Goodies
Goodies, a family-owned fried seafood, burgers, hot dogs, and all-day breakfast eatery with locations in Milford and Orange CT, is opening a third location in Derby at the former Apollo Pizza space at 235 Roosevelt Drive (Route 34). Owner Nick Vlastaris is targeting a November 2026 opening. Interior demolition is underway and exterior upgrades are […]
The Brine
The Brine is a contemporary Southern cuisine restaurant and bar opening inside The Picklr at Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City, LA. Chef Gabriel Balderas is aiming for a mid-August opening. The restaurant will also manage a concession stand at the adjacent Louisiana Wildlife Carousel.
Raising Cane’s
Raising Cane’s chicken finger restaurant opening August 3, 2026 on the former Rocky Mount Red Lobster site at North Wesleyan Blvd and Sutters Creek Blvd. Hiring 150 crew members. Hours: Sun-Thu 10am-midnight, Fri-Sat 10am-1am.
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe, an 80-plus-unit breakfast-and-lunch franchise, has named Knoxville, TN a priority franchise growth market. Plans call for 3-4 locations in the area, creating approximately 125-150 new jobs. Brand is actively seeking franchise partners with business/leadership experience. No specific addresses or opening dates announced yet.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s Hot Chicken is eyeing its first Polk County location in Lakeland, FL at 3950 S. Florida Avenue, a former Kichi Taiyaki storefront. A zoning verification request has been submitted to the city, with plans for interior renovations for a new restaurant. The California-based chain confirmed plans to rapidly expand in 2026 across eight states […]
Kaia
Asian-Caribbean restaurant from Miami chef Raheem Sealey (KYU Miami, Drinking Pig BBQ, Shisho). Menu features braised oxtail over yuzu kosho white beans, jerk snapper with green mango and papaya slaw, and fried chicken with pickled watermelon. Beer, wine, and cocktails with small plates format. Space previously occupied by Sorghum & Salt. Targeting late July or […]
Olive & Thyme
California-based fast-casual restaurant and gourmet market concept Olive & Thyme is set to open its first location outside of Los Angeles at 622 Merritt Ave in The Finery mixed-use development in Wedgewood-Houston. Founded by chef and owner Melina Davies, the concept features organic ingredients, made-from-scratch soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrees including pasta, burgers, and tacos. […]
Tikka Bowls and Tacos
Tikka Bowls and Tacos is opening its first Greater Houston location in Katy, TX. Described as a ‘Chipotle concept with Indian fusion,’ the menu includes naan tacos, butter chicken bowls, tikka masala wings, Indian beverages, fresh lemonades, and draft beer. Opening expected summer 2026.
Paris Baguette
French-Asian bakery cafe Paris Baguette is opening a new location at Peachtree Corners Town Center, replacing former Tiff’s Treats and Sooni and Tommi cosmetics suites in a newly created ~2,900 sq ft space. Part of ongoing metro Atlanta expansion.
La Vetta
Italian restaurant La Vetta is set to open on Savannah’s Broughton Street, operated by Southern Cross Hospitality. The article also mentions Lester’s (French-influenced oyster bar) which already opened in June and is therefore excluded as the primary lead.