The Sunny Side Up Restaurant
Harahan diner known for sweet breakfast treats planning second location in New Orleans East. Will be full-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and non-alcoholic drinks with dine-in and take-out services.
Wicked Wingz
Burger and wing spot opening at Southland Mall in Houma offering affordable comfort food including crispy wings, fresh burgers, and loaded fries in quick-service format
Dakar NOLA
Acclaimed Senegalese restaurant relocating from Magazine Street to former Mat & Naddie’s location. Will feature tasting menu in dining room (18 seats) and casual à la carte menu on covered patio opening in July. Restaurant is expanding dining options while maintaining focus on modern Senegalese cuisine.
Dumpling & Bao
Chinese restaurant opening second location in former Zaxby’s building. Will take 4-5 months to open after receiving the building in about a month from article date.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
90-room TownePlace Suites by Marriott under construction near I-10 and College Drive intersection. Features fully furnished kitchens in each room, continental breakfast, and fitness center. Room rates planned at $110-150 per night. $9.6 million development by Patel Construction of Lake Charles.
Big Mike’s BBQ Smokehouse
Flagship location for Big Mike’s BBQ Smokehouse featuring 7,700 square feet with live music venue, bar, and outdoor recreational space. Construction broke ground late last year.
Pathway Café
Non-profit venture featuring both a cafe and professional car wash, serving po-boys, wings, bagels, and grits. Provides employment for folks in recovery and those reintegrating after incarceration. Currently undergoing interior renovations.
Elisa’s Cuban Coffee & Kitchen
Cuban food trailer expanding to brick-and-mortar restaurant with 80-seat dining room, full bar, breakfast service, and drive-thru. Owners took over the truck in July 2025 and are converting a former po-boy shop into a tropical-themed Cuban restaurant.
Raising Cane’s
Renovated Raising Cane’s location reopening in Lafayette after renovation
Kenji Kazoku
Upscale Japanese restaurant backed by former LSU and NFL wide receiver Malachi Dupre in collaboration with Chef Matthew Nguyen. Will serve Japanese dishes including dry-aged fish and wagyu steak, plus sake and craft cocktails. Third location after Kenji Omakase in New Orleans and Casa Kenji in Houston.