KK’s Café
Youngsville-based KK’s Café is opening a second location in Carencro, Lafayette, occupying the former Pizza Amore space. Family-owned restaurant specializing in scratch-made comfort food including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with 15+ homemade cheesecake flavors, burgers, sandwiches, salads, soups, fried shrimp, fried catfish, and Sunday BBQ. Opening date not yet announced.
The Brine
The Brine is a contemporary Southern cuisine restaurant and bar opening inside The Picklr at Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City, LA. Chef Gabriel Balderas is aiming for a mid-August opening. The restaurant will also manage a concession stand at the adjacent Louisiana Wildlife Carousel.
BamBu Dessert Drinks
Vietnamese-inspired dessert cafe known for chè, fruit teas, smoothies, milk teas, and specialty coffees. Coming to a 2,270 sq ft former restaurant space inside Walmart. Renovation permit submitted May 28, 2026 with estimated cost of $75,000. Will be the brand’s third Louisiana location. Opening date unknown.
Omni Hotel New Orleans
Omni Hotels & Resorts plans to build a 1,000-room, 27-story hotel across from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The $600 million project involves demolition of the Sugar Mill site. New Orleans City Council approved the zoning change 7-0 on June 24, 2026, paving the way for construction. Project is expected to generate $213 million […]
Omni New Orleans Headquarters Hotel
Proposed 1,000-room, 27-story Omni hotel near the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Developed by Dallas-based Omni Hotels & Resorts. $600 million project. City Council unanimously advanced zoning changes on June 24, 2026. Described as ‘shovel-ready’ with construction start expected in the near term. Public incentives including PILOT agreement and ~$265M in state sales tax breaks […]
Bruiser’s “The Hot Dog Place”
Bruiser’s ‘The Hot Dog Place’, a hot dog and sausage restaurant owned by Kevin and Melissa Barduca, is preparing to open a new location in Covington, LA. Construction is underway at 1614 N. Columbia Street. The team is targeting a summer 2026 opening. The restaurant is known for loaded hot dogs and sausages. Original location […]
Cheba Hut Toasted Subs
Cheba Hut Toasted Subs, a cannabis-themed fast-casual sandwich chain founded in 1998, is planning a new location in Baton Rouge at 14631 Village Market St. City permit records confirm the planned location, and an Instagram post shows construction/buildout underway. The menu features 30+ signature toasted subs, salads, Rice Krispies treats, and craft beer bars with […]
Gangnam Korean BBQ
Investor Lindsay Lee is opening two concepts at 807 Railroad Ave in downtown Donaldsonville: Lemon Tree Coffee and Ramen Bar (set to open end of July 2026) and Gangnam Korean BBQ (expected late August or early September 2026). Gangnam Korean BBQ will offer an immersive, traditional Korean barbecue experience with equipment imported directly from Korea.
Tsubaki By Koi
Locally owned Japanese restaurant relocating from 3564 Ambassador Caffery Parkway to 803 W. Pinhook Road in Lafayette, taking over the former Shane’s building. Relocation prompted by major construction at old location. Menu features sushi, sashimi, hibachi-grilled steak, chicken and seafood, noodle dishes, and cocktails. Also offers catering and event hosting. No confirmed opening date yet; […]
The Historic Highland Road Grill
Willie Chapman, owner of Willie’s Restaurant, signed a lease for the former Sammy’s Grill location on Highland Road. The new restaurant, called ‘The Historic Highland Road Grill’, will have a different menu than Willie’s. Chapman takes possession of the building July 1, 2026, with plans to open by the Ole Miss-LSU away game on September […]