Hendrix College partners with JTJ Restaurants to transform campus dining

Alumni-led partnership brings fresh dining concepts and enhances campus experience

Hendrix President Karen Petersen, third from left, welcomes the team behind JTJ Restaurants, LLC to Hendrix College, including, from left, Mark Young, Kristi Dickey, Jake Keet, Jim Keet, Tommy Keet.

JTJ Restaurants has been selected as the new dining services partner for Hendrix College, bringing innovative food expertise and comprehensive dining solutions to the campus community. The partnership represents a fresh approach to college dining that enhances the overall experience, encompassing three key areas: dining services, events, and catering.

JTJ Restaurants operates many local favorites throughout Arkansas, such as Taziki’s Mediterranean Café, Petit & Keet, Waldo’s Chicken and Beer, and Cypress Social. JTJ is also leading the revitalization of Breckenridge Village in Little Rock, transforming it into a vibrant dining and entertainment destination.

“We are excited to announce this innovative approach to managing dining and catering services at Hendrix. We look forward to adding their level of quality, innovation, and expertise to our campus dining experience,” said Hendrix College President Karen Petersen.

Mark Young (’01), a Hendrix alumnus, will oversee the daily dining operations on campus to ensure quality and consistency across all meal services. Young said, “We're committed to enhancing the entire dining experience for the Hendrix community. Our goal is to create a dining program that truly serves every aspect of campus life, from everyday meals that fuel student success to specialized nutrition support for our athletic programs. We want to build something that becomes an integral part of what makes the Hendrix experience special.”

Events and catering will be handled by Catering Arkansas, led by Kristi Dickey, bringing expertise from established JTJ restaurants. This collaboration will enhance campus functions and special occasions with diverse, high-quality catering options.

The aspects of Hendrix dining that students, faculty, staff, and the community have come to know and love will not change. “The current Hendrix dining staff, those familiar faces who are an essential part of the student experience, will remain Hendrix College employees,” Petersen added. “This hybrid approach allows us to maintain the close relationships our dining staff have with students while bringing in professional management to enhance service.”

As part of their commitment to continuous improvement, JTJ Restaurants will actively engage with students, faculty, and staff to ensure that the dining program evolves to meet campus needs.

“I couldn't be more excited to bring JTJ's expertise back to my alma mater,” said Tommy Keet (’98), president of JTJ Restaurants and a Hendrix alumnus. “This partnership represents everything we believe in: quality food, exceptional service, and building genuine connections with the communities we serve. Our team is thrilled to be part of the Hendrix family and to create dining experiences that students, staff, and visitors will truly love.”

About JTJ Restaurants, LLC

JTJ Restaurants, LLC is a family-owned restaurant group based in Little Rock, founded by Jim, Tommy, and Jake Keet. The company operates a diverse portfolio of acclaimed concepts, including Taziki’s Mediterranean Café, Petit & Keet, Cypress Social, Waldo’s Chicken & Beer, Count Porkula, Big Bad Breakfast, and more. The group is committed to creating exceptional guest experiences and strengthening the communities it serves through great food, genuine hospitality, and local investment.

About Hendrix College

Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.

“… Through engagement that links the classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix College Statement of Purpose