.
1929
The house before the restaurant
P. M. Pace bought the land where Herman’s stands today. He built a house, raised livestock, and farmed the land.
1941
The Royal Oaks Tavern
Pace sold a one-acre tract and its buildings to Rolla H. Fitch, who opened the Royal Oaks Tavern—the first restaurant on the site.
1964
Herman’s opens its doors
On New Year’s Day, Fayetteville native Herman Tuck opened Herman’s Ribhouse. The original menu had nine choices: Rack O’Ribs, Plate O’Ribs, BBQ Chicken, a large T-bone, and five sandwiches. An aquarium adorned the room, and the walls soon filled with pictures of Herman’s fans.
1990
Keeping the tradition going
When Herman retired, longtime family friends Bruce and P. J. Barnes kept the business going. Bruce expanded the menu with filets, baby back ribs, and shrimp remoulade.
2000
A new chapter
After Bruce and P. J. left to open their own restaurant, Herman sold the ribhouse to Benny Spears and Shelby Rogers. New equipment and an outdoor deck helped carry the tradition into the next century.
2013
Familiar faces at the helm
In 2013, Shelby Rogers sold the restaurant to longtime employees Nick and Carrie Wright, beginning another chapter of familiar food and welcoming new generations of guests.
2024
Arkansas Food Hall of Fame
In 2024, Herman’s joined the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame, honoring its place among the restaurants that have shaped the state’s food culture.
Razorback pride. Herman’s tradition.
When the Arkansas Razorbacks are playing, Herman’s is part of the game-day tradition. Generations of Hogs fans have gathered here for ribs, steaks, and great atmosphere. Meet up with friends and make a meal at Herman’s part of your ballgame weekend.
Nick is a familiar face in the sports community, and those connections are part of Herman’s story. Professional athletes and former Razorback players come in for a meal, and visiting ESPN crews stop by on ballgame weekends.
The legend lives on.
Come for the ribs, the steaks, and a good meal. Stay for the company. Whether you’re a regular or stopping in for the first time, there’s a place for you at Herman’s.
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