Smalls Sliders
First Smalls Sliders location in Kentucky, planned for the Idle Hour shopping center on Richmond Road at the former Coba Cocina site. Will feature a double drive-thru, outdoor patio seating, and a walk-up ordering window. Construction planned to begin within 45-60 days, with opening by end of 2026 or early 2027.
Hot Head Burritos
Hot Head Burritos is opening its first Louisville location near St. Matthews mall in December 2026. This will be the brand’s 6th Kentucky location and 88th systemwide. Fast-casual burrito concept with 16 signature sauces and 40+ fresh ingredients.
Traveler’s Table
Globally inspired dining concept from husband-and-wife team Challis and Lauren Hodge of Taste Food and Wine. Will replace Grassroots & Vine at 1011 S. Ft. Thomas Ave. Menu features rotating dishes from world cuisines including Spanish, Moroccan, Mediterranean, French, and Italian influences. Renovations underway. Expected to open in August 2026.
Mimi’s Ethiopian Restaurant
Mimi’s Ethiopian Restaurant will open August 1, 2026 in Louisville’s Highlands neighborhood, offering traditional Ethiopian cuisine and coffee ceremonies.
House of Marigold
House of Marigold is opening a second Louisville location in Norton Commons in August 2026, in the former Gustavo’s Mexican Grill space. The 3,000+ sq ft location will feature the restaurant’s first-ever dinner service, craft cocktails, and a full coffee program alongside its seasonal Southern-inspired menu. Co-founded by Kris and Adrienne Cole. Hours will be […]
The House of Marigold
The House of Marigold, a seasonal comfort food-inspired brunch restaurant named ‘Best Restaurant in Kentucky in 2024’ by Southern Living, is set to open a location in Norton Commons this summer 2026. Plans had previously been announced in January 2025 but paused in November 2025; the plan is now back on.
Frisch’s Big Boy
Frisch’s Big Boy is reopening a previously closed location at 494 Orphanage Road in Fort Wright, KY with a ‘refreshed space.’ Renovations by Kelle Construction are approximately 4 weeks from completion as of June 18, 2026, with workers having been on site for about 10 weeks. This is the chain’s first new opening in over […]
Salento Italia
New Italian eatery opening in front of the Hub development on Lovers Lane in Bowling Green, KY. Second location of Salento Italia, with the flagship in Donelson, Tennessee. Menu features fresh pastas, artisan pizzas, traditional Italian dishes, salads, wines, and cocktails with a Greek influence. Co-owners are Maryanna Agelinas Graves and Bill and Sam Darsinos. […]
Smashing Tomato
Smashing Tomato is opening a third Lexington location at 112 Lucille Drive in the Masterson Station area on June 16, 2026, in the former Biscuit Belly spot just off Leestown Road. Known for wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, the menu also includes soups, salads, pastas, wine and beer. Expected to be open daily 11 a.m. to 9 […]
DaRae & Friends at The Commons
New breakfast and lunch restaurant from local caterer DaRae Marcum, opening in a renovated former auto repair shop (Stuttgart Motors) at the entrance to The Commons mixed-use development. Will serve Southern-style food, grab-and-go items 7am-7pm, closed Sundays. Seating for 20 inside plus patio. Property purchased July 2025 by developer Daren Turner, currently under renovation.