...as told by one of their wives.
The not so sordid history of EJ's..
In 1990, Jim Miners & Eddie Phillips were University of Arkansas students with a taste for good cooking and a passion for a cold pint. Now, here they are 17 years later with EJ’s Eats & Drinks, the downtown restaurant & bar they co-own. EJ’s opened in 2002 in a 10 table ‘hole-in-the-wall’ on Kavanaugh in Hillcrest. Almost immediately after opening, EJ's gathered a cult following addicted to their generous portions & cozy atmosphere. As pretty much the only alternative to pizza & Chinese delivery, their catering & delivery business quickly grew. After four years in the original location, they were ready to expand into their new home in downtown Little Rock. The downtown location boasts a lively ambience and 25 tables – perfect for a quick business lunch, family dinner, private party or afternoon snacks and cocktails. Yes, we said cocktails…while EJ’s only served beer & wine when they were in Hillcrest, they’ve added on mixed drinks…so come see for your self why EJ’s is becoming such a popular restaurant!
Jim Miners
Born & raised just outside Chicago in LaGrange, Illinois, Jim moved to Arkansas not, as you might assume, to escape the “Cubs Curse” but rather to attend University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Playing Rugby and working his way through college in local restaurant kitchens, he found a talent in managing menus & making good food.
“We love it here in Little Rock. But it didn't take long to learn that our locals are a tough bunch to please and if you want a busy restaurant you need a product that delivers.” Jim is a proud southern transplant, taking such a liking to the southern cooking & hospitality…he not only decided to stay, but to marry an Arkansas girl. Jim & his wife, Christy, both still play rugby, live in Hillcrest and have two sons, Jacob (8) & Lucas (2).
Eddie Phillips
A Raiders Fan by birth-rite, we don’t hold it against him since he’s a Razorback, too. Having grown up in California, Eddie moved to Arkansas to attend the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Not just a stereotypic Rugby player, Eddie fashioned his passion for a cold Budweiser into a talent for running a good restaurant & bar.
“We’re proud to have a place where our customers can get great food & our friends have a fun place to gather.” Like Jim, a lovely & effervescent Arkansas girl stole his heart. Eddie & his wife, Ali, have two daughters, Sydney (6) and Annie (1).