Star of India of Little Rock, opened in 1993 by restaurateur Sami Lal, is the 2026 winner of the Arkansas Association of Asian Businesses’ second-annual Business of the Year Award. The award was announced Feb. 21 during the association’s annual “East Meets West” of Arkansas luncheon in Hot Springs.
Lal, a native of Nakodar, located in the Jalandhar district of Punjab, India, opened Star of India to introduce the flavors, traditions and hospitality of the Indian culture to central Arkansas. He is known to his customers not only for the food, but also for his warm “welcome home” greeting they received each time they entered the restaurant over the past 33 years.
Lal says the Little Rock community embraced him and his family from the very beginning, allowing both the family and the restaurant to grow alongside the city for more than three decades.
“Our greatest honor is the relationships we have built with our guests and neighbors,” Lal said. “Star of India has always been more than a restaurant — it is where East meets West, where friendships are formed, and where culture is shared with gratitude. We are deeply thankful for this recognition and for the opportunity to continue serving the community we proudly call home,” he said.
Aitoh of Hot Springs, a distributor and importer of Asian art supplies, including what the company says is the largest offering of Japanese Origami paper in the country, received second place. Third place was awarded to Lasang Pinoy of Rogers, a family-owned restaurant specializing in Filipino cuisine.
Also on the program agenda were two major announcements from AAAB Executive Director Jayesh Ramnani and members of AAAB’s board of directors — foremost being a decision by the board to change the name of the organization to the Arkansas-Asia Business Council (AABC), which was effective at the conclusion of the luncheon.
“After eight years, our mission remains the same but the old name often implied a focus solely on Asian-owned businesses,” said board president Michael Mourot. “In reality, our purpose has always been to support and promote business engagement between Arkansas and Asia for all businesses. Our new name better reflects that mission. It emphasizes inclusivity and highlights our role as a council dedicated to facilitating successful partnerships and opportunities for businesses across Arkansas and throughout Asia.”
Also announced was the creation of a new and streamlined ecosystem with three strategic pillars of service for its members and partners throughout the state.
“This isn’t just a name change – it’s a commitment to action,” Ramnani said. “In the coming months, we’re launching our new ‘AABC Connect’ app to drive real business growth among members. We will also be activating programs under the three strategic pillars: talent development through AABC Ascend, business growth through AABC Connect, and cultural connection through our AABC Community Hub. Our board of directors, community partners, and the broader Arkansas business community are ready to build the ecosystem our new name represents — one where Arkansas and Asia thrive together.”
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