matt cooper

Chef Matthew Cooper, executive chef of Bentonville’s adored downtown restaurant The Preacher’s Son, will leave the restaurant in pursuit of a new project with his last service on Saturday, Dec. 12. Located in a historic church on A Street in Downtown Bentonville, The Preacher’s Son uses sustainably-sourced ingredients grown by local farmers and ranchers to make memorable dishes and experiences. The actual son of a preacher, Chef Cooper made it his mission to build a food program rooted in sustainability and regionality, with the express goal to support Northwest Arkansas farmers, purveyors and the community it serves. This is a mission the team at The Preacher’s Son will continue to honor, and one Chef Cooper will bring with him on this next culinary endeavor.

“I am so grateful to have been a part of growing this amazing team and company at The Preacher’s Son and Ropeswing Hospitality. My family at The Preacher’s Son is the best staff I have ever worked with and I know they, along with the new chef, will continue the vision and culture we’ve created together. I am so appreciative to this community for supporting our efforts. I am very excited about my next projects as I continue to help and pour my heart into the NWA community through food,” says Chef Cooper.

Chef Cooper’s December departure will leave time for him to usher in the new Preacher’s Son chef, who will be announced shortly.

“Matt has guided The Preacher’s Son since day one, honoring the food and supporting the Northwest Arkansas community. He’s deeply connected to his team, guests and, of course, the local farmers and purveyors whose regional bounty he builds his menus around. We are incredibly proud of what he has achieved and I’m excited to see what his next adventure will be,” says Ropeswing Hospitality CEO Kurt Berman.

In honor of Chef Cooper’s final service on Saturday, Dec. 12, a special event will take place and feature some of Chef Cooper’s signature dishes that regulars and locals have come to love. Further event details to be announced in the coming weeks.

The restored sanctuary that is now The Preacher’s Son restaurant makes for a stunning backdrop while enjoying seasonally and regionally inspired Ozark cuisine. The Preacher’s Son is open for dinner service Monday through Saturday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. For more information and reservations, call (479) 445-6065 or visit thepreachersson.com. Follow them on Instagram at @preachers_son_bentonville and like them on Facebook.