In early November, Northwest Arkansas welcomed BEK Restaurant & European Gourmet Market, a family-owned restaurant rooted in Afghan culture, hospitality, and the courage it takes to begin again.
From the moment you step inside BEK, it is clear this is more than a place to eat. The food carries generations of tradition, and the welcome reflects the heart of an immigrant family sharing what they love most with a new community.
Hospitality That Stays With You
Guests quickly notice that the experience at BEK goes beyond the menu. Nilla, Nadir, and their family treat every customer like a guest in their own home. Meals are served with care, generosity, and genuine connection, the kind of Afghan hospitality that lingers long after the last bite.
As Nilla describes it, she hopes guests will feel:
“Warmth, comfort, and a genuine sense of welcome, like stepping into a friendly home where authentic and heartfelt Turkish and Afghan dishes are served.”
One recent visitor shared a reflection that captures what makes BEK so meaningful:
“I saw the video for the grand opening of BEK and a post on Facebook, so our family went there on Friday. Nadir served us, and I don’t think I’ve ever received such hospitality during a meal. And the food was delicious. I cried from gratitude that Nilla and Nadir are our neighbors and that we get to experience a small taste of their cultures in our community. THANK YOU for all you do in the entrepreneurship program!”
— Trisha Posey
Her words say it best. The food nourishes, but the hospitality stays with you.
From Dream to Reality
Nilla graduated from Canopy NWA’s Entrepreneurship Program in December 2024. The twelve-week course helps immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs turn ideas into viable businesses, followed by two years of continued technical support as they grow.
Her vision for BEK began with a simple realization. There was no nearby restaurant offering authentic Turkish and Afghan cuisine. Cooking for her family brought joy, and sharing those flavors with the wider community became the dream.
The journey was not easy. Sourcing ingredients, navigating permits, and balancing quality with speed required patience and perseverance. With determination and the support of her family, BEK opened its doors.
“I am most proud of our team, my family. They stood beside me with love and commitment to ensure that the quality and service were at the highest level.”
A New Flavor for NWA
BEK represents more than a new restaurant. It reflects a region shaped by newcomers who bring skills, stories, and culture with them. Nilla hopes BEK becomes a place of gathering and connection, where people can discover new flavors and experiences together.
Each visit is an opportunity to enjoy Afghan cuisine and to witness an immigrant family building a future through hard work, resilience, and community support.
About Canopy’s Entrepreneurship Program
Since 2020, Canopy’s Entrepreneurship Program has supported more than 35 immigrant owned businesses across Northwest Arkansas. These businesses range from restaurants and catering to auto repair, hair braiding, and event planning. The program provides business training, loan assistance, real estate guidance, and long term technical support, helping entrepreneurs build stability, dignity, and a sense of belonging through business ownership.
Go Visit BEK
Stop by BEK Restaurant and European Gourmet Market at 1149 W Walnut St in Rogers. Bring friends. Bring family. Come experience the flavors of Afghanistan along with the story of an immigrant family building something meaningful in Northwest Arkansas.
Here’s to bold flavors, new beginnings, and a region that grows stronger by welcoming new neighbors.
Here is the link for an article about BEK in the Rogers Lowell Chamber.
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