Chef Matt Cooper and Conifer Are Planting The Seeds of Community With a Gluten-Free Restaurant In Downtown Bentonville

About the Show:Chef Matt Cooper is a friend of the podcast and one of the finest Chefs in Northwest Arkansas, if not the United States. We originally featured him on episode 28 of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast discussing his return to Northwest Arkansas and the inspiration behind his original restaurant here, The Preachers Son. Fast forward a couple of years, and with everything going on in the world, Chef Matt has decided to open another restaurant in Downtown Bentonville.  Enter Conifer, which has Chef Matt’s thumbprint all over it, from the expansive open kitchen to the Wood Burning stove to the restaurant's overall feel that blurs the line between outside and inside. He has not left any stone unturned.  Chef Matt and Conifer provide one of the most eclectic gluten-free Farm to Table dining options in Northwest Arkansas. Located in one of the newest downtown Bentonville urban dwellings, Conifer is right on the Greenway trail system and is just a stone's throw from Bentonville Square. The restaurant will be open for dinner only Tuesday thru Saturday. When you visit Conifer and Chef Matt Cooper, you are in for a treat.  Be sure to tell him that the good folks over at I am Northwest Arkansas sent you!All this and more on this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Matthew Cooper, ChefEmail Downtown Bentonville Inc.Website for Downtown Bentonville Inc.Downtown Bentonville Inc. on InstagramDowntown Bentonville Inc. on FacebookDowntown Bentonville Inc. on LinkedInWebsite for AY MagazineConifer Restaurant on InstagramThe Howard East Central, located at 321 Southeast 2nd Street, Bentonville, AR 72712501-626-4414 This episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at [email protected] With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:Winetopia 2026Winetopia 2026 Date: Friday, October 16th Time: 7-10pm Place: Stonebreaker Hotel on Markham hill Winetopia is Restore Humanity’s biggest annual fundraiser and brings together the very best of Northwest Arkansas (restaurants, artisans, small businesses, and (community members) to support our work. While the event raises essential funds for children in Kenya, its heartbeat is entirely local. There are over 100 local businesses who contribute auction items, regional chefs and beverage makers who showcase their craft, and the hundreds of residents gathering to celebrate community generosity. Winetopia strengthens local partnerships, elevates homegrown talent, and reinforces Northwest Arkansas's identity as a place where global compassion is fueled by local collaboration. Winetopia is a beautiful demonstration of how a united local community can create life-changing impact for children and families worldwide. Winetopia 2026