By: Jax Crall
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – This spring, approximately 5,500 students will be walking on the stage and getting their diplomas at the University of Arkansas. To add on top of that, Mother’s Day falls on the same weekend. Having one of these events can already draw a huge crowd, but a combination of both can bring a surplus of families, restaurant reservations, and an influx in revenue. This weekend isn’t just busy; it’s possibly one of the most profitable weekends in the city of Fayetteville.
“We have been receiving requests for over two months, so we are definitely expecting a full house,” Lori Boatright, the general manager of the Farmer’s Table said. “Navigating the schedule is tough also, there are lots of different graduate times, and having Mother’s Day on top of that doesn’t make it any easier.”
The Farmer’s Table is ranked the second-best breakfast restaurant in Fayetteville, according to TripAdvisor. The four-and-a-half-star restaurant is already popular, but with this weekend holiday and event, Boatright expects the restaurant to be as busy as ever. However, all this preparation can’t avoid one uncontrollable issue: the weather.
In 2022, in addition to visitors, graduation and Mother’s Day weekend brought snow to Fayetteville, and the Farmer’s table lost a big chunk of revenue.
“I’m hoping for lots of sunshine,” Boatright said. “If we do see bad weather come May, our seating could become very limited.”
Even though there may be weather concerns, businesses across Fayetteville are gearing up for what could be one of the busiest weekends of the year. With thousands of graduates and families coming into town, it’s not just about handling the crowd for Boatright, it’s about welcoming and experiencing the moment alongside these groups. As long as the weather stays clear, this weekend will shape up to be a win-win for families and the local economy in Fayetteville.