Chef Coby Smith to Lead CARTI Cancer Center’s New On-Site Restaurant, The Hope Bistro
Chef Coby Smith to Lead CARTI Cancer Center’s New On-Site Restaurant, The Hope Bistro
Will serve fresh, healthy options that inspire healing
CARTI Cancer Center announced today that Chef Coby Smith will lead the new on-site restaurant, The Hope Bistro, opening Monday, July 15. From breakfast and soups to salads and daily specials, The Hope Bistro will feature a variety of high-quality food offerings that will foster health and healing.
“As we continue to look for opportunities to provide our patients with the highest level of cancer-focused care, we felt it was time to open our own restaurant with an in-house chef at the helm,” said Adam Head, CARTI president and CEO. “With a mission to care for the overall wellbeing of our patients, we set out to create a dining experience that aligns our on-site food options with the dietary recommendations we propose for their daily lives. The menu will feature fresh, delicious foods known to reduce the risk of cancer.”
As a North Little Rock native, Chef Coby’s culinary career began at the age of 12 when he worked for his brother at a local burger restaurant. While studying at Arkansas State University, he worked in the kitchen of the Jonesboro Country Club, where he was introduced to “delta fine dining”. It was here that his passion for cooking ignited, leading him to enroll in the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation’s Culinary Apprenticeship. Since graduating in 2003, he has worked at local restaurants including Boscos, Best Impressions, Simply the Best Catering and Aydelotte’s, where he was awarded five stars from the Arkansas Times. He has served as the Executive Chef at Fox Ridge Luxury Senior Living and at Arkansas Heart Hospital, where he received many accolades, including a feature on “CBS This Morning”.
Chef Coby has received numerous awards, including the designation of Certified Executive Chef (2008), three medals in the American Culinary Federation Hot Foods Competition and being chosen as Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation Central Arkansas Chapter (2014).
“I am honored to join the CARTI team,” said Chef Coby Smith. “With a background in creating culinary experiences for hospital and nursing home patients, I understand the balancing act of crafting a menu that’s both delicious and healthy. I hope that our patients, their families and our team will enjoy the affordable options that will allow them to stay on track health wise.”
The Hope Bistro will be located on the first floor of the CARTI Cancer Center, located at 8901 CARTI Way, Little Rock. Hours of operation will be Monday – Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
