Cache Restaurant, a cornerstone of Little Rock’s fine dining scene, celebrates its 10th anniversary. This milestone marks a journey of culinary evolution, resilience, and a commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience. Located in the heart of the River Market district, Cache has become a destination for locals and visitors alike.
Chef Payne Harding, the driving force behind Cache, leads a dedicated team that has been with him since the beginning. His leadership style, honed over years of experience, emphasizes organization and collaboration. Harding describes his role as more of a “maestro” in the kitchen, guiding his talented staff to create culinary masterpieces. This close-knit team has been instrumental in navigating the challenges of the restaurant industry, especially during the turbulent COVID-era.
The restaurant’s success isn’t solely due to the culinary team. Linda Harding, Payne’s mother and a renowned artist, lends her design expertise to the restaurant’s stylish and comfortable ambiance. Rush Harding, Payne’s father and a seasoned entrepreneur, provides invaluable business acumen. This family collaboration has been a key ingredient in Cache’s enduring success.
The restaurant business is notoriously challenging, with thin margins and unforeseen obstacles. Rush Harding acknowledges the inherent risks, citing an ice storm that significantly impacted business. Yet, the family’s passion for the culinary arts and their unwavering support for Payne’s vision have fueled their commitment. A recent setback, a flood that forced a temporary closure, led to the creation of The Bayou, a hidden speakeasy that adds a unique dimension to the Cache experience.
Cache Restaurant’s menu reflects Chef Payne’s culinary philosophy: New American cuisine that blends diverse influences. Southern, Cajun, Creole, Italian, and Asian flavors intertwine to create dishes that are both creative and approachable. A bone-in short rib with gnocchi and crispy shallots is a chef favorite, while the salmon with leeks, poached egg, and caviar is another popular choice.
Cache Restaurant’s prominent location in Little Rock places it in the spotlight. The restaurant’s successes and challenges are played out on a public stage, making consistent excellence paramount. Every detail matters, from the wine selection to the ambiance. The goal, according to Rush Harding, is to create a dining experience that immerses guests in comfort and beauty.
Harding’s vision extends beyond Cache. He envisions Little Rock as a culinary destination, attracting national recognition and showcasing the city’s vibrant food scene. He believes Little Rock deserves a place among the nation’s top dining cities and hopes Cache Restaurant can contribute to that goal.
The dedication to quality, the family dynamic, and the commitment to elevating Little Rock’s culinary landscape have made Cache Restaurant a true gem. As Cache celebrates a decade of excellence, it looks forward to continuing its legacy of providing an unforgettable dining experience.
