4 dining developments shaping the metro-east food scene

Four recent dining developments in the metro-east is giving metro-east foodies new dining options.

In O’Fallon, Hi-Pointe Drive-In celebrated a grand reopening as its original founders reclaimed full ownership, ensuring their burger brand aligns closely with community roots. Nearby in Belleville, Rachel’s Sidebar introduced a speakeasy-style bar on West Main Street, drawing from art deco inspirations and emphasizing handcrafted cocktails.

In Glen Carbon, Dutch Bros Coffee prepared to open its first Illinois location, expanding the Oregon-based franchise with a focus on drive-thru convenience at Orchard Town Center. Additionally, O’Fallon anticipates the Old Base Factory’s transformation into a food hall featuring local vendors like Max and Mugg’s and BEAST Craft BBQ, supporting partnerships with community organizations such as the Food Is Love program.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Rachel’s Sidebar, a speakeasy-style bar, located at 133 W. Main St. in Belleville By Jennifer Green

NO. 1: EXPERIENCED PUB OWNER BRINGS NEW SPEAKEASY-STYLE BAR TO DOWNTOWN BELLEVILLE

With two other businesses in her portfolio, owner Rachel Speichinger said this one is “something I get to put my name on.” | Published January 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jennifer Green

NO. 2: DUTCH BROS COFFEE BRINGING FIRST ILLINOIS LOCATION TO THE METRO-EAST

The Oregon-based coffee franchise is to open in late summer. | Published January 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jennifer Green

Patio rendering for the Old Base Factory food hall

NO. 3: TWO POPULAR METRO-EAST RESTAURANTS SIGN ON AS VENDORS AT O’FALLON SPORTS PARK PROJECT

“We’re excited about it,” the owner said. “We’re going to have tastings once a month for lunch on Fridays from noon to 1:30, reservations only.” | Published February 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Lynn Venhaus

NO. 4: AN O’FALLON BURGER JOINT IS IN NEW HANDS AS CONCEPT FOUNDERS TAKE FULL OWNERSHIP

The restaurant, which opened in April 2022, celebrated a grand reopening earlier this month. | Published February 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jennifer Green

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.