About Us
Meet Chef Abernathy
Chef Mark Abernathy has over 40 years of experience in the restaurant industry as a chef, owner, manager, consultant, and developer. Mark is arguably Arkansas’ best-known chef and restaurateur. In addition to being active throughout the state in teaching, demonstrations, and fundraising; Mark also owns two of Little Rock’s most popular restaurants—the multiple award-winning Loca Luna and Red Door. He has owned and/or developed multiple restaurants and earned hundreds of local and national awards and accolades.
Mark has been recognized in the media on Food Network’s Rachael Ray’s Tasty Travels, in Bon Appétit, Southern Living Magazine, and a host of others. He’s also the former host and creator of Today’s Cuisine, an ABC-syndicated cooking show. Mark was a featured presenter for 3 years at Food & Wine Magazine’s Atlanta Food & Wine Festival. He was also the presenting chef for St. Jude’s “Farm to Table” series in 2011 and 2012.
When Mark’s not busy in the kitchen, he’s out in the community doing what he can to make a difference. He’s the founder and chairman of the Central High School Museum, a project that promoted racial healing and showcased and celebrated the historic events surrounding the 1957 civil rights struggle at the famous Little Rock high school. Mark is also the founder of the Arkansas chapter of Share Our Strength, a national fundraiser for hunger relief.
See What People Are Raving About
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Restaurants and Institutions Magazine
“…one of the country’s most influential chefs.”
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AY Magazine
​“If you want to have something familiar but different, head to the Red Door Restaurant for lunch this week.”
