Business Changes
Dayton Taphouse
The Dayton Taphouse underwent an ownership change in September. Jessica Zaldana purchased the property on Sept. 7 and promptly closed it for two weeks for renovation before reopening on Sept. 20. While some of the employees are new, including Stephen Orlando, the new bar manager and bartender coming from a management position at Buckaroos Saloon in Gardnerville, regulars will recognize some familiar faces.
Zaldana’s future plans include an expanded menu, more entertainment, an outdoor awning and stage deck, and several indoor improvements to feature the addition of a wedding venue.
Ryan’s Saloon & Broiler
Ryan’s Saloon & Broiler in Reno is changing hands again. Leigh and Ian Stafford (who have owned the restaurant since 2018) announced on Facebook that they would be ushering in new ownership effective Oct. 14. T. Duncan Mitchell, former owner of Von Bismarck restaurant and Chapel Tavern, purchased the bar. While the business adjusts, interruptions to regular operating hours may occur, according to the post, and those who have bought into the football pool will be refunded.
Cal Neva Crystal Bay
The old Cal Neva property in Crystal Bay at Lake Tahoe is under new ownership. Leadership at Proper Hotels has announced plans to reopen the space in 2027, one year after its 100th anniversary. In addition to 198 remodeled guest rooms, the resort will include several food and beverage concepts. One of the more exciting announcements relates to a members-only beach club called Proper Club and features a private indoor-outdoor clubhouse, a Hi-Fi listening room, and private wine cellars.
Golden Boy Mariscos and Sushi Sports Bar
The owners of Silver Peak sold their taproom in Downtown Reno and the business reopened as Golden Boy Mariscos and Sushi Sports Bar on Aug. 31. It is the second location of the restaurant, which also operates on Victorian Avenue in Sparks. The menu focuses on Mexican fare, including Mexican sushi in a sports bar atmosphere.
MF International
A new iteration of Mellow Fellow is headed to Sparks. After closing its ballpark location on Aug. 30, citing high rent costs and lower patronage in the off-season, Owner Ryan Eller decided to open MF International at 2855 N. McCarran, Ste. 106, in Sparks. The new restaurant will focus on burritos, bowls, and salads showcasing some of the best flavors from Mellow Fellow’s menu over the last four years. There will be 17 burritos, to start, representing 14 countries as well as canned and bottled beers. Everything will be made from scratch in house and instead of a sit-down concept, the eatery will focus on counter service, carry out, delivery, and catering. Menu items will cost $14-17 each. The target opening date is September 9.
Pizano’s Pizza
Ali Fry took over Pizano’s Pizza (at 95 N. Sierra St. in Reno) from its original owner, Sergio Santos, on July 1. Fry says she is pleased with the business’ reputation and doesn’t plan to make any major changes, especially to the by-the-slice program. However, guests can expect some minor changes to the menu down the line to increase offerings. Pizano’s is Fry’s third restaurant. In addition to an eatery in Chicago, she owned and operated MakiAli in Truckee from 2014 to 2020 when she sold it to her head chef, Shane Grimaldi. Pizano’s opened in 2013.
Odeon Saloon
George Lally and Joanna Fife reopened the Odeon Saloon in Dayton in 2023 after the space spent years operating as other businesses. But the historic building — and business — has undergone another ownership change. Chris Pattison and his wife Svetlana Grabelnikova recently took over and celebrated a pre-opening on July 11 while they await final licensing to be completed. The establishment has a storied history dating back to 1863, and Pattison has been vocal about plans to reopen the business without losing its historic charm, working with the State Historic Preservation Office to achieve that dream. Spencer Davidson and Jennifer Reed are the Ogdeon’s general managers. Photos by Mary Claire Boucher.
Bistro 7
On July 1, Dave and Erin Bogart sold Bistro 7, the South Reno restaurant they founded in 2008, to Doug and Erin Clark. The Clarks are excited about the new venture and do no plan to make any major changes to the business. Doug lived in Grass Valley for more than 30 years where he worked as a police officer. He retired in 2019 and, in 2022, moved to Reno where he met Erin and they fell in love, marrying in December 2024. Erin has lived in Reno since 2017. She was in property management and, before that, worked for the superior court in Contra Costa County for 13 years and owned several businesses there (including a house-cleaning business, pet-sitting business, and a gas station/convenience store). She’s been semi-retired for 10 years. At Bistro 7, they kept the majority of the staff members and hired a creative new executive chef, Joshua Hawkins, who was at The Nugget’s Anthony’s Chophouse as the sous chef. They are thankful for their regulars and want to introduce Bistro 7 to new diners. They look forward to updating the beverage selection with biodynamic and natural wines and craft cocktails. Also, they would like to display local artists’ work on the walls and add live music eventually. Photos by Jaci Goodman.
Playfield Sports and Games
On June 20, Playfield 76 became Playfield Sports and Games and the business moved from 150 N. Arlington Ave. to 235 Lake St. in Reno. Under new ownership, the barcade that shuttered its doors in January reopened in the old Santa Fe Hotel building where The Fe restaurant operated. The new owner is Joe Abate, who had long supplied and maintained the business’ games. You’ll still find retro arcade games such as pinball, air hockey, and classics such as Pac Man in the spot. Playfield also has a full bar with specialty cocktails as well as small bites such as loaded mac and cheese, a cheese and birria dish, and a churro dessert. Paige Montgomery is the general manager/owner operator (and the creative-mind behind the craft cocktail menu) and Nate Stevens is the bar manager/owner operator.
Brasserie Saint James
On June 1, Brasserie Saint James in Reno sold to new operators. After about a year as its chef/owner, Lewis Pierrott, who also owns Bricks restaurant and Josef’s Vienna Bakery & Cafe in Reno, sold to sister and brother, Ana Lauren and Selin Córdova. Originally from Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, the Córdova family has nearly two decades of experience in the restaurant industry. The duo will continue to feature the classic dishes that have been beloved at Brasserie over the years and will add their own personal touches to the menu. In addition, the two created a retail area exclusively for locally made products to support small area producers and entrepreneurs. On July 14, 2025, the two will celebrate the official launch of the refreshed brand and will unveil the newly renovated patio and rooftop.
Roundabout + JMF Presents
Roundabout in Sparks was chosen as the food-and-beverage provider for JMF Presents events at J Resort’s Festival Grounds and Glow Plaza in Downtown Reno. This will include full concessions, bar operations, and VIP and artist hospitality services. The large-scale collaboration will feature six to eight food stations, up to 15 full bars, three draft-beer trailers and premium bottle service in the VIP area. Guests will enjoy such offerings as burgers on Franco Bread hamburger buns, a barbecue bar, Nashville-hot and Korean-crispy chicken sandwiches, a pizza-and-taco station, rice bowls, and snacks. A festival team of 50 to 75 Roundabout staff members will keep food-and-beverage operations seamless from concessions to the green room.
Mt. Rose Wine Co.
Mt. Rose Wine Co. On April 28, 2025, Lacie and Doug Flannery, owners of Mt. Rose Wine Co. at The Summit shopping center in South Reno, sold their business to Amanda Flangas and Anthony Layton-Mathews, who own Midtown Spirits, Wine, & Bites in Midtown Reno. Mt. Rose Wine Co. opened in November of 2023. More…
The Jesse | Estella
Piper Stremmel and husband, Chris Reilly, sold their Fourth Street property, The Jesse, with its restaurant, Estella, to Batuhan Zadeh, of Marmot Properties, and his family, Jeff Zadeh, Caner Badur, and Ege Can Badur. Zadeh plans to keep the staff on board and continue service at the hotel while changing the restaurant to a Mediterranean focus. Stremmel and Reilly are focusing their efforts on their Best Bet Motor Lodge (and Reno Sauna Club) on South Virginia Street in Reno and a new project, the former Burner Morris Hostel on Fourth Street, which will be home to several businesses, including a music venue and bakery.
Sierra Street Kitchen & Cocktails / Skyline Kitchen & Vine
On April 1, 2025, Brett Rosselli sold his two restaurant/bar businesses, Sierra Street Kitchen & Cocktails on Sierra Street in Downtown Reno and Skyline Kitchen & Vine in Reno, to longtime employee Colby Johnson and his business partner Megan Holland. Sierra Street Kitchen & Cocktails opened in May 2016 and Skyline Kitchen & Vine opened in June 2018. Johnson and Holland plan to update the menus with more seasonal and local ingredients and will keep the staff.
Cellar 8 & Press Café
Downtown Carson City welcomed a pair of new businesses. The former Mayer Family Wines was rebranded to Cellar 8 and will share space with Press Café. The coffee shop, which opened on April 24, 2025, operates 7 a.m. – 2 p.m., with the wine bar taking over later in the day.
The Edge Restaurant & Lounge
Edgewood Restaurant got an overhaul and will be reopening as The Edge Restaurant & Lounge in Summer 2025. The focus will be on a five-star experience, including tableside presentations, multicourse tasting menus, and an expansive 1,000-label wine collection.
Genoa Brewery
The former Genoa Brewery sold and will be converted into an executive retreat facility.
Cypress Restaurant & Venue
The Cypress music venue has transformed into Cypress Restaurant & Venue after adding a full kitchen and a dinner menu.
Bella Italia Restaurant
Chef Giuseppe Zappala handed over the keys to his beloved Bella Italia Restaurant in South Reno. He sold the business — including his recipes — to a chef formerly connected to Downtown Reno’s La Famiglia restaurant.
Smith & River
Smith & River owners Colin and MaryBeth Smith pulled the plug on the Sierra Street restaurant on Feb. 15, 2025. The building will be taken over by Sergio Romero, who owns Midtown’s popular La Condesa and Rene Preciado, owner of Mexcal. Together, they opened Toro Bravo in the Riverwalk space in March 2025.
Tahoe City Inn
The current site of the historic Tahoe City Inn is morphing into an evo, the global outdoor experiences company, complete with hotel, restaurant, and more near Commons Beach. Protect Our Winters founder Jeremy Jones is part of the project.
Charlie Palmer Steak
Adam Ornellas takes over as executive chef at Charlie Palmer Steak inside of the Grand Sierra Resort. He has more than 25 years of experience in the industry.
Fireside Market
Fireside Market on East Fourth Street has a new owner, Tejash Patel.
The Virgil
MaryBeth and Colin Smith, the couple behind Roundabout Catering and other food businesses, acquired The Virgil, an event space in Reno. The Smiths plan to use the 100-year-old building to host events including weddings, corporate gatherings, and more. They have plans to conduct kitchen improvements and turn The Virgil into a one-stop shop for event planning and related services.
Jax at the Tracks
Jax at the Tracks, a classic American diner in Truckee, has changed hands. Longtime owner Bud Haley sold the business to Tony Cervantes, a local custom-home builder.
