Wonder acquires Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken, expanding its food hall empire and planning to scale up the brand, with no immediate changes to the East Village location.

Portillo's tapped Brett Patterson, the former Miller’s Ale House CEO, to run operations and reboot the chain’s growth plans.

Waldo’s is expanding in Middle Tennessee: a Murfreesboro 'coming soon' appears on the chain’s site while a permit points to a Hillsboro‑area site. The chain confirmed the plan to local media.

J‑Prime’s owners have filed for Ardēre Braceria Italiana with construction dated Feb–Aug 2026 and a fall 2026 opening target, but location and menu remain unannounced.

Birdie Coffee opened a downtown walk-up at 1 Independent Drive, offering quick specialty coffee and locally sourced pastries for morning commuters.

First Watch opened Feb. 9 at Creekside Park West in Tomball/The Woodlands, serving breakfast and lunch daily with indoor and patio seating. The new spot features seasonal menu items and on-site juice and coffee offerings.

Easy Out opened on Super Bowl Sunday at 11822 Detroit Ave., pairing late-night hours and wall-to-wall TVs with elevated pub grub for game-day crowds.

Some Philly bars are urging Harrisburg to let them serve past Pennsylvania's 2 a.m. last call for the 2026 World Cup; state approval and PLCB permits would be required.

Ting Management is planning Tiki Cove at 17 Union Street in downtown Boston; licensing filings show a 19‑seat bar, seasonal patio and a requested 2 a.m. closing time.

Permit filings show Jersey Mike's plans for a unit at 3280 Howland Blvd in Deltona; an opening date has not been announced.

After months of repairs, Friendly Tavern reopened on the Redington Strip, bringing back karaoke, a tiki hut and a refreshed menu.

St. John the Baptist Parish posted photos of a ribbon‑cutting Wednesday for a new Fratelli's Italian Grille in LaPlace, naming owner Ismet Nezaj and listing hours. The restaurant occupies an end‑cap at 405 Belle Terre Blvd.

Móh Café, a Portuguese‑inspired coffee shop from owner Raul Vazquez, is coming to Dania Beach with coffee, pastries and a planned March soft opening. The shop will offer bica, galão and Portuguese‑style baked goods.