In this episode of Free Arkansas, Andy McNeill talks with Jacob Lively about bringing AQ Chicken back to downtown Springdale and why the iconic Arkansas restaurant still means so much to people across the state.

They discuss the legacy of AQ Chicken, what it takes to revive a beloved local brand, and Jacob’s path from first-generation college graduate to lawyer, operator, and investor. The conversation also explores Catalyst, family-office style investing, estate planning, and why Arkansas needs more builders and local capital.

It’s a conversation about entrepreneurship, risk, faith, legacy, and the work of building something that lasts.

00:00 Intro

00:39 Why AQ Chicken still matters in Arkansas

02:16 Reopening AQ Chicken in downtown Springdale

05:38 Why Arkansas needs more local investment

06:24 Jacob Lively’s path from Ouachita to law school

09:45 From Wright Lindsey to Pediatrics Plus

11:31 Building and learning at FoxDen

18:47 Leaving FoxDen and launching Catalyst

24:18 Building an estate planning practice

29:04 How much time Jacob will spend on AQ Chicken

32:11 How the AQ Chicken deal came together

36:34 Working with family and building for the long term

39:09 AQ Chicken’s opening plans and what comes next