Little Red Barn Market
Little Red Barn Market is a local bakery and market concept transitioning from a pop-up stand to a permanent 912-square-foot brick-and-mortar location in downtown Burnet. Known for sourdough bread, cinnamon rolls, brownies, mini key lime pies, cake pops, quiches, frittatas, and gluten-free almond bars. Construction expected to begin July 1, 2026 and wrap up by […]
Cafe 1485
Cafe 1485, a breakfast-and-lunch spot, is planning to relocate within White Oak Center to the former Shirley’s Country Kitchen space at 1485 GA-34. The new location will expand from 1,200 sq ft to 3,300 sq ft, adding more kitchen space and a potential coffee shop corner with a barista counter. Architect development has begun; construction […]
Varuni Napoli
Varuni Napoli, a Neapolitan pizza restaurant, has signed a lease for its fourth location at Centennial Yards Entertainment District in Atlanta. The new location will feature 900-degree wood-fired ovens and signature pies. Owner Luca Varuni confirmed the opening is expected sometime in 2028. The article notes the timeline was updated from 2027 to 2028 per […]
Roots Natural Kitchen
Roots Natural Kitchen is planning its fourth Columbus-area location at the former Giordano’s space on Polaris Parkway. The fast-casual chain specializes in customizable grain bowls and salads. CEO Henry Borgeson confirmed a target of November 2026 for opening, though no official date has been announced. The brand currently operates 23 locations nationwide.
Mariscos La Costa
Mexican seafood chain specializing in Nayarit-style coastal cuisine (mendigo seafood broth, shrimp and cheese empanadas, fish tacos, cocktails). This will be the chain’s third Chicago location. Co-owner Jose Covarrubias indicated no firm opening date but estimated approximately one month out from article date (June 15, 2026). Currently under construction.
Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea
Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea is opening at the ground floor of AmTrustRE’s office tower at 1 E Wacker Drive in The Loop. The cafe is expected to open sometime in the second half of 2026. Currently working on permitting. The concept was founded by Michael Schultz and has multiple locations in the Chicago area as […]
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Tropical Smoothie Cafe opening a new Logan Square location at 2620 N Milwaukee Ave, directly across from the Blue Line station. Franchisees Cesar Coronado and Marion Sullivan, who already operate 11 locations in the Chicago area, will own this cafe. Grand opening features 50% off orders and 10,000 free smoothie giveaways. Menu includes made-to-order smoothies, […]
Palmyra
New summer-centric restaurant concept opening in place of former Next Mex. Will serve burgers, wings, and craft beer. Owner Greg Karellas has previous restaurant experience as minority owner of Hawthorne’s Backyard in West Chicago. Located at the base of the Front Street Lofts development. Expected October or November 2026 opening. No website or social media […]
Olive Garden
Olive Garden is planning a new larger-format location at Kendall Marketplace in Yorkville, IL. It will be the first sit-down restaurant in the shopping center, located near the current Target on the south end of the development. Opening is estimated for sometime in 2027. Site plans are under review.
Dream’s Pizza
Dream’s Pizza, a Chicago-style pizza chain with existing locations in Markham and Calumet Park, is expanding to a third location at Hazel Crest Center. Owner Mickey Banks has received the keys but does not yet have an exact opening date. The restaurant will serve build-your-own pizzas in sizes from small to family, along with pastas […]