Panda Fest, a traveling Asian food and culture festival, debuts in Houston this Friday–Sunday with 60+ vendors, a 15‑foot panda and live cultural performances.

A new O'Fallon spot is drawing praise for beef shawarma, shish taouk and house hummus in a mural-backed dining room. Early reviews call the meats a standout.

A massive fire at a Mattawa wine production facility threatened roughly 4.5 million gallons of wine; employees were evacuated and the tasting room is closed. Investigation is underway.

The Legislature raised the home‑food sales cap to $250,000 and renamed the statute the Local Food Freedom Act. The measure keeps labeling and training rules and takes effect Nov. 1, 2026.

Party Fowl will open at 1016 Woodland Street next Monday with a ribbon-cutting, giveaways, live music and its signature boozy slushies.

Playa Bowls has signed a lease for the former Gigi's Cupcakes at Kenwood Galleria and plans a summer opening, bringing bowls, smoothies and juices to the mall.

Austin favorite Nervous Charlie's confirmed a third location at 2159 S. Lamar Blvd; owners teased the move with a Jurassic Park–style social video and signage. Opening date is still listed as "coming soon."

A cinnamon‑roll shop called The Roll has leased a storefront near Washington Park in Over‑the‑Rhine. The unit previously housed Cora’s Cakery and Sweet Petit Desserts.

A West Virginia Tex‑Mex favorite reopens this week in Cornelius, bringing tacos, chimichangas and scratch margaritas to the former Waterman spot. The opening blends nostalgia with a refreshed menu and a new patio.

Pink-and-white awnings and a giant bow at LondonHouse suggest a Hello Kitty Cafe is coming to Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. No opening date has been announced.

Village Whiskey, the Jose Garces whiskey-and-burger spot, is slated to take a street-level slot at The Quinley hotel in The Gulch. The move follows a permit filing and a hotel listing naming the concept.

A Turin-born chef and her husband have opened Olivia’s Kitchen in Ball Square, serving housemade pastas, regional Italian plates, weekend brunch and a compact Italian wine list.

Oakberry will open a Park Shore Waikīkī counter this weekend with a grand opening Saturday and regular hours starting Sunday.