All Aboard Restaurant & Grill in Little Rock, Arkansas, offers a dining experience unlike any other. Imagine model trains delivering your food right to your table via an intricate network of overhead tracks. This innovative concept, the brainchild of owner Vincent Schallenberg and his brother-in-law Brian Doyle, a mechanical engineer, has captivated diners since 2011.
From Chicago Inspiration to Little Rock Reality
The idea for All Aboard was sparked by a visit to a similarly named Chicago restaurant. However, Schallenberg envisioned a more unique approach. “We didn’t want other people touching each other’s food,” he explained, leading to the decision to elevate the train tracks and deliver meals directly to tables from overhead bins. Doyle, whose experience included working on major rail systems like the San Francisco Bay Rapid Transit and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit, spent three months constructing the elaborate system of tracks and miniature locomotives.
More Than Just a Gimmick: A Focus on Family and Nutrition
Schallenberg, a seasoned restaurant industry veteran with over 30 years of experience, wanted All Aboard to address two key concerns: the lack of nutritious options for children in many restaurants and the declining emphasis on family time during meals. The menu at All Aboard caters to a wide range of dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, and special dietary restrictions. “We looked at childhood obesity and menu items that would be more healthy — fresh vegetables, freshly prepared food,” Schallenberg said, acknowledging Arkansas’ high obesity rates. The train-themed atmosphere provides a fun and engaging environment for families to connect and enjoy a meal together.
All Aboard for Expansion: Franchising on the Horizon
The success of the original Little Rock location led to the opening of a second, larger All Aboard in Benton, Arkansas last year. Schallenberg’s vision extends beyond Arkansas, with plans for franchising the unique concept. He estimates receiving a dozen franchise inquiries monthly, from locations spanning North Carolina to Texas and even San Francisco. A company-owned location in Conway, Arkansas, is likely the next step, followed by potential expansion to Cabot, Searcy, and Rogers. “It gives [customers] an attraction. You don’t see that every day,” Schallenberg stated. The All Aboard experience is clearly resonating with diners, proving that sometimes, the best way to deliver a meal is on the right track.
