The First Seat - Bentonville, Arkansas - USA

The First Seat Pub & Grill started out as late night conversations between a husband and wife. Sean & Trisha Walden are northwest Arkansas locals, born and raised in the Bentonville area. They had a dream of creating a local neighborhood pub where people could gather for good food, cold brews and great camaraderie. And they wanted to do it for a reasonable price.

In addition to being locals, the Waldens are also history buffs. When doing research on how they could pay homage to their town with their business, they stumbled upon some fun information.

During the first session of the Arkansas state legislature in September 1836, the newly carved out piece of Washington County became Benton County. On November 7, 1837​, commissioners reported that they had laid out 136 new lots in the middle of the new county to become the county seat. Thus, Bentonville became The First Seat once Arkansas achieved its statehood.

And so, The First Seat Pub & Grill was born.