Emily Gray - Impact Recognition

Emily Gray is a dedicated franchisee of Chicken Salad Chick, operating four locations in central Arkansas. A graduate of Libertyville High School in Libertyville, Ill., Emily pursued higher education at Auburn University, where she earned an undergraduate degree in psychology followed by a master's degree in curriculum design.

Emily's journey with Chicken Salad Chick began in 2011 at its first location in Auburn, Ala., before the concept was franchised. After a brief stint in teaching, she returned to the brand in 2017 as a corporate trainer, playing a pivotal role in the opening of over 50 new locations. In 2020, she took the leap to become a franchisee, opening her first location in Benton. This location quickly gained recognition, earning the prestigious 2021 Spirit of the Chick award at the annual CSC Conference in Atlanta for exemplifying the brand's culture and values. Under her leadership, the Benton location was also voted Saline County's best lunch spot and best sandwich. She was recognized as a AY's Magazine 2023 Power Women.

She volunteers with the UA-Pulaski Tech Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute's advisory committee, raises funds for the 3-D program and has hired several graduates of our culinary program.

Titus Holly - Best in Culinary

You've probably had something made by Chef Titus Holly and may not even realize it. "Growing up I always loved food. I was always in the kitchen during the holidays with my aunt Nee Nee. We would stay up late sometimes until two in the morning, I was her official taste taster."

Holly is a 2006 graduate of Arkansas Culinary School, the precursor to UA-PTC Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute. During his time at the school, he also worked under Rob Best at Simply the Best Catering, followed by a brief, but educational stint at Embassy Suites. He then heard about a new restaurant opening, SO Restaurant and Bar. There he made life-long friends and connections that serve him to this day. Tomas Bohm was the general manager at that time, and he decided to open a new restaurant and brought Holly along with him. Holly is probably best known as the Head Chef at the Pantry Restaurants, where he started in 2009 and still works to this day.

"One thing about me is that I love to learn from others," Holly said, "No matter how long I have been cooking I will always look for new ideas." In 2019, Holly got a new idea and started a mobile catering company, Holly Smokes. He frequently does pop-ups around town, offering an assortment of delicious foods.

Holly is the epitome of culinary excellence and has been featured in AY Magazine, Soriee, and Rock City Eats.

Veo Tyson - Best in Hospitality

Working in any customer service role requires patience, and Veo Tyson has perfected it during his fifty years as a bartender working in Little Rock. "I like to find out what my guest has a taste for, and then I try my best to create it." His attitude exemplifies why so many guests would seek him out specifically. He says, "I get pleasure from taking care of my guests. If they leave happy, I'm happy."

Tyson began bartending at Cajun's Wharf in 1975, and like many in the industry, he worked other jobs on the side. He went on to work at Macaroni Grill, followed by SO. If you ask Veo what his favorite drink to make is, he will tell you it's an Old Fashioned; which seems appropriate given his laid-back demeanor.

In November of 2024, Tyson hung up his bar rag, and retired from SO, leaving behind many saddened fans. But retirement did not last long--you can now find Veo at the Country Club of Little Rock.