Sweet July Café
Ayesha Curry’s lifestyle café coming to the Ritz-Carlton in Charlotte. Menu features smoothies, pastries, healthy snacks, California farmers-market-inspired cuisine with Jamaican influences. Slated for July 2026 grand opening. Part of a three-restaurant collaboration with Stephen Curry and chef Michael Mina of the Mina Group.
Rico Rico Taco
Oakland-born fast-casual taqueria specializing in Mexico City-inspired street food. Will open a 1,464-square-foot space between West Elm and Fieldwork Brewing Company at City Center Bishop Ranch in summer 2026. Menu features homemade tortillas, tacos carved fresh from the trompo, carne asada, pollo asado, burritos, bowls, and quesadillas.
Maison Baguette
Kosher artisan sandwich concept by Chef Olivia Ostrow, operating out of Maison Ostrow. Offers 25+ French-inspired sandwiches served in house-baked baguettes. To-go and pickup only, plus delivery via Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and proprietary app. Hours Sunday-Thursday 11:30am-4pm. Launching June 1, 2026.
Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream
Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream is opening a new franchised location in Mendota Heights, Minnesota this summer (2026). The brand currently has 35 domestic franchised locations throughout the Midwest and Southwest. Franchise inquiries can also be directed to Kat Davidson at KatD@drhnow.com or 678.485.8413.
Suzu
Chef Makoto Okuwa’s ingredient-led Japanese restaurant opening July 2026 at Madison Square in Cincinnati. Features indoor/outdoor seating, private Tea Room, craft cocktail bar, and a 10-seat Edo-style omakase counter called Suzuné. Part of the Madison Square dining development alongside Alara, Zingaro, and The Element Food Hall.
Taco John’s
Pentex Restaurant Group, Taco John’s largest franchisee, is opening a second Fargo location at 2253 S. University Dr in late June 2026. The restaurant will serve the full West-Mex menu including Potato Olés and Taco Bravo, open daily 6am-10pm with drive-thru until 11pm. Pentex operates nearly 50 Taco John’s locations across the Upper Midwest and […]
HB Protein Smoothies
HB Protein Smoothies is set to open its second corporate location in Flagstaff, AZ near Northern Arizona University inside a Whole Foods-anchored retail center alongside Lululemon, CycleBar, and Dutch Bros. A franchise location is also planned for Gilbert, AZ by local couple Michael and Samantha Marquez. Brand is expanding with hundreds of units in development […]
The Speakeasy Murder & Other Acts of Prohibition
Immersive murder mystery dinner experience (eatertainment) opening its first West Coast location in Buena Park, CA. Created by Emmy-Award winning TV host Erik Hastings and Broadway producer Gary Littman. Features a three-course prix fixe dinner with interactive murder mystery show set in a 1920s New York-style nightclub. Second location nationally; first launched in Orlando, FL […]
Capital Grille
Capital Grille is under construction on a 9,000 sq ft upscale steakhouse at the former Roy’s Restaurant site in Rancho Mirage. Full-bar concept, part of a 75-unit national brand, serving lunch and dinner with a $25-75+ check average. Slated to open Summer 2026.
East Coast Wings + Grill
Patel family franchise group signed agreement to open first ECW+G location in Tallahassee, FL. Full-service casual dining wing concept with 50+ flavors and seven heat levels. Scheduled to open late 2026. Sam Ballas is CEO/Founder of ECW+G. Media contact is Destiny Garcia at Fishman PR.