Archive
Shedcat Distillery and Kitchen
Shedcat Distillery and Kitchen is bidding Lake Tahoe adieu. The South Lake food-and-beverage concept will close after just more than two years in business. The businessโ owner posted a farewell notice to his Instagram account, citing rising rent as the reason for closure. The final goodbye is scheduled for Aug. 3, with a big bash planned, offering live music and heavy discounts on everything, including bottled spirits.ย Photo by Brooke Reyes, Dreampilot Films
Cleoโs Coffee & Cocktails
Phase one of Caesars extensive rebranding project of the Harveyโs in Stateline was unveiled on July 1. For 80 years Harveyโs was a cornerstone of the South Lake Tahoe area, but today the building is marked by a colorful wolf and a new name โ Caesars Republic, shared with just one other Caesars property in Arizona. Phase one focused on updating most of the casinoโs main areas, including the guest rooms, private poker room, and casino floor. The food and beverage service also got an upgrade with theย goal of elevating the rest of the property to the standard created by Wolf by Vanderpump and Hellโs Kitchen. The newest spot, Cleoโs Coffee & Cocktails, is a morning to evening concept located in the main lobby where a retail shop used to be and offering an elevated menu of French pastries, breakfast toasts, and coffee drinks in the morning; lunch specials in the afternoon; and cocktail service and light bites until it closes at 10 p.m. (and 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays). At Cleoโs, fresh baked pastries including chocolate-dipped croissant rolls, vibrant toasts, and breakfast specialties including several quiches, are served daily. The drink service is also elevated with a variety of hot and cold morning beverages, on-tap negronis, and espresso-infused cocktails. Phase two of the remodel will begin in September with a planned finish date of Spring 2026. During this time, the remaining parts of the casino floor as well as the pool will be overhauled.ย
Star Village Coffee
The owners of Star Village Coffee in Reno announced on July 29 that they would not extend their lease at their Mill Street address due to issues reaching a deal with landlords. While they have expressed a desire to find a new home for their native-owned coffeehouse, a new address has not yet been announced. In a lengthy post on social media, Star Village owners spoke candidly about the struggles of being a native business owner.
11thย Annual Biggest Little City Wing Fest
Over the July 25 โ 26 weekend,ย the Silver Legacy in Reno hosted its 11thย annual Biggest Little City Wing Fest and the winners are in!ย A group of judges, community participants, and others crowned first through third place in five categories including best dry rub, best unique wing, best BBQ wing, celebritiesโ choice, and peopleโs choice.
Jรผs
Juฬs, owned by brothers Adam and Jon Castleman, closed all three of its locations as of July 26. In addition to signs on the doors, the website was updated with a message for customers that cited prorated returns would be given for memberships. The closures come after 15 years in business. The first location was opened in Spanish Springs in 2011 before it underwent a rebrand and moved permanently to Damonte Ranch in 2012. A second location in Midtown Reno was announced in 2014 and the third storefront opened in 2024 in Northwest Reno.
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 โ and business โ 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). Sheโs 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 Nuggetโs Anthonyโs 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 artistsโ work on the walls and add live music eventually. Photos by Jaci Goodman.
Jerky Junction
The late Andy Baird startedย Jerky Junction, a Southern California jerky brand, in 1992. Today, his son, Kyle Baird, and wife, Sarah, two Carson City residents, operate the business together. On July 10, they celebrated the opening of a 16,000-square-foot Carson City facility โ doubling the size of their previous Mound House operation โ that produces 30,000 pounds of jerky per month. They produce several types of meat jerky for other jerky brands, co-pack items, and create their own Jerky Junction label, including exotic selections such as snapping turtle, camel, kangaroo, and python. The Carson City facility also has a small retail space where visitors can purchase jerky. Photo courtesy ofย Nevada Appeal:ย Sarah and Kyle Baird in the Jerky Junction facility in north Carson City on July 14.ย Photo byย Scott Neuffer.
Electric Pickle and Country Creamery
RED (Reno Experience District) officials recently made some big expansion announcements. In addition to the Squeeze In news we already reported, the center also will welcome Electric Pickle and Country Creamery to the growing landscape.
Electric Pickle features pickleball courts, golf simulators, bocce ball facilities, and live music performances. Itโs expected to open in early 2026. Electric Pickle will include a full-service international fusion restaurant with outdoor seating. The cuisine will include various styles such as Mexican, Italian, and Asian. Guests will also be able to enjoy craft beers, wine, cocktails, and frozen beverages.
Country Creamery, owned by Kyle and Carly Sipherd, already has a Fallon ice cream shop and a partnership with Cottonwood Dairy in Fallon for its farm-fresh cream. The Sipherds will bring their handcrafted ice cream brand to this new venture, selling 11 forever flavors as well as seasonal treats. Details on an opening date are still to be determined.
Slim Chickens
Slim Chickens will open its first Reno location on July 21 on Steamboat Parkway. While it is Reno’s first Slim Chickens, a Sparks location has been operating since June 2023 on Los Altos Parkway. Both locations are owned by franchiseeย Roy Perez,ย who also owns 10 Jimboy’s Tacos locations in the Greater Sacramento area with plans to expand his footprint further into Northern Nevada. The menu features hand-breaded chicken specialties including sandwiches, tenders, salads, and more.
Pine Ridge Tavern
Pine Ridge Tavernย in Somersett in North Reno opened its doors on July 8. It takes the place of Peavine Tavern, which closed in Fall of 2024. Steve Uricchio, who owns the restaurant with his wife Stephanie, calls the fare โupscale pub cuisine.โ In addition to pizza, salads, burgers, and sandwiches, there is an emphasis on elevated appetizers. The couple will also openย Stellars Lounge & Grillย next door, in the old Gambiโs and The Bones Bar spaceย that closed earlier this year. Plans are to have the second restaurant up and running in September. Stellars will offer a more formal dining experience with continental cuisine, international fusion flavors, and an expanded wine list. Both restaurants fall under BDS Town Square Reno LLC, which Steve owns with two Las Vegas-based partners, Bruce Familian and David Nolan. Steve opened his first restaurant in 1995 in Bakersfield and has opened more than 25 restaurants since, some under his ownership but most at various casinos throughout the west. He and Stephanie relocated to Reno two years ago and live in Somersett, two miles from the restaurantโs doors. Photos courtesy of Steve Uricchio.
Aloha Shack
Chris and Theresa Luke are looking to sell their Hawaiian restaurantย Aloha Shackย located on Red Rock Road in Renoโs North Valleys. Chris cited the reason for the potential sale/closure as wanting to move back to California toย be closer to family and get support for his wifeโs medical issues. While they are โgetting the ball rolling,โ the couple isnโt going anywhere just yet. As of now, the two plan to finish out their lease, which ends in April 2026. Whether someone will buy just the equipment or the entire brand is up in the air. Chris says he and Theresa may open something in California as well.
Truckee Bagel Co.
On July 12, Truckee Bagel Co., owned by Andy Gagnon, closed the Midtown Reno location after 10 years in business. July 25 marks the last day of operation. The bagel shopโs Galena storefront in the Raleyโs shopping center, celebrating 25 years in business this year, will remain open. The company dates back to 1994.
Rice Box Kitchen andย Noodle Box Kitchen
Perapol Damnernphokul, owner of Rice Box Kitchen and Noodle Box Kitchen, announced the last day of operation as July 26. The two places were created with the goal of bringing Damnernphokulโs San Francisco-style Thai cuisine to Reno and the brand started with Rice Box Kitchen on South Virginia Street in Midtown in 2021. In the summer of 2023, Noodle Box Kitchen opened in the space next door to The Discovery museum on Center Street. It wasnโt long before Damnernphokul combined the two eateries into one location, offering both his rice-based dishes and noodle-based dishes (plus dim sum and hot pot). During his more than four years in business, Damnernphokul landed several Yelp awards and hosted many culinary-driven events at his restaurants. His social media posts announcing the closure were met with many disappointed responses from community members that have come to love Damnernphokulโs unique cuisine. Photos by Candice Vivien.
Desert Sun Bagel Co.
On July 7, Desert Sun Bagel Co. opened a second location in Smithridge Plaza (in the spot formerly occupied by Bam! Dog Righteous Hot Dogs and Honey Treat Yogurt). The new location offers the same bagels and breakfast sandwiches Desert Sun has become known for since first opening in 2010 as The Daily Bagel, but with more than double the space. The original location is at 495 Morrill Ave. in the Brewery District downtown. Both locations are owned by Shane Ritter.
Rising for the People Coffee Co.
The soft opening for Rising for the People Coffee Co. on Vesta Street in Midtown Reno is today (and the grand opening is July 25). The business, owned by Skyler Jones, started online in 2022 and expanded to distributing at local farmersโ markets, Haven on Earth Bakery in Reno, and local events. The company partners with farms that use chemical-free farming methods and prioritizes fair-trade practices. Todayโs business opening included the unveiling of a $3,000 mural project paid for by the City of Reno.
Squeeze In
Owners ofย Squeeze Inย โ the breakfast-and-lunch spot that started in Truckee in 1974 and now has eight locations in California and Nevada โ announced that its newest location will open in spring 2026 in theย Reno Experience District at 2020 Red Drive. The restaurant will be owned and operated by Carson City Squeeze In owner Whitney Goldwater and her family. A former 911 operator, Goldwater has been part of the Squeeze In owners family since 2023 and was a customer for many years prior, along with her husband, Mike, and children.
Chihuahuaโs Cantina & Grill
On July 5, family-owned Chihuahuaโs Cantina & Grill is celebrating 20 years since opening its Winnemucca, Nev., location. Chef/owner Dora Rivera brought the flavors of Riva Palacios, Chihuahua, to the restaurant, with recipes passed down through generations. She runs the restaurant with her husband Javier, son Javier II, and daughters Sofรญa and Julia by her side. Its Reno location opened in March 2018.
The Edge Restaurant & Lounge
On July 1, 2025,ย Edgewood Tahoe Resort,ย a premier luxury resort located on the shores of Lake Tahoe in Stateline, unveiled its newest fine dining concept,ย The Edge Restaurant & Lounge. Formerly known as Edgewood Restaurant, the new concept will give guests five-star dining with panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada. Diners will enjoy a menu that balances seasonal flavors with modern culinary techniques, such as tableside presentations, multi-course tasting menus, and artisanal craft cocktails. In addition, The Edge will house an expansive wine collection featuring more than 1,000 labels worldwide, including rare estate vintages and boutique Californian wineries โ all hand-selected by expert sommeliers. In partnership withย Plant Construction Company, L.P. andย Collaborative Design Studio, theย remodel reflects a high level of luxury. The project also includes the interior of the existing entry, restaurant, bar, north and south ballrooms, kitchen, and lower-level restrooms, among other shared spaces.
Tadaima Shabu Shabu
In early June,ย Tadaima Shabu Shabuย opened in The Basement, at 50 S. Virginia St. in Downtown Reno. The Japanese restaurant specializes inย shabu shabu, a hot pot dish consisting ofย fresh vegetables and meats that you cook in your own simmering broth tableside.ย People are raving about theย chicken meatballs, which simmer in the broth. The owners, husband-and-wife team Sean and Yumi Patterson, are hands on and friendly.ย Itโs open for lunch and dinner every day except Monday. Reservations required.
Sage Leaf
We are excited to announce thatย Sage Leafย restaurant, located in Incline Village, is opening a second location in the soon-to-be-vacated space held by Laughing Planet in Midtown Reno. Laughing Planet is closing permanently and leaving the location on Tahoe Street at the end of July.ย Shane and Lara Hammett,ย owners of Sage Leaf, will receive the keys in August and hope to open in October.ย The Hammetts met in 2007 while working at the Napa Valley Grille in Yountvilleย and they worked around wine country before moving to Lake Tahoe in 2011 and opening Sage Leaf. Shane also is the restaurantโs chef and sommelier.ย The couple prides themselves onย using local, sustainable, and humanly raised products, includingย Niman Ranchย and other small purveyors, and have a commitment to family-owned farms and sustainable agriculture. Menus feature seasonal and fresh ingredients. Photos by Jen Schmidt
28th Annual BBQ, Brews, & Blues Festival’s Best Tasting Beer Awards
On June 13 โ 14, the Eldorado Hotel & Casino hosted its 28thย annual BBQ, Brews, & Blues festival and crowned several local breweries as the winners of the best tasting beer at the Downtown Reno festival. The local winners were: First Place Dark Ale (Highland Stag 18 Year Elijah Craig Bourbon aged Wee Heavy Ale) โย Schussboom Brewing Co.ย in Reno, Second Place Hazy IPA (Thunder Pip Hazy IPA) โย Lead Dog Brewingย in Reno, and Second Place Red Ale (Irish Red Ale) โย The Fox Breweryย in Carson City. Photo by Donna Victor
Nevada State Entomologist Jeff Knight
Nevada State Entomologist Jeff Knight is retiring on July 4th after 40 years with the Nevada Department of Agriculture. The entomology program identifies, surveys, and provides management solutions for insect pests that can impact agriculture and our food supply. In 1977, Knight started his career with the NDA as an โentomology seasonal.โ In 1993, Knight was promoted to state entomologist where he safeguarded Nevadaโs economy and food security by responding to invasive species and agricultural pests. His passion and dedication to the development and curation of the State of Nevada Entomology Collection has catalogued the discovery of new species within the state and expanded the formal state records for species. He also has identified innumerable samples from the public and agriculture community, offering insights and management recommendations. Knight is regarded as a tireless advocate for environmental stewardship, educating Nevadans on the importance of sustainable practices to preserve our stateโs valuable ecosystems. His dedication to protecting Nevadaโs agriculture has been invaluable. Photo by Chris Holloman
Playfield Sports and Games
On June 20,ย Playfield 76ย becameย Playfield Sports and Gamesย 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 businessโ games. Youโll 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.
Martis Valley Lodge
On July 1,ย Martis Valley Lodgeย is opening in Truckee after a $9 million transformation. The property,ย a Hilton Tapestry Collection hotel,ย will haveย a new restaurant called Trailhead Social, which will serveย โelevated comfort food and aprรจs-style dining.โ The restaurant will include dishes such as Truckee River trout crostini, Truckee cheese fondue, Sierra sliders, and a signature Sierra wild berry cheesecake. In addition, the hotelย isย partnering with local artisans and purveyors to offer, for instance, coffee fromย Drink Coffee Do Stuffย and beer fromย Truckee Brewing Company. The property was previously aย Hampton Inn & Suites location.
