An area restaurant owner who has played a leading role in promoting tourism in northwest Arkansas as been selected for induction into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame.

Joe DeVito is one of two people that will be inducted in ceremonies in  Bentonville later this month. 

According to a release from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, DeVito is being honored not only for his role in the operation of their longtime family business DeVito's Restaurant and Bear Creek Trout Farm in Harrison, but for his leadership role in the Ozark Mountain Tourism Association, serving as its Executive Director since 2017. DeVito is credited with guiding the organization in promoting northwest Arkansas as a vacation destination.

In addition to DeVito, philanthropist Alice Walton, with accomplishments including the founding of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville and the School of Art at the University of Arkansas, will be inducted in the ceremonies as part of the 51st annual Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism place Feb. 23-25.

The complete release can be read below:

Joe DeVito and Alice Walton will be inducted into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fameas part of the 51st annual Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism, taking place Feb. 23-25 in Bentonville. 

The Hall of Fame honor is presented annually to individuals who have been actively involved in tourism for many years and have made substantial contributions to the betterment of the state’s tourism industry.

Joe DeVito

In the hills of the Ozarks, family tradition runs deep—and for Joe DeVito, it starts with DeVito’s Restaurant in Harrison, Arkansas. Founded in 1986 by his parents, Jim and Mary Alice DeVito, the restaurant reflects a legacy of family pride, Italian heritage, and a passion for hospitality.

Running the family restaurant with his brothers Steve and Chris is more than a business for DeVito—it’s a way of life. Raised in the restaurant’s bustling kitchen and dining room, he absorbed his family’s work ethic, deep appreciation for sharing Italian cuisine, and commitment to welcoming every guest as if they were family. Today, DeVito’s Restaurant and the accompanying Bear Creek Springs Trout Farm is a staple of the Harrison community and a testament to DeVito’s dedication to carrying forward his parents’ vision while elevating the region’s culinary identity.

DeVito’s contributions to hospitality and tourism extend far beyond his restaurant’s walls. A Harrison native, DeVito has devoted his career to enhancing tourism and economic development in the Ozarks. As the executive director of the Ozark Mountain Tourism Association since 2017, he has worked tirelessly to promote the region as a destination for outdoor recreation, cultural heritage, and hospitality. His leadership has helped position the area as a must-visit for travelers seeking adventure and authentic experiences, especially along the Buffalo National River.

Before leading the Ozark Mountain Tourism Association, DeVito was a dedicated member of its board, where his commitment to elevating tourism brought new energy and opportunities to the region. He has also been an active member of the Arkansas Restaurant Association and Arkansas Hospitality Association for decades. His tenure in these organizations and among his peers has earned him numerous accolades, including his induction into the Arkansas Hospitality Association Hall ofFame in 2020, the Arkansas Hospitality Association Salut Au Restaurateur Award in 2013, and recognition for Outstanding Service as President of the Arkansas Restaurant Association in 2016.

Through his lifelong dedication to hospitality, community, and tourism, DeVito has left an enduring mark on The Natural State. Whether welcoming guests at his family’s restaurant, leading initiatives to promote the Ozarks, or representing Arkansas through his leadership in statewide organizations, DeVito exemplifies the passion and pride that make Arkansas a truly special place.

Alice Walton

Philanthropist Alice Walton has redefined cultural tourism and community development in Arkansas and beyond through her visionary leadership and dedication to increasing access to the arts, improving education, and enhancing health and well-being.

Her personal passion for art began in childhood while painting landscapes with her mother on family camping and hiking trips in the Ozarks. Over time, Walton’s interest grew into a broader appreciation for art history and American art, culminating in her gifting her personal art collection to form the foundation of the world-class holdings of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. In 2005, Walton founded Crystal Bridges in Bentonville as a non-profit organization. The museum, designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, opened on Nov. 11, 2011, and entry is free ofcharge. In 2020, the museum extended its reach by opening the Momentary in Downtown Bentonville, conceived as a venue for the music, art, and food of our time. Since its opening, the museum has welcomed more than 13 million visitors to its campus. 

Crystal Bridges connects the power of art and nature, offering an extensive collection of American masterworks spanning five centuries, including temporary exhibitions and public programs. The museum grounds feature more than five miles of walking and biking trails, and its educational initiatives provide free opportunities for schools and teachers, making art accessible to all. Currently undergoing a major expansion to increase its facilities by 50%, Crystal Bridges continues to grow.

Beyond Crystal Bridges and the Momentary, Walton established Art Bridges Foundation in 2017 to expand access to American art nationwide, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Additionally, in 2017 Alice Walton spearheaded a family foundation gift that provided $120 million to establish a School of Art at the University of Arkansas, creating the first and only accredited, collegiate school of art in the state. This collective work has further elevated Northwest Arkansas a hub for cultural exploration. 

Walton’s philanthropic work extends into health and education. In 2019, she established Heartland Whole Health Institute, a non-profit organization that puts a whole health approach at the center of the broader healthcare system to address the current healthcare crisis. A few years later, in 2021, she announced the formation of  Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, which focuses on whole health principles by integrating arts, humanities, and wellness into traditional medical education. Both the Institute and School will open on Crystal Bridges Campus during 2025.

Alice Walton’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Smithsonian Institution’s Archives of American Art Medal, the Getty Medal, and recognition by “TIME” magazine as one of the most influential people in the world. Through her leadership, Walton has positioned Arkansas as a global destination for arts, education, and innovation, leaving an indelible legacy in The Natural State.