Happy National Catfish Day, y’all! At Eat My Catfish, we’re thrilled to join the nation in celebrating this iconic Southern staple on June 25th, a day that holds special significance right here in Arkansas—the birthplace of the commercial catfish farming industry. As proud Arkansans, we’re serving up our signature fried catfish platters, po’boys, and more to honor the rich tradition and economic impact of catfish in our state. And we’re especially excited to share that our Riverdale location in Little Rock was recently featured on KARK 4 News, showcasing our love for this beloved fish and Arkansas’s deep connection to it!
Arkansas: The Heart of Catfish Country
Did you know that Arkansas is where it all began for commercial catfish farming? As highlighted in the KARK 4 News story filmed at our Riverdale restaurant, “The Natural State is the birthplace of the commercial catfish industry, and today, catfish farming remains the largest part of Arkansas aquaculture.” This legacy dates back to the early 20th century when innovative farmers in Arkansas, alongside neighbors in Mississippi and Louisiana, began raising catfish in controlled environments. By the 1980s, the industry was booming, and on June 25, 1987, President Ronald Reagan officially proclaimed National Catfish Day to recognize the hard work of catfish farmers and the fish’s cultural and economic importance.
Here in Arkansas, catfish isn’t just a meal—it’s a way of life. From the farmers who raise these whiskered wonders to the anglers who reel them in from our lakes and rivers, catfish is woven into the fabric of our state. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission even stocked over 520,000 catfish last year to keep our waters teeming with these prized fish for anglers to enjoy. At Eat My Catfish, we’re proud to carry on this tradition by serving up U.S. farm-raised catfish that’s fresh, flavorful, and fried to golden perfection.
A Taste of Tradition at Eat My Catfish
Our Riverdale location was the perfect backdrop for KARK’s National Catfish Day feature, where we showcased what makes our catfish dishes so special. Whether you’re craving a classic fried catfish platter with hushpuppies and coleslaw, a spicy Cajun catfish po’boy, or our famous catfish nuggets, we’ve got something to satisfy every catfish lover. Our commitment to quality starts with sourcing U.S. farm-raised catfish, supporting the hardworking farmers who keep Arkansas at the forefront of the industry.
National Catfish Day is more than just a chance to enjoy a delicious meal—it’s a tribute to the Southern culture and traditions that make catfish a cherished part of our heritage. As KARK noted, Arkansas’s catfish industry is a cornerstone of our economy, and we’re honored to play a role in sharing this legacy with our community.
Join Us for National Catfish Day!
This National Catfish Day, we invite you to swing by Eat My Catfish at any of our locations—especially Riverdale, where the KARK cameras captured the magic! Come celebrate with a plate of crispy, golden catfish and raise a hushpuppy to Arkansas’s proud history as the birthplace of catfish farming. Not in the mood to dine in? Grab some takeout or order delivery to enjoy our catfish at home.
We’re also excited to keep the party going beyond June 25th. If you’re an angler, check out the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Family and Community Fishing Program ponds, recently stocked with thousands of pounds of catfish, including some jumbo-sized ones, thanks to a generous donation from Baxter Land Company Fish Farm.
Let’s Eat Some Catfish, Arkansas!
At Eat My Catfish, we’re passionate about serving up the flavors that make Arkansas so special. National Catfish Day is the perfect time to celebrate our state’s pioneering role in catfish farming and the delicious dishes that bring us together. So, grab your friends and family, head to Eat My Catfish, and let’s honor this fin-tastic tradition with every crispy, savory bite.
Thank you to KARK 4 News for featuring our Riverdale location and shining a spotlight on Arkansas’s catfish legacy. Here’s to National Catfish Day, to Arkansas, and to the fish that’s been a Southern favorite for generations. See y’all at Eat My Catfish!
Eat My Catfish
Serving Arkansas’s Finest Fried Catfish Since Day One