We know we’re not the only ones for whom the past few months have been a whirlwind. So if you’re just coming out of the holiday haze, here’s a rundown of some of the latest foodie news and headlines you may have missed.
View this post on Instagram
Openings:
Last week, the much-anticipated second location of The Root Cafe opened its doors in Breckenridge Village. WLR locals are already rushing to get a taste of one of the city’s most popular restaurants — now with ample space and parking — and we predict its patio will be a go-to spot when the weather warms up. (Click here to see our tour of the new digs.)
Nearby, another popular restaurant opened a second location last week: Scoops Homemade Ice Cream in the former Tropical Smoothie space on North Rodney Parham Road.
At 3301 Fair Park Blvd., Ceci’s Chicken N Waffles opened its newest location this month. Yes, the menu goes beyond chicken and waffles, but they’ve been a staple in the city for a decade, and we highly suggest trying them yourself (if they’re not already your fave).
Cate’s Pharmacy and Donuts opened its doors at 10907 N. Rodney Parham Road, the former Jess’s Chicken location. Along with cake doughnuts, the shop also offers ice cream and Fidel & Co. coffee.
Sir Loin’s Inn II, the revival of NLR’s legendary Sir Loin’s Inn, is alive and kickin’ at 5524 John F. Kennedy Blvd. While the owners are new, they do have the blessing of original owners the Ross family, so you can rest assured that deliciousness is in store.
Slader’s Alaskan Dumpling Co. is now a permanent fixture at Stone’s Throw Brewing in MacArthur Park. You can order inside, go straight to the truck window or even DoorDash your dumplings.
Coming Soon:
Ferndale Market, located at 27024 Kanis Road, is set to open on March 1. The shop will carry locally grown foods and specialty groceries, and is a joint effort between The Front Porch Market and Krause House Farms.
Problem Child, the pizza joint moving into the former Count Porkula at 201 Keightley Drive, is only a few weeks out from completion. It recently began the hiring process, and we’ve got our eyes peeled for an opening date.
Downtown, the new two-story, Texas-style Back Home BBQ is also in the hiring stage at the corner of West Markham and South State streets.
In The Heights, a second location of The Buttered Biscuit will open Jan. 28 at 5016 Kavanaugh Blvd.
Jake’s Hot Chicken has moved into the former Sushi Cafe in The Heights. It originally intended to open in December, but will likely open this spring.
Loblolly Creamery is still aiming for a spring grand opening of its newest location, a scoop shop set in the former Damgoode Pies space in Hillcrest, where it’s been hosting pop-ups in recent months.
View this post on Instagram
Closings:
Argenta is much less caffeinated now that Mugs Cafe closed after more than a decade. The Heights location, however, is still in operation.
Just two days into the new year, Mockingbird Bar and Taco announced it had closed its doors. The SoMa joint was a popular one, but we have no doubt the space will be snapped up quickly by another tasty restaurant.
After nearly two decades and homes in Hillcrest and downtown, a tumultuous last few years were enough for EJ’s Eats and Drinks to call it quits. Rest easy, sammy menu.
Old Mill Pizza on JFK Blvd. closed in August, posting a sign noting it would be for “an unknown period of time,” but had hopes to reopen “very soon.” Sadly, that has yet to happen, but according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, there are rumors of a new restaurant potentially moving in from the teams behind Brood & Barley, Flyway Brewing and Four Quarter Bar.
View this post on Instagram
In the Works:
The Grilled Sandwich Company food truck has teased an upcoming brick-and-mortar location, though no word yet on where.
Likewise, “Master Chef” finalist Jennifer Maune has also teased an upcoming restaurant.
Back at Breckenridge Village, the second location of Flyway Brewing is still under construction.
A new concept from the team behind George’s in The Heights is reportedly in the works.
After closing during the pandemic, Cañon Grill has been purchased with intentions to bring a new restaurant to Hillcrest.
Saigon Noodle Station appears to be moving into the former Dickey’s Barbecue Pit on Rodney Parham Road.
Yellow Rocket Concepts — the company behind Big Orange, Lost Forty Brewing, Local Lime, Heights Taco & Tamale, Zaza’s and Camp Taco — recently announced a partnership with FoxDen Capital Group with intentions of expanding its popular restaurants across the state and beyond.
More good news: What Team Soirée is Looking Forward to in 2025