Here’s a list of five new restaurants coming to O’Fallon in 2023
An Outback Steakhouse, an upscale restaurant called Le Ono, and Ziggy’s Coffee are among the new dining options coming to O’Fallon in 2023.
Up for city approval soon are a Dunkin’ Donuts, Gigi’s Gelato and Italian Market, and a third Starbucks location downtown in a new Southview Plaza proposal.
This piggybacks a 2022 where the city welcomed the first Hi-Pointe Drive-In and Dogwood Social in the metro-east, the second metro-east locations of Edley’s Bar-B-Que and Hawaiian Brothers Island Grill, a Scooter’s Coffee drive-thru that’s part a new expansion into southwestern Illinois, a new Yummy Rice Bowls at Aberdeen Village near the McKendree Rec Plex that’s part of the Thip’s family, Blossom Play Café, Juice Heal Thrive, and O Town Food Hall & Tap House in the remodeled Hop House location.
Every corner of O’Fallon is experiencing growth.
“I’m pretty optimistic about the housing and commercial opportunities heading into 2023,” Community Development Director Justin Randall said. “O’Fallon has rebounded with a tremendous level of growth, and we are busy. 2022 was insanity.”
Debbie Arell-Martinez, director of the O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce, said they planned 33 ribbon-cuttings last year, including new retail, business and medical offices, health and wellness services, financial and investment planners, and restaurants.
Outback Steakhouse
The Outback Steakhouse, which will be built in front of the Drury Inn on Central Park Drive, is an American chain of Australian-themed casual dining restaurants, serving steaks, fresh seafood, chicken, ribs, and their famous Bloomin’ Onion.
The franchise is returning to the metro-east region after the Swansea location, which began in 1995, was damaged by fire in April 2021 and did not re-open. Currently, there aren’t any Outbacks in southwestern Illinois, but three in St. Louis area — O’Fallon, Missouri, St. Peters, and South St. Louis County.
Randall construction will likely begin this spring.
“They are working on permits,” he said.
Dunkin’ Donuts
The proposal for the Dunkin’ Donuts — a coffee and doughnut company now known just as Dunkin’ — has advanced by the Planning Commission and the Community Development Committee, and will be considered by the city council Tuesday, Jan. 17.
The plans state it will be a drive-through location, with a walk-up pick-up window, but no indoor dining in The Shoppes at Richland Creek, between the Burger King and Popeye’s. It is the last undeveloped commercial site in the complex.
O’Fallon will be the third metro-east location, after Fairview Heights and Troy. There are 17 in St. Louis, and overall, the company has 12,900 locations in 42 countries.
Krishna Patel has filed an application for the development of 0.57 acres as a Dunkin Drive-Thru that will be 1,271 square feet and feature two order lanes. Hours would be from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. It can be accessed via Merchants Way, Frank Scott Parkway, and Central Park Drive.
Gigi’s Gelato and Italian Market
Aaron Hudson of Phoenix Pizza is seeking a zoning amendment for a planned use at 1407 W. Highway 50, Suite 102, for an Italian grocery store and for ancillary sales of package liquor. It is adjacent to Papa Murphy’s Pizza.
“We love authentic food and beverages. We love the people who grow and make them, the places they come from and their stories. That’s why we are creating a one-of-a-kind Gelato and Italian Market to open in 2023,” their Facebook page states.
It will be on the council agenda Tuesday, Jan. 17.
Hudson said they would sell pasta, sauces, olive oils, gelato, and bottled wine.
Le Ono at 101 South Cherry downtown
Le Ono, which is a loose translation of “The Delicious” in French and Hawaiian, will open in the revamped building at 101 S. Cherry.
Jon and Emily Greenstreet are in partnership with Talani Moe and Lisa Udasco-Moe, who operate Grit & Tonic in Lebanon. The Greenstreets own Bike Surgeon and Gears.
“We are getting very close to being completed with the construction phase, then some outfitting of the facility and staff training. We’re hoping to open in early spring and are looking for staff, general manager, front of house and back of house. If interested, email: leonoapplication@gmail.com,” Jon Greenstreet said.
“Food and drink is where Talani and Lisa make magic happen. Without giving too much away; the cuisine will be creative, pulling from many pacific island techniques and flavors and still seeing the love of French food peak through.
“The cocktails will continue as a focus just like at Grit and Tonic with the addition of some unique tiki drinks too. However, they love the classics. So along with their own in-house creations, Lé Ono will also be a place where you can also get a refreshing classically crafted cocktail,” their press release states.
Talani is a Polynesian chef who loves the food from the islands and has a passion for French cuisine.
Yummy Rice Bowls
A fast-carryout restaurant, Yummy Rice Bowls, located in a strip shopping center near the Aberdeen Village on Scott-Troy Road, opened in November.
“We specialize in serving a variety of grilled Asian style barbecue paired with rice or lettuce base and your choice of toppings — a variety of fresh, pickled and crunchy. Then choose to top your bowl with one of our signature house sauces,” said. “It’s a healthy ‘fast food’ option. Literally thousands of combinations to try.”
For more information, yummyricebowls@gmail.com.
