Wicked Wingz is opening inside Southland Mall in Houma early May, promising wings, burgers and loaded fries with an eye toward local hiring.

True South has taken over the old D‑Mac’s spot in Mid‑City, serving hot chicken, po‑boys and daily happy hour while building a Thursday–Saturday live‑music program.

The popular Gretna lunch counter will debut at French Quarter Festival and is moving to a dine‑in spot at 921 Peters Road in Harvey, targeting a May opening.

Baldwin & Co.'s new after‑dark reading lounge at NOLA Art Bar invites guests to set phones aside and socialize over books and wine. The venue will encourage unplugged evenings without formally banning devices.

Kenji Kazoku, from the team behind Kenji Omakase, opens April 29 in Old Metairie with Toyosu-sourced fish, dry-aged fare and charcoal-grilled wagyu.

Espíritu Mezcaleria & Cocina has opened a Mid‑City outpost at 139 S. Cortez, keeping Rosella’s colorful interior and bringing mezcal flights, birria tacos and a largely gluten‑friendly menu.

Big Mike’s is building a 7,700‑sq‑ft flagship on LA‑311 with a stage, outdoor green space and a fall 2026 opening. The new site triples the size of the current outpost.

A mother‑daughter team opened Barrio Bites at 4201 Canal St., serving pasteis de nata, baleadas and Luma coffee.

Food & Wine’s Global Tastemakers named Emeril’s among the country’s top restaurants and the Carousel Bar among the best hotel bars, boosting New Orleans to No. 4.

Cold Stone announced a New Orleans location and plans to open two to three south Louisiana shops over the next five years, and it is recruiting franchisees to run them.

After almost 30 years on North Carrollton Avenue, Mid‑City's Pho House is closing as the owners retire. The Carrollton counter will serve its last bowls this week.

Nicole Theriot is the first woman to lead Galatoire’s kitchen, overseeing the restaurant and its sister venues while bringing classroom training and high‑volume experience.

Empanola will open a Central Business District shop inside the Holiday Inn at 203 Carondelet, bringing its full menu, coffee and catering to downtown workers and tourists.