Foodies Eat First Fest will run across two weekends in 2026 and add a citywide Restaurant Week Sept. 1–13, organizers say. The May kickoff is set for May 2–3 downtown.

Jordan Goodman will open Chico Bueno, an L.A.‑style taqueria, plus Chico Malo, a 24‑seat tasting room, in The Grove’s former Lucy Quinn space this summer.

Interruption Brewing is moving into O'Fallon's former Good News space and expects soft openings in May with a compact, 10-tap room and simple wood-fired fare.

Il Palato will close after service on May 4 as owner Mike Del Pietro moves his dinner program to nearby Cibo Italia, which opens May 4 for daytime and May 11 for dinners.

Station No. 3 will close its Kirkwood restaurant on May 9 as owners fold operations into their University City spots. Diego's will expand to keep staff employed.

Family‑owned Ted Drewes marked 97 years with 97‑cent cones and a $1.97 Cardinals‑helmet sundae at the Chippewa stand; South Grand returns for summer service.

The Tilford brothers’ LaPez Mod Mex replaces Session Taco in the CWE with wood‑fired, seafood‑forward Mexican and standout dishes like bacon‑fat lobster tacos.

An immersive Sonic the Hedgehog Speed Café pops up at Nudo House in the Delmar Loop this Saturday with St. Louis‑exclusive menu items and limited merch.

Gigi’s Cafe will replace the long-vacant Clayton Starbucks in a 2,200‑sq‑ft renovation from Louie and Wright’s Tavern owner Matt McGuire, after Plan Commission approval. The proposal includes a bar, patio seating and evening reservations as the permit heads to City Council.

Mainlander moved up Euclid into a larger Central West End storefront and launched The Jujube Inn, a walk‑in, no‑tipping lounge that’s already reshaping the neighborhood night scene. The move was meant to protect the ticketed Supper Club while adding steady bar revenue.

CAVA has opened its first St. Louis‑area restaurant in Cottleville, adding build‑your‑own Mediterranean bowls, dine‑in and digital pickup to the suburbs.

After a March 2025 fire, Gelateria Coffee Co. is rebuilding on South Grand — buying the neighboring Orpheum building and planning more seats, pastries and a bigger menu.

Shorty’s Diner opened April 4 near Westport Plaza, converting a former Hardee’s into a 1950s-style spot serving breakfast and lunch daily.