A former employee's lawsuit alleges rat infestations at Smokey Mo's Round Rock and Liberty Hill locations; the chain says inspection letters and videos undercut those claims. Both sides are preparing legal moves.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe opened in Bastrop’s Burleson Crossing in late November, bringing smoothies, bowls and grab‑and‑go lunches to the Highway 71 corridor. The chain promoted a Dec. 6 grand‑opening giveaway for early visitors.

Pizza Twist, known for naan‑crust pies and butter‑chicken toppings, will open Dec. 15 at Flower Mound Town Center. The new location mixes Indian flavors with classic pizza offerings.

Tom Jenkins' Bar-B-Q in Fort Lauderdale is closing after 36 years due to financial pressures, leaving the community to reminisce about its cherished Southern-style cuisine and role as a local fixture.

AJ Meat and Eat is heading to Rosenberg with a halal meat counter and homemade Indian‑Pakistani plates, aiming for a spring 2026 opening. The owner says the shop was chosen to serve the local Muslim community.

Michelin plans to start awarding one‑to‑three “grapes” to wineries in 2026. Napa and Sonoma producers could face fresh market pressure and new attention.

El Tucan Tacos and Beer has opened on the San Rafael waterfront, bringing charbroiled Tijuana‑style tacos, new seafood tacos and eight local beers on tap. The former Pier 15 space now seats roughly 120 indoors and out.

LuckyBolt’s new evenings-only Lounge in Sorrento Valley pairs sourdough pizza with a Mediterranean mezze built on local farms. Reservations are recommended.

Tony Gemignani’s Slice House will open at 5995 Preston Rd in Frisco in January 2026, offering pizza by the slice, whole pies and gluten-free options.

Fieldwork Brewing opened its first Sonoma County taproom at Montgomery Village in Santa Rosa, pairing rotating drafts with pizzas and non‑alcoholic options.

A riddle on Sweet Tomatoes' social feed has locals convinced Souplantation could be coming back to San Diego while the chain tests a Tucson reboot.

Snowed Inn has taken over the Time Out Market rooftop in the West Loop, serving festive cocktails and a boozy hot‑cocoa flight through Dec. 30.

Chef Jason Dady revives Umai Mi as a bánh mì stall at Pearl’s Bottling Department, opening Dec. 10 with sandwiches, bowls and bubble tea.