7 Brew
Drive-thru coffee spot opening in Montgomery Township, Ashland. Part of Motley 7 Brew franchise expansion. Menu includes hot and cold brew coffees, energy drinks, fizz drinks, teas, lemonades and shakes. Located across from Dollar General in Bailey Lakes area.
Lorelei
New raw bar and dining concept in the Brewery District serving oysters, seafood, homemade noodle bowls, craft cocktails, beer and wine. Chef Henry Christian bringing old-school New England raw bar concept with omakase sushi elements.
C&J Best Sips
Mobile drink trailer expanding to first brick-and-mortar location. Will serve dirty sodas, ice cream, giant cookies, hot coffee, milkshakes and sweet treats. Expanded menu from their food truck offerings.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A planning to open at former Pizza Cottage location. Construction/remodeling work will begin in early April 2026. Part of wider Ohio expansion with 25-30 restaurants planned by end of 2027.
The Hill Eatery & Lounge
Full service bar and restaurant opening as part of new hotel tower at Hollywood Casino Columbus. Part of 150,000 square-foot expansion with 203 rooms.
EVOO
Upscale-casual Greek bistro opening at Legacy Village in former California Pizza Kitchen space. Operated by Brad Friedlander and Michael DuBois, featuring Mediterranean cuisine with open kitchen and chef’s counter. Will be dinner-only initially with lunch service added later.
Smalls Sliders
Atlanta-based slider restaurant co-owned by Drew Brees plans to expand into Ohio market with multiple locations. Goal is to open around 6 locations in Dayton region alone, hiring 200 people per restaurant. Still securing franchisees, no locked-in locations yet.
Shooters
Riverfront restaurant and bar reopening after multimillion-dollar makeover. Owned by investor group including MGK. Initially open afternoons/evenings, plans to add brunch and expanded deck with waterfront stage in May.
Castello’s Pizza and Pasta
2,175-square-foot pizza restaurant opening at Ohio Valley Mall, featuring thin and thick crust pizza, pasta, calzones, subs, and an all-you-can-eat buffet. Located near children’s play area by main entrance.
Mary Coyle
Mary Coyle ice cream shop in Highland Square under new ownership, planning to open by spring 2026. New owners are Joe Sofio, Kristy Clark and Michael and Alexandria Considine who purchased from Michael Trecaso.