Diamond Chef Arkansas

Diamond Chef Arkansas is UA-PTC's signature fundraising event!

Funds from this signature event will be invested in scholarships, student success initiatives, and key needs for the Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management Institute, as well as unrestricted support for college priorities-creating meaningful opportunities for students across our campus.

Whether you joined us for the event, supported as a sponsor or participant, or followed the impact of our work, we are grateful for your role in helping make this possible. It truly takes a community to create opportunities like these for our students.

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Team McFadden Wins 2026 Diamond Chef Arkansas and over $230,000 raised for UA-PTC!

The Diamond Chef Arkansas 2026 Winning Team was...

TEAM McFADDEN

Mentor Chef Brayan McFadden of Brood & Barley and Funky Stretch Pizza
& UA-PTC Students Twanda Trader and Kelly Webb 

Pictured below, their Winning Plate was a pan-seared duck with a root beer beurre blanc, coconut rice, grilled asparagus, and a fennel salad.

The University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College Foundation is pleased to announce the 2026 Diamond Chef Arkansas Community Award honorees!

The annual awards will be presented during Diamond Chef Arkansas on Thursday, April 16. The ceremony highlights individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry and the community through leadership, culinary craft, and philanthropy.

This year's honorees are:

Best in Pastry: Paige Russell-Burt

A Conway native, Paige Russell-Burt earned her pastry certificate in Chicago before honing her craft under acclaimed Chef Paul Virant. After serving as executive pastry chef at Los Angeles' Hatchet Hall-where she was named to Zagat's "30 Under 30"-she returned to Arkansas in 2018. Russell currently leads pastry operations at Fidel & Co. and Sterling Market. She also fosters local community through her bi-monthly cookbook club at Paper Hearts bookstore.
 
 
Best in Hospitality: Manley Clark

Manley Clark is a seasoned executive with nearly 30 years of experience in food and beverage operations. Currently a senior leader at Saracen Casino Resort, the UA-PTC alumnus oversees diverse culinary teams and large-scale hospitality systems. A dedicated mentor and advisory board member, Clark is also the founder of Sudz Laundry Services. His leadership philosophy emphasizes "legacy leadership," focusing on service and stewardship to create meaningful experiences for guests and employees alike.
 
 
Community Impact: Mike Flagg

As General Manager of Hiland Dairy's Little Rock operation since 2001, Mike Flagg has turned corporate success into community support. Under his leadership, Hiland Dairy has provided over $165,000 in financial and in-kind gifts to UA-PTC, including essential dairy products for the culinary school. Flagg serves on numerous boards, including the Ronald McDonald House, and has previously chaired the Diamond Chef event, demonstrating a long-term commitment to Arkansas's workforce and charitable sectors.

Read our full press release here:
UA - Pulaski Tech Foundation names 2026 Diamond Chef Arkansas Community Award honorees

Participating Tasting Stations

"Soul Snatcha'z," Ciao Baci, Tacos El Carbon, Heritage Catering, Samantha's, J&S Villa, Back Home BBQ, North Bar, The Grumpy Rabbit and Heritage Grille | Steak and Fin, as well as a unique "sea-cuterie" spread created by UA-PTC culinary students and desserts made by UA-PTC baking and pastry students.

In addition to the general event offerings, VIP guests enjoyed exclusive bites from Deluca's Pizza, ROBER, Southern Tail Brewing, Pleasant Valley Country Club, and Kelly Wassell Chocolates.

Diamond Chef Arkansas 2026 Participants

Diamond Chef Arkansas brings together an exceptional lineup of culinary talent, community leaders, and supporters to celebrate student success and excellence in hospitality.
From professional chefs mentoring UA-Pulaski Technical College Culinary Arts & Hospitality students to judges, emcees, and restaurant partners, this event showcases the strength of our local culinary community and its commitment to education.

Event Emcees
The evening will be guided by two dynamic emcees who help set the tone for this high-energy culinary competition:

• Kevin Shalin, The Mighty Rib
• Pamela Smith, UA-PTC Foundation Board

Judges
Our judging panel features respected culinary professionals who bring industry expertise and thoughtful critique to the competition:

• Daron Hall, K Hall & Sons
• Jordan Davis, Chenal Country Club
• Jack Sundell, The Root Café
  

Floor Judges

• Jill McDonald and Wendy Schay, The Croissanterie
  

Join us for an unforgettable night featuring...

🍴 Restaurant Tasting Stations

Sample dishes from some of central Arkansas' best restaurants and vote for your favorite.

🍽 Student Competition
Our Diamond Chef student teams pair with professional chefs - including former Diamond Chef champions - in a high-energy, two-round culinary competition.

🏆 Honoring Culinary & Hospitality Leaders
We celebrate outstanding local professionals making an impact on the industry and our community.

🍷 VIP Experience
Exclusive access to competition tasting, specialty cocktails, entertainment, and more. The VIP Experience for DCA 2026 will be the entire second story of CAHMI and offer access to VIP-only stations. 

🎁 Unique Auction of Culinary Experiences
Bid on private dinners, chef experiences, and other curated packages you won't find anywhere else.

🎉 Wine Pull • Music • Photo Moments • More

Thank you to our Diamond Chef Arkansas Sponsors!

Thank you to our Diamond Chef Arkansas Planning Committee,

Chaired by Witt Stephens III & Emily Stephens

Learn more about the UA-PTC Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute (CAHMI)

Delivering Education, Experience, and Excellence

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