Ugly Baby
Cult-favorite Thai restaurant Ugly Baby is reopening in Williamsburg at a larger space (double the capacity of the original Carroll Gardens location), seating around 70 diners across two floors with a bar, waiting area, full liquor license, and an expanded menu featuring diverse regional Thai dishes and styles. Chef Sirichai Sreparplarn is returning with business […]
Peral
Peral is an all-day taqueria and cafe opening next door to Bed-Stuy Mexican restaurant Olmo. A collaboration between Mexico City cafe/bar Cicatriz (siblings Scarlett and Jake Lindeman) and the Olmo ownership team. Menu focuses on guisados-style tacos with vegetarian/vegan emphasis, plus coffee, Mexican drinks, and desserts. 1,200 sq ft space with 55 indoor seats and […]
Henri’s
Jonah Freedman will open Henri’s, a raw bar named after original Mistral owner Henri Abergel, in the space attached to Mistral restaurant. Previously a private dining room, the jewel-box-sized restaurant will serve oysters and cocktails, alongside raw and cooked seafood. Opening is planned for ‘later this fall’ 2026.
Soul & Smoke
Soul & Smoke, a Chicago-area barbecue brand, is opening its first full sit-down table service restaurant in Evanston, IL on September 1, 2026. The 175-seat restaurant is located at 1601 Payne Street inside a historic building that formerly housed Robinson Bus Company. Owned by chef D’Andre Carter and sommelier Heather Bublick, the restaurant will feature […]
Maman
New York-based bakery/cafe chain Maman is taking over the former Buca di Beppo space at 112 Kentlands Blvd in Gaithersburg, MD. The location will be shared with Mattress Warehouse, which will occupy approximately half the building. Maman will offer cafe classics including salads, soups, sandwiches, pastries, and sweets. Construction is currently underway. The chain was […]
Dhoom
Dhoom, a family-owned Indian fusion tapas-style dining restaurant, is relocating from its original Tysons, VA location to a larger storefront at Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax, VA. The new space will feature more seating, enhanced dining experience, and private event spaces. No official opening date has been announced; described as ‘opening soon.’
Beso Bisou
Basque restaurant from the team behind La Bonne Vache, a well-regarded French restaurant in DC. Concept focuses on Spanish soul with French influences, featuring pintxos, seafood, and coastal cuisine. Instagram page is live but has no posts yet. Opening expected fall 2026 with no precise date confirmed.
Just Salad
Just Salad is preparing to open its first Montgomery County location at 12242 Rockville Pike, taking over the former Bambu Cafe space. The fast-casual chain has signed a lease and a building permit has been issued. No specific opening timeline is available. The menu includes salads, market plates, wraps, warm bowls, and smoothies.
Roggenart European Bakery, Bistro & Cafe
Roggenart European Bakery, Bistro & Cafe is taking over a former Starbucks location at 8010 Gramercy Blvd in Derwood/Rockville, MD. The space has been vacant since Starbucks closed in September 2025. No specific opening date has been announced. Roggenart is a DMV-area chain with 12 locations known for European-style baked goods made fresh in small […]
Grain & Berry
Grain & Berry’s Trinity location is relocating from 3246 Redeemer Way to 8924 Strength Avenue within the same retail center, The Village at Mitchell Ranch. Franchise owner Alison Castle confirmed the move. The healthy fast-casual brand will continue serving the same menu with a forthcoming menu refresh featuring new items.