Benny Lorenzo’s
Benny’s Pizza, a Virginia-based chain with ~35 locations across VA, NC, SC, MI, and PA, is opening its first Ohio location in the Ohio City neighborhood of Cleveland. The location will be branded as ‘Benny Lorenzo’s’ and will occupy a portion of a former Family Dollar space on West 25th Street. Known for 28-inch New […]
Koakuma
Massimo Lusardi (owner of Nightly’s, Uva, Uva Next Door, Key and Heels) is opening two new Japanese restaurants on the Upper East Side. Koakuma at 1492 Second Ave serves ‘New York Japanese’ cuisine and is expected to open fall 2026. A second unnamed 19-seat counter-service sushi restaurant at 1491 Second Ave (formerly Tozzo Italian coffee […]
Ori’s Cheesesteaks
Ori’s Cheesesteaks is a new concept from Namkeen founders Usman and Amena Chaudhry, opening Aug. 15 at 231 Main St. in Chatham, NJ. Menu features handcrafted cheesesteaks, loaded fries, and milkshakes. Named after the owners’ son Orhan. Grand opening includes ribbon-cutting at 11:30 a.m. and official opening at noon with complimentary samples and giveaways. Additional […]
Pompeii
Pompeii is an upscale Italian restaurant set to open mid-August 2026 at the corner of A Street and Carlisle Springs Road in Carlisle, PA. The restaurant will feature brick-oven pizza, steaks, seafood, and paninis, plus a bar. Staff have been hired and POS system is operational. Owner Alfredo Iannuzzi also operates Marcello’s Ristorante, Pizzeria & […]
Roots Prime Italian Chophouse
New Italian chophouse concept from Chef Jose Serrato, the owner of Serrato’s Steakhouse. Expected to debut in late summer 2026 in Franklin, TN. Serrato also operates Serrato’s Steakhouse locations in Franklin and Brentwood.
Café Sabai
Asian grab-and-go café opening in the former Major’s Supper and Social and Mountain Burrito location. Menu will include Asian sandwiches, spring rolls, noodles, Asian pastries, and seasonal fruit teas. Soft opening planned during the annual Waldensian Festival. Hours initially 11am-3pm with potential to extend. Owner also operates Pho Lao restaurant in Magnolia Plaza in Morganton. […]
Alleyway Grill
James Beard Award-winning husband-and-wife chef duo Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark plan to open Alleyway Grill in early 2027 in the historic former Varsity Theater building. The Midwestern-themed restaurant will be located inside Bookman’s Alley with a hidden entrance, open seven days a week from brunch through late evening, offering pastries and coffee in the […]
Coastal Curry
New South Indian restaurant specializing in Hyderabad Dum Biryani and dosas, also offering North Indian dishes. Under construction with a target launch date of August 15, 2026. Hours planned Monday-Thursday 11am-2:30pm and 4:30-10pm, Friday-Sunday 11am-10pm.
Breakfast Republic
Breakfast Republic, a brunch chain operated by parent company Rise & Shine Hospitality Group, plans to open a Highland Park location in late February or early March 2027. The chain already operates locations in Echo Park, Culver City, Orange County, and San Diego.
Alphabet Bar & Grill
Neighborhood-focused bar and grill created by The h.wood Group in partnership with James Beard Award-winning chef Tim Hollingsworth. Opening at Palisades Village as the shopping/dining destination reopens following January 2025 fire closures. Menu features rotisserie chicken, seasonal California-sourced dishes, all-day favorites, desserts, cocktails and wine. Interior designed by Alexa Nafisi-Movaghar of Adean Studios.