Alex Henry of El Molino del Sureste picked up his first James Beard semifinalist nod for Best Chef: Midwest, spotlighting Yucatán cooking and house-made masa.

So Deity Diner reopened Wednesday after months of repairs following the March 2025 tornado, celebrating with a ribbon-cutting and a city social post.

Imo's added a Northland location at Metro North Crossing, bringing its Provel‑topped square pies to a third Kansas City‑area shop.

Neighbors and vendors are clashing over late‑night sidewalk food stands in downtown St. Louis, pitting safety concerns against nightlife and small‑business livelihoods. City rules and online debates are forcing a closer look at permits and enforcement.

Expat BBQ at City Foundry is refocusing as a bar and flexible event venue, highlighting its rooftop for private bookings after a surge in inquiries.

A Portland-born bar devoted to women’s sports has leased Maplewood’s former Boogaloo; owners say permitting delays pushed back a January opening but promise community support.

The Sweet Spot Cafe marked its Florissant debut with a ribbon-cutting at 2575 N. Highway 67, adding donuts, ice cream and all-day breakfast to North County.

Good News Brewing filed for a liquor license to open a brewpub and wood‑fired pizza spot in Uptown Jackson; the board will discuss the application next Monday.

A roastery‑café called Behold Coffee will take over the Market Street storefront in Kimmswick and aims to open in April. Owners say the shop will bring small‑batch roasting to town.

A restored 1940s Texaco in Frenchtown will reopen March 21 as Bench Racers, a food-truck garden with a bar, Sugarfire BBQ and car-themed events.

Bissinger's expanded its St. Louis factory and added visitor spaces while keeping chocolates hand‑dipped and small‑batch. The company says the new footprint is built for artisans and visitors alike.

Mocha Point, a family-run Yemeni coffee shop from St. Charles, is planning a City Foundry outpost this spring with cardamom-forward brews and late-night hours.

Katie’s Pizza opened a freestanding Crestwood restaurant, occupying nearly 7,000 square feet. The new spot added about 60 jobs in south St. Louis County.