Sip & Brick
Interactive brick-building café concept co-founded by Lauryn Wooding and Stone Fentzlaff. Guests can enjoy free-building opportunities and brick kits alongside a menu of house-made baked goods, sandwiches, charcuterie-style small bites, espresso drinks, craft cocktails, local beers, wine, and mocktails. Soft opening tentatively planned for mid-July 2026. Renovations are approximately 90% complete after permitting delays. Plans […]
Thunder Burgerz West
Thunder Burgerz West is preparing to open at 521 Haywood Road in West Asheville, NC. Founded by Roy Trantham, this is a direct expansion (not franchise) of the original Thunder Burgerz Grill on Smokey Park Highway. Menu will include burgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, pizza, salads, baked potatoes, ice cream, milkshakes, and daily specials. The […]
Danny’s Cafe
Danny’s Cafe is relocating from 110 W. Front Street to a larger 7,000-square-foot space at 2461 S. Church Street, formerly occupied by Michelle’s Kitchen & Table. The new location will unite the restaurant, catering, and event operations under one roof. New offerings will include a juice bar, coffee bar, and mocktail menu alongside breakfast, lunch, […]
Southern Grounds & Co.
Florida-based Southern Grounds & Co. (hybrid coffee shop, bakery, and restaurant concept) is planning two first-ever North Carolina locations in Charlotte’s Dilworth and Plaza Midwood neighborhoods. Founder Mark Janasik confirmed letters of intent have been signed for both sites, though leases are not yet finalized. No specific addresses or opening timelines have been announced. The […]
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii
Franchise owners Doug Epperly and Abby Epperly are exploring potential locations in Lake Wylie and Fort Mill, SC. They are seeking existing retail spaces of 1,500-2,000 sq ft to fulfill a franchise agreement requiring at least three local stores. Exact sites have not yet been identified. The brand recently debuted in Rock Hill, SC.
BIRDCODE
Connecticut-based Nashville hot chicken fast-casual chain opening its first Massachusetts location and seventh overall at 1978 Washington Street in Hanover. Slated to open mid-to-late September 2026. Will offer dine-in, takeout, and delivery. A franchisee team is leading the Massachusetts expansion, with plans for 7-10 locations statewide by end of 2027. Founded by Phil and Brandi […]
Paris Baguette
South Korean bakery-café chain opening flagship Massachusetts location at 253 Hartford Ave in Bellingham, adjacent to Whole Foods. Nearly 4,300 sq ft. Tentative soft opening June 29, 2026 with grand opening to follow pending final inspections. Franchisees Ankur Sahni and Megha Arora-Sahni plan an eight-unit expansion across Massachusetts. Second location planned for Mansfield ahead of […]
Lockheart Restaurant
Lockheart Restaurant, a Southwestern-inspired concept from Wellesley, is expanding to the historic former railroad station at 70 Union St in Newton Centre. The project involved a ~$1.2M buildout since 2024. Liquor, victualler, and entertainment licenses were approved 3-0 on June 16, 2026, pending final state ABCC approval. Attorney stated opening expected within weeks of ABCC […]
Puritan Tavern
Chef Will Gilson of Cambridge Street Hospitality Group is opening Puritan Tavern in a historic former fire station space. The restaurant will offer modern New England cuisine including baked cod, chowder, prime rib, burgers, and a raw bar. Features include a main dining room, second-floor private event space (up to 60 guests), and an 80-seat […]
Lakon Paris Patisserie
Lakon Paris Patisserie, a local French bakery with four existing Greater Boston locations, is opening an adjoining 1,500-square-foot café at the new Harvard Book Store location in downtown Boston’s Blackstone Block near Faneuil Hall. Known for croissants, danishes, breads, and French pastries. Construction is underway with a fall 2026 target opening.