Wing Snob
Wing Snob franchisee Johnny Shabani is building a new location at 336 W Chrysler Drive in Belvidere, IL, near Rockford. Franchisee signed the lease in early 2026 and is targeting a mid-July opening. Construction is currently underway. The location shares a building with a Dunkin’. Wing Snob specializes in fresh (never frozen) chicken wings with […]
Pazzi Di Pizza
Elmhurst-based wood-fire pizza chain expanding to a third location in Bloomingdale, IL. Opening estimated for July 2026. Owner Ralph (Paul) Lappo is opening the new spot with his nephew Marco Lappo. Restaurant serves wood-fired pizzas, paninis, soups, and salads with authentic Italian cuisine. Previously occupied by Alcentro Trattoria, which closed in late 2025.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream franchise is coming to the Chicago suburbs with planned locations in Algonquin, Elgin, and the Geneva-St. Charles area. Franchisee Castro Rafeedie signed a multi-unit deal and expects the first location to debut by winter 2027. Specific addresses and firm opening dates have not yet been announced pending site selection.
Tous Les Jours
South Korean and French bakery chain franchised location opening at The Grove Shopping Center. Franchise owners Vatsal and Shruti Pathak are debuting their first Tous Les Jours location. Menu includes baguettes, chocolate-dipped Belgian waffles, custard buns, honey cheese mochi pancakes, pastries, sandwiches, and cakes. Owner Vatsal indicated a target opening around the Fourth of July, […]
OMB River View
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery’s new riverfront taproom, brauhaus, and biergarten. $6M+ project targeting late September 2026 opening. ~7,000 sq ft venue overlooking the Catawba River and Dutchman’s Creek. Will seat ~100 indoors, 50 on patio, and ~400 in biergarten. Foundations poured, landscaping underway, steel frame erection imminent. Gais Construction is GC; Redline Design Group and […]
Clouds Brewing
Clouds Brewing plans to open a new downtown Raleigh location in the former Tobacco Road Sports Cafe space at 505 W. Jones St. The brewery acquired the assets and operations effective June 1, 2026. Current employees will be retained and previously booked events honored. The venue features expansive indoor dining, multiple bars, and event spaces. […]
Frank’s Beer Shop
Frank’s Beer Shop is expanding into adjacent space at its current location to add a Bar/Coffee Shop concept, potentially in partnership with Charlotte-based Enderly Coffee. The expansion would create an all-day destination serving coffee in the morning and beverages later in the day. A permit application has been filed but no timeline or opening date […]
Gillis Family Tavern
Gillis Family Tavern is relocating from its longtime home at the historic Jenny Grist Mill (6 Spring Lane) to the former site of Proof 22 at 22 Main Street in downtown Plymouth. The tavern’s final day at the old location was May 31, 2026. The new space is larger and better suited for long-term goals. […]
La Neta x Churrería 52
Fast-casual taquería La Neta is expanding to a second location at 100 City Hall Plaza in downtown Boston, sharing space with a new churro-focused concept called Churrería 52. Both concepts are from restaurateur Allan Rodríguez. No official opening date announced, but project documents indicate the location is expected to debut before the end of 2026.
Azul Mexican Kitchen
Fast-casual spinoff of Taco Azul, a contemporary Mexican concept. First location at South Station expected to open late July or early August 2026; second location at Faneuil Hall Marketplace (4 South Market St, Quincy Market Main Hall) slated for later summer or early fall 2026. Menu includes build-your-own bowls, burritos, tacos, nachos, and quesadillas with […]