In the heart of Little Rock, Arkansas, Vincent Schallenberg, a seasoned restaurateur, decided to blend his industry expertise with a dash of novelty to create a dining experience unlike any other. The result? All Aboard Restaurant & Grill, a unique eatery where your meal is delivered right to your table by train. This innovative concept, born in the Westgate Shopping Center in 2011, has quickly become a local favorite and a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable meal.
The inspiration for All Aboard Restaurant Little Rock stemmed from a visit to a similarly themed establishment in Chicago. However, Schallenberg envisioned something more – a system where food wouldn’t just be placed on a countertop rail, but delivered overhead, directly to each table. To bring this vision to life, he collaborated with his brother-in-law, Brian Doyle, a mechanical engineer with a background in designing major rail systems. Doyle, who contributed to projects like the San Francisco Bay Rapid Transit and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit systems, took on the challenge of creating a miniature, computer-programmed railway system for the restaurant.
For three months, Doyle meticulously constructed a suspended platform and a network of tracks above the dining area. Mini-locomotives were programmed to carry food-filled bins from the kitchen, distribute them along the tracks, and then lower the meals directly onto eager customers’ tables. Schallenberg humorously likened the intricate project to a “Tinkertoy set,” highlighting his brother-in-law’s expertise in making the seemingly complicated system a reality.
Schallenberg’s journey in the restaurant industry began at the young age of 14. From his early days as a busboy to his experiences at establishments like Bennigan’s and Steak and Ale in Boston, and later as a 14-year partner at Corky’s BBQ, he amassed over three decades of invaluable experience. This extensive background fueled his desire to create All Aboard Restaurant Little Rock, not just as a novelty, but as a solution to what he perceived as gaps in the dining landscape.
He aimed to address two key issues: the lack of nutritious options for children in many restaurants and the declining emphasis on family time during meals. “Kids were always the secondary thing, but we didn’t want a Chuck E. Cheese’s where there’s sensory overload,” Schallenberg explained. Instead, he envisioned a family-friendly environment where healthy eating and engaging entertainment could coexist.
The menu at All Aboard Restaurant Little Rock is thoughtfully designed to be inclusive, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences and needs. Schallenberg emphasizes the inclusion of “fresh vegetables, freshly prepared food” reflecting his concern for childhood obesity rates, particularly in Arkansas. The menu is designed to bring “all aboard,” welcoming vegans, vegetarians, and those with specific dietary requirements, ensuring everyone in the family finds something delicious and wholesome.
The train-themed restaurant concept has proven to be a resounding success. Following the popularity of the Little Rock location, a second, larger All Aboard Restaurant opened in Benton. Looking ahead, Schallenberg has ambitions to franchise the concept, with numerous inquiries already pouring in from various states. A company-owned location in Conway is likely next on the horizon, and there’s considerable interest in expanding to Cabot, Searcy, and Rogers.
Vincent Schallenberg believes the unique train delivery system is a major draw for customers. “It gives [customers] an attraction. You don’t see that every day,” he states. All Aboard Restaurant Little Rock offers not just a meal, but an experience, making it a standout destination in the Little Rock dining scene and beyond.
