Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen has filed permits for a new 5,864‑sq‑ft restaurant at Texas Heritage Marketplace in West Katy, with construction slated to start in April and finish by Christmas 2026.

Machete Tequila + Tacos will close its Colfax outpost after 10 years, citing an expiring lease and heavy BRT construction that cut traffic to the restaurant.

Family-run Soup & Sip opened on Redwood Road with pho bac and salted Vietnamese coffee. The shop occupies a refurbished bank and has drawn early fans.

Terrible Love owner Brian Knowles is converting the Baker Center's band room into a wine bar focused on Spanish‑style vermouth and low‑ABV pours.

Koko’s Bavarian has reopened on South Lamar as a 7,000‑sq‑ft beer hall with massive screens, an oak‑shaded patio and a menu of house sausages, pretzels and big pours.

Nearly $700,000 in grants will help 15 local farms and food businesses scale production and sell to schools, hospitals and meal programs across Metro Chicago.

A local soup‑dumpling shop will take over Red Robin’s big Palladio unit in Folsom, giving Journey to the Dumpling its largest location yet. The swap signals more food‑first activity at the center.

Con Madre Cocina will reopen at its East Oltorf location this Friday with a new 24-foot trailer and its full breakfast taco menu.

A new acai cafe is coming to downtown Skokie — owner Amy Feldman secured a small TIF grant and hopes to open in May.

Maze in Kakaako earned two stars and a Critics' Pick from The New York Times — the first Hawaii restaurant to get a Times rating.

Historic Star Lounge reopens in Midtown with chef Galice Ryan’s French-leaning menu, a cocktail-forward bar program and a hushed dining room in the restored 1928 hall.

A farmers-market favorite opened on Newport Avenue, serving naturally leavened loaves, sourdough bagels and seasonal pastries.

The Padres opened Diamond Room, a 50‑seat, ’70s‑inspired cocktail lounge beside Gallagher Square at Petco Park offering retro cocktails and a short small‑plates menu.