04/29/2026
Thankful to have handled the closing for this transaction!! Exciting for the things to come!! Great folks! Great community! 👏👏
Exciting news for downtown Little Rock…
The location formerly known as Stratton’s Market has closed after 14 years and will reopen shortly under new ownership as The Mash & Vine Market, which “will bring you an upscale bodega featuring the finest selection of provisions, wine, ales, and spirits.”
ETA for opening is late May “with a limited selection for now to serve the local community as we remodel and completely renovate the middle space in River Market Tower.”
Jeremiah & Rachel Cotner, owners of the Puppy Community, right around the corner, have partnered with Gary & Erin Penna, longtime residents of Little Rock.
Also…
“The Black Sheep Bistro will be a gourmet sandwich shop during lunch hours and an upscale European open-style kitchen dining experience in the evening, featuring locally sourced ingredients combined with ingredients from all over the world to create some of the finest dishes this town has ever seen. Executive Chef Michael Penna will lead this new Little Rock dining destination. Chef Mike has been in the culinary world for over 30 years, with a degree from the New England Culinary Institute. Having previously worked in Boston and for many years right here in Little Rock, he began his journey under the tutelage of Iron Chef Ming Tsai at the Blue Ginger just outside of Boston. Chef Mike’s three decades of culinary excellence will, no doubt, be well received. With completion scheduled for Late August or early September, we look forward to serving the great residents of Arkansas and beyond.”
And….
“We are also very excited to announce the opening of The Volstead Vault Speakeasy (VVSE). Downtown Little Rock’s very own whiskey and cocktail-inspired experience. Curated by Gary Penna, Founder of the Bourbon Club of Arkansas, a 2-time national champion whiskey club, winner of the Ascot Awards Best Single Barrel whiskey, and the 2026 Bourbon Games winners for the best whiskey blend. Gary, a judge for an international spirits competition where over 3,000 spirits compete for the best in the world, brings almost 2 decades of whiskey expertise to our fine town. The Volstead Speakeasy is aptly named for the Volstead Act of 1919, which marked the birth of the speakeasy. The VVSE will showcase the best collection in the state at prices that allow all to enjoy the finest drams offered anywhere. The VVSE will also feature state-recognized mixologists who will concoct for you some of the finest libations on the planet, also featuring one-of-a-kind mocktails for those who just want to enjoy the atmosphere. Come join us later this year for a blast from America’s prohibitionary past.
Phase 1 is the demolition of the middle space at 409 E Third. Phase 2 is the build-out of the Speakeasy and Bistro, scheduled for a late summer/early fall opening. Phase 3, the final phase, will be the Remodel and refresh of the Mash & Vine Market. The final completion is scheduled for mid-November. “
