ICYMI: New additions to metro-east restaurant choices
The articles all discuss changes in the local food scene, with various businesses opening, closing, moving, or updating their locations. These shifts shape the dining landscape.
A sports-themed lounge opened in Edwardsville, offering a menu with appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and a family-friendly environment. In Fairview Heights, a Casey’s gas station and store will close, while the company continues to expand elsewhere. A new Asian restaurant named Yummy Bowl plans to serve sushi, ramen, and Korean fried chicken at a former food hall in O’Fallon. Meanwhile, Mariachi’s in Belleville has closed its doors after more than two decades, but other locations remain open.
NO. 1: THREE NEW MADISON COUNTY RESTAURANTS ARE OPEN. ANOTHER ANNOUNCES IT WILL SOON CLOSE
BND columnist Jennifer Green gives a roundup of new restaurants and a pending closing for Edwardsville. | Published September 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jennifer Green
NO. 2: DENNY’S TO CLOSE 150 OF ITS RESTAURANTS OVER THE NEXT YEAR. HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW
“Closing underperforming restaurants is strategically advantageous to a number of our franchisees,” company executive says. | Published October 23, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jennifer Green
NO. 3: 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. 4: AFTER CLOSING EARLIER THIS MONTH, A POPULAR RESTAURANT REOPENS WITH AN UPDATED LOOK
The restaurant offers a new bar, tables and seating for customers and other features. | Published November 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jennifer Green
NO. 5: ANOTHER MEXICAN RESTAURANT CLOSES IN BELLEVILLE. HERE’S WHY
“We are sorry for delivering this sad news at such short notice, since we too were notified on short notice,” it said on the restaurant’s Facebook page. | Published November 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jennifer Green
NO. 6: A FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS GAS STATION AND CONVENIENCE STORE WILL SOON CLOSE. HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW
In its most recent quarterly financial report, the parent company announced plans to open 270 additional stores nation wide. | Published March 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jennifer Green
NO. 7: POPULAR BELLEVILLE RESTAURANT ANNOUNCES PERMANENT MOVE TO COLLINSVILLE
The collaboration between the restaurant and the brewery/distillery over Cinco de Mayo weekend was a “sneak preview” of what’s to come, according to the owner. | Published May 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jennifer Green
NO. 8: BREAKFAST (LUNCH & DINNER TOO) IS SERVED AGAIN AS A BELLEVILLE EATERY REOPENS
The restaurant, which opened in Belleville more than 50 years ago, closed suddenly last month. | Published June 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jennifer Green
NO. 9: POPULAR ST. LOUIS-BASED BBQ JOINT TO OPEN FIRST ILLINOIS RESTAURANT IN METRO-EAST
“This town has such a vibrant food scene and welcoming energy,” said the restaurant’s founder and owner. | Published June 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jennifer Green
NO. 10: 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
NO. 11: 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.