Hummingbird Bowls
Woman-owned fast-casual restaurant focused on healthy food including smoothies, bowls, and light bites. Founded by Amy Feldman, a third-generation Skokie resident with 25+ years in the natural food industry. Features a monthly community menu program where customers submit ideas and 100% of proceeds from winning items go to a selected nonprofit.
Tatsu Ramen House
Tatsu Ramen House, a family-owned ramen restaurant by Mongolian chef Erdane Sainnyambu, is planning a third location in DeKalb, IL — described as ‘sometime next year’ relative to the May 2026 article. The chef is currently in talks with multiple properties and no address has been announced. Existing locations are in Elgin (2490 Bushwood Drive) […]
Vasco’s Peri Peri
New Vasco’s Peri Peri location opening at Wheatland Marketplace shopping center in Naperville, IL. This is the fourth location for the Portuguese-Indian fusion fast-casual chain, personally owned by founder Samir Ajmeri and his wife. Menu features Peri Peri fried chicken, pitas, wraps, bowls, and platters. Owner is targeting a July 2026 debut.
Churp
Fast-casual healthy bowl concept from Tyler Helikson, founder of Happy + Hale. Opening at Olde Raleigh Village shopping center. Menu centers on customizable bowls with a dedicated kids bento box-style menu. Targeting late-summer or early-fall 2026 opening. Founder is considering future expansion depending on debut location success.
Fortunate Son
Fortunate Son is opening its second Dallas location at 8686 Ferguson Rd., Suite 200, focusing on New Haven-style pizza with naturally leavened dough and charred crust. The project spans 4,300 sq ft (2,811 interior + 1,489 patio). Renovations expected to begin June 2026 with completion projected for October 2026. Co-owner Matthew Tobin confirmed construction has […]
Fresh & Feta
Fast-casual Mediterranean concept from Habibi Grill owner Tarek Albast, opening in early June 2026 inside Little Grand Market food hall at Grandview Crossing development. Will offer customizable Mediterranean bowls, wraps, and salads with items like falafel, chicken shawarma, feta, grains, and house-made sauces. Taking over the former For the Love of Dough Cookies space.
Milkshake Factory
Pittsburgh-based Milkshake Factory is set to open a new location at The Commons at Hamilton Quarter near New Albany and Gahanna in Columbus, OH. The brand is known for handcrafted milkshakes, sundaes, chocolate treats, house-made ice cream, and premium mix-ins. Opening date has not yet been confirmed.
Manjul
Manjul is a specialty coffee and curated fashion retail concept expanding from New York City’s SoHo neighborhood to its first Ohio location. It will occupy a ground-floor space in the 4th & 5th Apartments development by Thrive Companies in Weinland Park. No official opening date has been announced. The concept partners with Kolo Coffee for […]
Little Nest Coffee Roasters
Cozy neighborhood coffee shop focused on small-batch, in-house roasted coffee. Menu will include lattes and teas; no pastries or baked goods initially. Owner Jason Spencer expects to launch within approximately 30 days of the article date (2026-05-27). Located at the corner of Mack Avenue and Hampton Road in Grosse Pointe Woods’ downtown area.
Red Robin
New Red Robin franchise location opening near Fashion Square Mall, replacing a former Logan’s Roadhouse. Operated by Ansara Restaurant Group. CEO Victor Ansara is targeting a November 2026 opening. This will be the 20th Red Robin location in Michigan for the group.