Legendary Little Rock restaurateur Mark Abernathy, who has been in the restaurant business for 55 years, has announced his retirement after selling his Riverdale restaurants Loca Luna and Red Door to Fidel Samour’s Remolinos Group. Abernathy’s decision marks the end of an era for the two restaurants on the corner of Cantrell and Old Cantrell roads, where Loca Luna was opened 28 years ago and Red Door, originally Bene Vita, 10 years later. The transition to new ownership will be seamless, with the names and staff remaining the same.
Abernathy’s culinary journey began at Little Rock’s first TGI Fridays, where he quickly rose through the ranks and eventually opened a restaurant in San Antonio before returning to Little Rock to open Juanita’s with business partner Frank McGehee in 1986. Abernathy also introduced America to white cheese dip at Blue Mesa Grill in 1989. Over the years, he has been an advocate for the restaurant industry, fighting for lower mixed drink taxes and Sunday alcohol sales in Little Rock.
The Remolinos Group, under Samour’s leadership, has seen success with Fidel & Co and Sterling Market, and plans to integrate some of the desserts from these establishments into Loca Luna and Red Door. Samour, who values his team members and customers, aims to maintain the legacy Abernathy has built while adding new elements to the restaurants.
Abernathy’s decision to retire was influenced by a loss of passion for managing the restaurants, particularly during the challenges brought on by COVID-19. He expressed confidence in Samour and his team as the right buyers to carry on his legacy. The integration of new dessert concepts and menu changes will bring a fresh perspective to the beloved Little Rock establishments.
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