Key restaurant openings and closings in metro-east dining

The articles all describe recent shifts in the metro-east restaurant scene. They highlight several restaurant openings, closings, and changes in ownership. New places serve different types of food and drinks, from coffee and cocktails to Asian and Caribbean dishes, while others close after many years in business.

A burger restaurant in O’Fallon experienced a change in ownership, as the original founders took full control. In Belleville, a well-known Mexican restaurant closed its doors after 22 years. At the same time, Edwardsville will soon welcome a frozen cocktail bar's first Illinois franchise. O’Fallon prepares for a new Asian restaurant offering sushi, ramen, and Korean fried chicken. These examples show the ongoing movement and change in the local dining landscape.

Frida’s Cocina is coming soon to 823 Lincoln Highway in Fairview Heights. By Jennifer Green

NO. 1: THREE NEW RESTAURANTS AND HALLOWEEN STORES ARE CLOSE TO OPENING IN THE METRO EAST

The latest restaurant and business updates from columnist Jennifer Green | Published August 23, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jennifer Green

NO. 2: A POPULAR MEXICAN RESTAURANT IN BELLEVILLE HAS CLOSED AFTER 22 YEARS. HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW

Signage at the location states the closing is permanent, includes addresses of other locations and words of thanks. | Published November 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jennifer Green

NO. 3: BUSINESS IS BREWING IN FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS WITH PLANS FOR A DRIVE-THRU-ONLY COFFEE SHOP

An old business building will be torn down in time for a coffee shop groundbreaking this summer. | Published January 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jennifer Green

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

Concept rendering of Soulcial Kitchen’s new covered seating made from converted shipping containers

NO. 5: SOULCIAL KITCHEN UPDATES SWANSEA CAMPUS, READY FOR FOOD TRUCK SEASON OPENING

New additions include covered seating, a new on-campus business, safety measures and more. | Published April 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jennifer Green

NO. 6: THREE METRO-EAST RESTAURANTS OPEN, ONE CLOSES & A REMODELED CAFé REOPENS

BND business columnist Jennifer Green shares details about new restaurant openings – and one closing – in the metro-east. | Published July 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jennifer Green

Ashley and Shawn Beach decided more than two years ago they wanted to start their own business. That goal takes shape in October, when they project the opening of Illinois’ first Narwhal’s Crafted Frozen Cocktails in Edwardsville.

NO. 7: BUSINESS SPECIALIZING IN FROZEN COCKTAILS TO OPEN FIRST FRANCHISE IN METRO-EAST

The news came days after Salt + Smoke announced it was coming to a new Edwardsville development. | Published July 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jennifer Green

Yummy Bowl, 1214 Central Park Drive, O’Fallon By Jennifer Green

NO. 8: O’FALLON’S NEW EATERY TO FEATURE FLAVORS, FARE INSPIRED BY CHINA, KOREA & JAPAN

The restaurant is located at the former O’Town Food Hall & Tap House site. | Published July 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jennifer Green

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