We followed the yellow brick road, and it led us to realize that there have been several restaurant announcements recently— ok, so it was actually a rainbow staircase, and it really just led us to the former Mojo Burrito in St. Elmo, but you get the idea.

In addition to Market South completely restructuring, the past week or so has been filled with restaurant news. We’re here to break it all down.

Local favorites expanding

🍴 Jason Bowers

Currently owns: The Bitter Alibi + Daily Ration
Plans for expansion: Turning Red Bank’s former Big Frog Brewing Co. into an alehouse, and turning Signal Mountain’s Hummingbird Pastaria into a restaurant with dinner and weekend brunches
Latest news: Clever Alehouse in Red Bank (at the former Big Frog site) now has its own social media pages + plans to open in spring 2022

🍴 Erik + Amanda Niel

Currently owns: Easy Bistro + Main Street Meats
Plans for expansion: Turning the former St. Elmo Mojo Burrito into a new restaurant, Little Coyote (a fun complement to Clever Alehouse’s fox)
Latest news: The spot will feature smoked meats and fresh tortillas, shareable plates, spirits + cocktails

🍴 Monen Family Restaurant Group

Currently owns: Taco Mamacita (NorthShore), Five Wits Table & Tavern, Urban Stack, Community Pie, Hi-Fi Clyde’s, Milk & Honey
Plans for expansion: Turning the former Sticky Fingers by Hamilton Place Mall into a second local Taco Mamacita location
Latest news: The restaurant group is also re-opening its renovated Milk & Honey location in North Shore this upcoming Mon., Feb. 14

Regional spots coming

🍴 Sullivan’s Co-op

Currently located: Charleston, SC; Isle of Palms, SC; Sullivan’s Island, SC
What: Frosé and eatery with $1 coffee, breakfast, gourmet sandwiches, and “world-famous frosé”
Local plans: Opening a location at 1150 Hixson Pike. So far, equipment has been ordered + renovations have begun, with hiring anticipated to begin in March — periodic updates here

🍴 Walk-Ons

Currently located: Nationwide
What: Sports bar with Cajun-inspired cuisine
Local plans: Opening a Chattanooga location at 224 Broad St. this upcoming Mon., Feb. 14