CHEROKEE VILLAGE, Ark. — A tart cherry pie that won top honors at the Arkansas Pie Festival has earned Bentonville baker Lisa Sohl a spot at the World Food Championships in Indianapolis, according to a festival news release.
Sohl, founder and head baker of Piehouse Bakery, received the festival’s Golden Ticket to compete in the event, scheduled for Oct. 15-18 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center.
The Arkansas Pie Festival is an official qualifier for the competition, giving its overall champion an opportunity to advance beyond the statewide contest.
Sohl grew up on a dairy farm in rural Nebraska, where she learned to cook and bake for her family, according to the release. She later worked in sales and marketing before establishing Piehouse Bakery, which specializes in pies, cakes, pastries and other desserts made from scratch.
“Lisa’s story really represents what the Arkansas Pie Festival is all about,” festival co-founder Jonathan Rhodes said in the release.
“We love pie, but the festival has always been about something bigger. It gives us an opportunity to celebrate talented bakers, support small businesses, and showcase the culinary traditions that make Arkansas special. Now we get to cheer Lisa on as she takes a little slice of Arkansas to Indianapolis.”
Former festival champion Jean Freitas of Community Bakery in Little Rock also plans to return to the World Food Championships this year, according to festival organizers.
This year’s Golden Ticket sponsors include state Reps. Steven Walker, Trey Steimel, Bart Schulz and Stetson Painter, along with Walmart Inc., the release said.
The Arkansas Pie Festival was named the 2025 food-themed event winner in the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame.
Held the last Saturday in April in Cherokee Village, the festival brings together professional and home bakers for competitions, tastings, live entertainment and family activities.
Festival proceeds support science, technology, engineering, arts and math education and entrepreneurship through the Spring River Innovation Hub, according to organizers.
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