How Stonebreaker Fuses Boutique Hotel, Club, and Community in Fayetteville

About the Show:"We are a Victorian house burdened by optimism." – Cognac FranklinWhat happens when historic charm collides with a new vision for community connection?In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Cognac Franklin, Director of Operations at Stonebreaker—Fayetteville's stunning hotel, club, and gathering space perched atop Markham Hill.Cognac takes us through the rich history of this unique property, from its origins as the Pratt family homestead and bed & breakfast to its recent transformation into a community-centered haven that honors the past while embracing the future.You'll hear about Stonebreaker's distinctive approach to hospitality, membership, and intentional design—where every guest is treated like family, whether they're checking in for the night, enjoying club membership perks, or simply stopping by for a quiet cup of coffee.Discover how Stonebreaker is creating a true "third space" for the community—a place for relaxing, collaborating, celebrating, or finding a moment of tranquility at one of Fayetteville's highest points.Whether you're new to Northwest Arkansas or a lifelong local, this conversation illuminates how connecting to place and purpose brings people together in meaningful ways.Key Takeaways:Blending History and Modern Hospitality: Stonebreaker honors Markham Hill’s heritage, integrating touches from its farm, summer camp, and music festival past into a contemporary, welcoming environment.Community, Not Exclusivity: Despite being a private club, Stonebreaker’s mission is rooted in inclusivity—emphasizing a social, open-door approach for locals and newcomers alike.Building a Unique “Third Space”: Stonebreaker offers more than just a hotel or restaurant. It’s intentionally designed for collaboration, creativity, relaxation, and connection as Fayetteville grows and evolves.Intentional Design & Thoughtful Experiences: Every element, from the hotel rooms to the club amenities and the grounds, is curated to spark conversation, learning, and belonging.Membership with a Purpose: Club members play a direct role in shaping the community and experiences at Stonebreaker, ensuring it remains responsive and meaningful for Northwest Arkansas residents.All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Stonebreaker Hotel and Restaurant Fayetteville | stonebreakerhotel.comStonebreaker on LinkedInStonebreaker on FacebookStonebreaker on InstagramCognac Franklin on LinkedInFindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business DirectoryThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"Try ONBoardNWA.com Today!*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 ArkansasMentioned in this episode:ONBoardNWA.comLooking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.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