Jonesboro, AR — (JonesboroRightNow.com) — May 14, 2025 — Meet Me On Main is an initiative by the Jonesboro Media Group, parent of Jonesboro Right Now, and First Horizon Bank – located in the historic landmark building at Main Street and Washington Avenue at the unofficial entrance to downtown Jonesboro.
A section of Main Street was closed Sept. 25, 2024, due to concerns about the safety of the former Citizens Bank building across Main from First Horizon.
The building was condemned, demolished and the lot and streets around it improved. Main Street reopened May 13, 2025, much to the excitement of downtown business owners, operators and downtown residents.
JMG and the First Horizon Foundation are promoting and supporting the downtown businesses with a series of articles. The articles will be published each Thursday for the next several weeks. In addition, there will be promotion efforts on JMG’s six radio stations each Thursday. JMG and First Horizon urge you to visit and support these businesses.
This week’s featured business: Viet Kitchen
Viet Kitchen is ready for a fresh start after months of construction disrupted traffic and impacted business. The restaurant opened last August, just weeks before Main Street was closed for roadwork.
“It was very hard,” said Mimi Lama, manager. “In the beginning, it was going very good. But after they shut down the road, it was just kind of good. People were supporting us, and they were very kindhearted. But we are very excited now since the road is open. We’re happy because we hope the sales are going to be up.”
Viet Kitchen specializes in Vietnamese cuisine, including dishes like pho — a traditional rice noodle soup — and banh mi sandwiches, made with a choice of grilled chicken, steak, pork, or shrimp. Customers can dine in, carry out, or order delivery via DoorDash and Uber Eats.
“We are working very hard,” Lama said. “I hope people will come to our restaurant and really support us. I’m very grateful, very thankful.”
The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Viet Kitchen is located at 322 S. Main St.
A portion of the Meet Me On Main promotion effort is being provided by First Horizon Foundation, the private, charitable foundation of First Horizon Corporation. Founded in 1993 to serve the communities in which First Horizon operates; the Foundation has donated more than $150 million across the First Horizon footprint.
The grants are invested in a way that responds inclusively to community needs and promotes progress and prosperity across these impact areas: arts & culture, education & leadership, environmental sustainability, financial literacy, and health & human services. The Foundation has awarded nearly a quarter million dollars in Northeast Arkansas over the last few years.