Archive
El Toro Bravo
El Toro Bravo is on a mission to keep its doors open. The Truckee eatery, located in the heart of Old Town, has been serving the community Grandma Reyโs favorites for 37 years since it first opened in 1988.ย The current owners, Trinidad (Trini) and his uncle Mike, who are third- and fourth-generation descendants of Grandma Rey, are scrambling to buy the building and business in order to stay open.
Little Truckee Ice Creamery
Little Truckee Ice Creamery opened a fourth location, and itโs first in Reno, on Aug. 7. The popular ice cream spot owned by Kenny Blum has three existing addresses in Truckee and Lake Tahoe and recently added a Robb Drive storefront in Northwest Reno. In addition to ice cream made on location, Little Truckee employees also make the businessโ ice cream inclusions, such as caramel, brownies, and chocolate chips. Customers also like Little Truckeeโs dairy-free ice cream with organic coconut milk as its base, as well as fruit sorbets. The shop is open 11 a.m. โ 9 p.m. daily.
Anaโs Taco Grill
On Aug. 14,ย Anaโs Taco Grill in Reno opened a long-awaited second location. The first restaurant, on Wonder Street, opened in 2020 and the new spot is in South Reno on Geiger Grade Road where Nik-N-Willies Pizza and Deli used to be. Anaโs Taco Grill is open 10 a.m. โ 8 p.m. daily.
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.
Foothill Market
The owners of Foothill Market are planning to open the shop as early as September, taking over the space that was the Genoa Country Store. Owners Casey and Hailey Sebahar say the goal is to create a market for people who donโt want to drive 20 minutes to a grocery store, carrying basic items such as dairy, eggs, bread, wine, and produce. The market will not operate as a full grocery store but will have just the essentials, plus a few extras, including a menu of sandwiches and salads, hot dogs, and soft-serve ice cream. There also will be a bar. While the concept may sound similar to its predecessor, the owners say the market will be completely different. The entire inside of the store was redesigned and the equipment, counters, electrical, and plumbing have all been updated or replaced. Casey and Hailey moved to Genoa from Southern California 10 years ago. Casey has worked at both The Pink House and Daniel’s in Genoa since relocating.
Dough.Cheese.Sauce
Marvin Kinney From R Town Pizza in Reno plans to open a new restaurant for NY-style pizza by the slice, which will welcome diners late into the evening. He will move into the new spot and will be partnering with the owner of Press Start Bar & Arcade, John Simpson. Located on Center Street in Reno. Get ready for Dough.Cheese.Sauce to arrive in Midtown early Fall.
Great Gold
Brandon Kirksey is bringing a second location of Great Gold, his Truckee-based American-Italian restaurant, to Village at Rancharrah in Reno this winter in the spot Grafted Whiskey & Wine Bar once operated in. The restaurant will be the third business represented by Great Gold Hospitality Group, which includes the first Great Gold location and Tangerine French Bistro, both in Truckee. The menu will focus on seasonal, farm-to-table produce, meats, and seafood including wood-fired pizzas, Italian wines, and more. The restaurant plans to offer a blend of upscale fine dining and a cozy, intimate vibe punctuated by modern industrial botanical design, according to Kirksey. Kirksey brings two decades of experience to the kitchen. The James Beard Award nominee has long worked in popular West Coast restaurants and will serve as the head chef, partner, and creative visionary of the new Great Gold project. When the doors officially open, dinner service will occur nightly from 5-9 p.m. with plans to eventually roll out brunch. In addition to 80 inside seats, Great Gold will have an additional 40 on the patio. Kirkseyโs partners include his wife, Juliana Toro; the founder of Flour + Water Hospitality group, David Steele; and Timmy Malloy (both chef and partner).
Tahoe Bloody Mary Festival
On Aug. 10, the 13th annual Tahoe Bloody Mary Festival was held at The Beach Retreat & Lodge in South Lake Tahoe, sponsored by Cutwater. There were 13 participants all vying for the coveted title of best bloody mary. A group of VIP judges crowned Beach Retreat top dog with its judgeโs choice award, and Delta Saloon out of Virginia City came in second for its homemade bloody mary mix and sliders. Participants also voted for their favorite drinks, crowning Delta Saloon the winner for โpeopleโs choiceโ with Max from Mixxology Inc. coming in second place.
Wing Zone Hot Chicken & Wings
Wing Zone Hot Chicken & Wings will open its doors at 705 N. Virginia St. on Aug. 19. The new wing spot is a franchise owned by local franchisee Raj Rai, who has opened 45 restaurants in total over his career. The grand opening event will include free samples and promotions including six free wings with every $20 purchase and free fries with any $10 purchase.
Pizza Guys
Tahir Akram opened the third location of Pizza Guys on Plumb Lane June 26. The Sacramento-based fast casual pizza spot with about 100 locations nationwide specializes in pizza including flatbreads, specialty pies, and custom-built orders. The newest space is the largest Pizza Guys restaurant in the Reno-Sparks area boasting 2,500 total square feet in comparison to the other two locations that clock in around 1,200-1,300 square feet. With that extra room, Akram says they were able to expand the menu to include fried foods like wings and French fries as well as cater to a more robust walk-in and dine-in crowd while the other two restaurants serve more take-out customers. Tahir Akram, a serial entrepreneur, who also owns his own construction and financial business, has owned all three of the existing Reno and Sparks restaurants at one time. He purchased the Sparks location in 2012 from a former franchisee, then, in 2016, he built the Robb Drive location that he later sold in 2018. He currently owns both the Sparks location and Plumb Lane location with plans to expand throughout Reno.
Noble Pie Pizza Parlor
Noble Pie Pizza Parlor celebrated 15 years in business with a Cheney Block Party on Aug. 10. The East Coast-style pizza eatery has racked up several accolades over its years in business, including a national spotlight from Guy Fieri, host of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, for its T-Pane pizza and Burg style doubleโfried wings as well as recognition as the best chicken wings in the state of Nevada for the Burg style wings in Eat This, Not That. The Midtown restaurant opened on June 23, 2010 and was the first location. Today it is the only location after two other Noble Pie restaurants opened and closed in both Downtown and South Reno. Ryan Goldhammer is the owner of Noble Pie, which he used to own alongside Trevor Leppek who has since moved on to other ventures.
Good Days Cafรฉ
The Owner of Dubs Sports Lounge announced his new venture โ Good Days Cafรฉ, taking over the former Laughing Planet spot near University of Nevada, Reno. He posted to social media about the plans in late July, expressing his excitement over opening a new restaurant near his alma mater. The location isnโt serving customers yet, but he is updating Instagram along the way, showing each step of the remodel process as he goes.
Minglewood Coffee & Company
Tahoe City welcomed a new coffeeshop meets breakfast spot meets lunch cafรฉ calledย Minglewood Coffee & Company. The business opened its doors July 11 after a one-month remodel of the oldย Sydโs Bagelry. The dining concept comes from local entrepreneursย Alex and Amanda Looby, who also own Christy Hill and the Sandbar. The short menu focuses on locally sourced and healthy ingredients, served 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Photo by Jamie Kingham
Marcolinoโs Italia
We have extremely exciting news to report. The years-long rumors have finally come true! Marcolinoโs Italia restaurant in Reno’s RiverWalk District is moving into the iconic, landmark building that formerly occupied Rapscallion restaurant located in Midtown at 1555 S. Wells Ave. in Reno. Marco has received the keys and will be moving his fine-dining restaurant, catering, and events businesses into the space in November. While we wait for them to open in this grand, new spot, you can still visit the restaurant at its current location, on 254 W. First St. Downtown. Congratulations to owners Marco and Lynette Brown, son Brandon Brown, and General Manager Bill Green! We canโt wait to dine and drink in this fabulous new spot!
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.
