New restaurant openings have been eagerly anticipated across the United States, showcasing diverse culinary experiences and distinctive flavors. Recently, several eateries have made headlines with their exciting launches, promising to cater to local tastes and preferences.
Pelicana Chicken has announced its first foray in Maryland, taking over the location previously occupied by Woodside Deli at 4 N Washington Street, Rockville. This opening is particularly noteworthy, as Woodside Deli had served the community for over a decade before closing its doors last summer. Pelicana Chicken, founded in 1982 in Daejeon, South Korea, has forged its way to becoming one of the world's largest chicken franchises with over 3,000 outlets globally. The restaurant, known for its delicious assortment of sauces and fresh ingredients, is currently hiring and expects to welcome its first customers by early January 2025. "We’re thrilled to bring the unique taste of Pelicana to Maryland and introduce our variety of offerings to the local community," stated the restaurant management.
Meanwhile, Agus Suyasa, the proprietor of Nori Thai and Sushi, has opened Nori Hibachi, his latest concept located at 2760 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover, Alabama. This new venture aims to revitalize the hibachi dining experience, steering away from the typical setup prevalent at many other hibachi restaurants. Instead, Suyasa promises to bring back the traditional style of hibachi where chefs prepare meals table-side and entertain diners. "A lot of hibachi restaurants now set up the food and go, but we will bring back the traditional style — the chef entertains the customer and puts on a good show," Suyasa told the Birmingham Business Journal. Nori Hibachi boasts not only hibachi dishes but also features ramen, sushi, and Thai cuisine on its menu.
Across the border, Big Bad Breakfast has made its debut with its third location in Louisville, Kentucky, located at 11615 Shelbyville Road, Middletown. The restaurant chain, known for its Southern-inspired breakfast and brunch menu, has gained significant popularity with its house-made biscuits, hearty breakfast meats, and dynamic drink options. John Currence, the founder of Big Bad Breakfast, expressed his enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, "We have seen extreme success with our Barret Avenue and Brownsboro Crossing locations, and we can't wait to keep growing in Kentucky and serving the community." Menu highlights include the Big Bad Hot Brown, pecan pancakes, and indulgent cocktails like the breakfast margarita. Since its opening mid-November, the new location has drawn considerable attention from both locals and visitors alike.
On the sweets side, It’Sugar celebrated the opening of its new store at the redeveloped District development in Chesterfield. This notable store at 17057 N. Outer Forty Road features 3,000 square feet of vibrant candy offerings, including 260 pick ’n mix bins and various trending sweets popular on platforms like TikTok. The retailer aims to attract families and sweet tooth enthusiasts alike, showcasing everything from international candies to retro favorites.
Finally, Mighty Quinn's Barbeque has marked its entry to Connecticut with its latest location at 11 Merwin Street, Norwalk. The grand opening happened on December 20, with the establishment boasting signature smoked barbecue dishes such as brisket and pulled pork. Amidst their celebration, the founders revealed they would donate 10% of proceeds from the grand opening to Filling in the Blanks, a local nonprofit aimed at tackling childhood hunger. This charitable effort reflects the restaurant's commitment to community welfare alongside its culinary pursuits.
These new openings reflect the vibrant and diverse culinary scene growing across the U.S., showcasing varied dining experiences ranging from traditional Southern fare to international styles and sweet treats. With more restaurants jumping on the opening bandwagon, food lovers are sure to find new favorite spots to explore soon.
