Family‑owned Dolce Vita Gelato will open a second Valley location in Tempe next Thursday, launching with a noon grand opening and complimentary scoops. The shop brings the Mesa‑born gelato counter to south Tempe.

Carmine’s returns to Rush Street Monday with a rebuilt dining room, roughly 10,000 square feet and a year‑round terrace. Reservations open Sunday.

A compact Mel’s Express is proposed for the former Subway at 3000 Stockton Blvd near Aggie Square, with plans expected by the end of January and a mid‑2026 opening targeted.

A local couple has bought Guffey's Freshwater Saloon and will restore the 3,000‑sq‑ft landmark, reusing salvaged pieces from Cañon City's Mr. Ed's.

A restored Brady Street corner now houses The Deep Groove — a family-owned vinyl lounge, bar and used-record shop with themed programming and Schlitz on tap.

The Flaming Grill, a new Indian-fusion concept, has applied for a retail food license at 891 14th St and is lining up a downtown Denver opening near the Convention Center.

Nanu's Kitchen has leased a 3,293-square-foot unit at Jefferson Marketplace in Littleton; a hotel/restaurant liquor license is on file and design work is underway. The owner operates other metro Indian eateries.

A robot-powered Asian-fusion spot, iWok, opens Jan. 30 near the Texas Medical Center. The founders plan multiple Houston locations and robot-made, made-to-order bowls.

Stone Oak brunch bar Mimosa Gossip will close permanently on Jan. 29 after two years. Owners thanked customers in a social-media post and hinted at financial strain.

Chicken Riot, a compact chicken concept tied to hospitality executive Caleb Benton, is advancing through permits for 2906 E. 6th Ave in Congress Park. Plans point to a pickup‑first operation with limited dine‑in seating.

Nueve Uno Cinco opened in downtown El Paso this week, translating the city’s "915" identity into craft cocktails, small plates and a program of art and music.

Grant Pinkerton’s barbecue is opening an Upper Kirby spot on Jan. 20 with whole‑hog service, retro neon and an expanded menu. The new location revives the old 59 Diner footprint.

Starbird has chosen a Seattle site for its first Washington restaurant as part of a multi‑unit franchise roll‑out led by Mehta Investment Group.