Keeping you informed of Northern Nevada and Tahoe/Truckee’s local food-and-drink news.
In the Reno-Tahoe food-and-drink scene, there’s plenty to get excited about — and hungry for. Here, we’ve rounded up the biggest news in food and drink this side of the Sierra.
Openings
Our favorite part of every Edible Updates is announcing all of the new food-and-drink businesses opening up across our region. We’ll start with Madein Food & Drink Collective, which plans to open in Reno’s Mayberry Landing shopping center this summer. The name comes from the business’ mission to feature products made in the Reno-Tahoe area, such as coffee from Forged Coffee Roasting Co. and beverages from Black Rabbit Mead Co. Grab-and-go items and lunch and dinner service are available, too.
Crush Nutrition opened in South Reno in late 2023. The Damonte SouthTowne Crossing business specializes in healthy drinks to fuel your workout and your life. Stop by for a variety of flavorful teas, meal-replacement shakes, and protein-packed waffles and doughnuts.
A new cookie company called Cookie Plug opened in the South Meadows Promenade. The cookie franchise has a similar concept to that of popular Crumbl, with a rotating assortment of flavors of its oversized cookies. It sits next door to Pisces Sushi.
If you’re a fan of Big Blue Q, a BBQ food truck and catering service owned by Shane Mathias, then you’re in luck. The mobile business is adding a physical restaurant, The Reno Bar and Grill, on East Fourth Street in Reno. The expansion comes after more than 10 years of business.
Real estate redeveloper Josh Thieriot is making his own plans for East Fourth Street. His vision includes bringing an eatery and retail marketplace to the 903 E. Fourth St. address. The large brick building there is one of many he owns in the area.
Hinoki also is expanding operations, adding to its lineup of area restaurants, to McQueen Crossing. The addition of Hinoki means the shopping center now is 100 percent leased.
3 Angeles Latinx Cuisine opened on Moana Lane on Dec. 3. The new restaurant is open 3 – 9 p.m. Thurs. – Sun.
Midnight Coffee Roasting, born in a garage in Santa Cruz, opened in Downtown Reno in 2022, and a new Midtown location opened in February. The owners of the café and roastery on West Second Street said on Facebook that their goal is to create a place for the community to gather over beer, wine, coffee, live music, and trivia nights.
After Shifters closed on West Second Street, it left an opening for a new bar in town. According to the Reno City Council agenda, Boar’s Nest Saloon will take residence in the space soon.
In December, Pete’s Meat BBQ food truck rolled into town, bringing Texas-style craft barbecue to the Reno-Sparks area. To follow the food truck and try its grub, visit Petesmeatbbq.com.
Reno serial entrepreneur husband-and-wife team Rick and Wendy Henriksen are opening three Teriyaki Madness locations in the region. They launched the first on Jan. 12 in Meadowood Mall and plan to open the second in University Crossing this summer. The third location is yet to be determined. None of these is affiliated with the Teriyaki Madness restaurant at The Summit, which is currently owned by Rei Garcia.
Mariscos El BarCo is poised to expand. A recently filed application for a business license indicated the second location of this popular Sparks Mexican seafood restaurant will be on Plumb Lane where El Pescador used to reside.
A new boiling hot pot chain called Tasty Pot is planned for Reno. While its website simply claims the Reno location is “coming soon,” the owners did apply for a liquor license with the City of Reno. According to records, the Taiwanese hot pot restaurant will open at 716 S. Virginia St.
Are you sober-curious? Curious in the City is a new business based on the sober-curious and mocktail trend. The business caters to the sober community by hosting pop-ups and other events throughout Reno. Learn more about the experience-based, sober business by following along on social media.
Piper Stremmel and husband/business partner Chris Reilly are making progress on a new hotel. Formerly Best Bet Lodging, the business will be named Best Bet Motor Lodge and is expected to open this spring. The space has 21 rooms, an on-site sauna for guests and locals, and a large outdoor patio. Stremmel has a reputation for bringing new life to classic Reno establishments, primarily in the Fourth Street area. In addition to Best Bet, she also owns The Jesse Hotel & Bar and Abby’s Highway 40, both of which have storied local histories.
Bi-Rite Market is a popular convenience store in Sun Valley. The owners recently applied for a liquor license for a space on Kietzke Lane, which leads us to believe a second location is in the works.
In Carson City, Max Casino opened its La Luna Bar & Lounge, a nightlife hot spot, on Dec. 29. Entertainment includes a lineup of Nevada DJs, go-go dancers, and VIP bottle service experiences, all with no cover charges.
Big Chicken is bringing big flavor to Carson City. The Shaquille O’Neal-backed business founded in 2018 is a mix of O’Neal’s family recipes and today’s trending flavors. There are Big Chicken restaurants in 16 states, and Carson City’s is the newest franchise to open and the first Nevada location outside of Las Vegas. Minden is up next; that location will open later this year.
Closures
A handful of long-running businesses in Reno have recently shuttered. While some may reopen in new locations, others are gone for good.
Homage closed its doors Dec. 3 after 12 years in business; the owner cited a rent increase of 325 percent as the reason.
After eight years, The Stick shut down. On Instagram, the owners noted the changing dynamics of Downtown Reno for the closure.
Sierra Sugar Co. owner Ashley Schindler decided to put her cotton candy cart business, which serviced the Greater Reno-Tahoe area, on hold for personal reasons.
Kellie Lee announced the closure of Rowdy Bars, a prebiotic energy bar manufacturer, after six years in business. She cited a lack of capital as her reason.
Dec. 27 was the last day of operation for Darkshot Coffee at the Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa, after five years in business. The ballpark location remains open, and the owners announced on Instagram that they also planned to open a new location on Valley Road this year.
New and Noteworthy
From awards to anniversaries, there’s a lot to celebrate. Let’s start with Laughing Planet. The Midtown Reno location will celebrate its 10th anniversary in June.
Buenos Grill in Mayberry Landing celebrates 25 years in business this spring.
Vinepair.com recognized IMBĪB Custom Brews on its recent list of The 30 Best Breweries in the Country Right Now as chosen by beer bars.
Stellar Snacks, based in Carson City, received international recognition when it was selected as the pretzel of choice for the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (International Emmy Awards). The local mother-daughter owners even were able to attend the film showcase. In addition, they were recently featured on the Today show, are the official inflight snack for Alaskan Airlines and Jet Blue, and are the only woman-owned pretzel manufacturer on the West Coast.
Three Reno restaurants landed on Yelp’s list of Top 100 Places to Eat in 2024. They are Arario (No. 26), R Town Pizza (No. 64), and La Condesa Eatery (No. 67).
Proof Awards in Las Vegas recognized Frey Ranch in December. The local spirits maker earned three awards, including gold medals for its flagship and its farm strength bourbons, as well as a century award for its Bottled-in-Bond Straight Rye Whiskey, recognizing a perfect 100-point score from all judges at the competition.
A final, sad goodbye goes to Bill Paganetti, the founder of Peppermill Casinos Inc., who passed away in December. He was 85 years old.
Top of the Hill
Our neighbors at the lake have good news to share, too. Check out what’s happening in Tahoe, Truckee, and beyond.
Savor Brands identified 311 finalists working in the food-and-drink business from 44 states for its 2024 Good Food Awards. Among those nominated was Lake Tahoe’s Drink Coffee Do Stuff, for its Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Koke Red Honey.
Everline Resort & Spa in Olympic Valley has a new director of food and beverage. Steve Uricchio hails from Cannery Casino Resorts in Las Vegas, bringing his culinary prowess to the Tahoe area. Uricchio has worked at The Doghouse, Beverly Hilton Hotel, and Friar Club in Beverly Hills, and he has prepared and served meals for celebrities and events such as the Golden Globes and Academy Awards.
Mountain Lotus Yoga opened in 2020 at the height of the pandemic as part of a health-centric community hub in Truckee. This year, the business will begin to realize its potential with the opening of an upscale café and event space in Old Town, from owner Scott Fitzmorris. The focus remains on health and wellness as well as providing a space for private and community events. Chef Raymond Applegate, owner of Mountain Lotus Provisions, will helm the kitchen, crafting a menu inspired by the blue zones of the Pacific Rim and the diverse food systems present in the northern Sierra Nevada region.
RAKKAN Ramen opened in Truckee, making a bold statement with its plant-based broths. The Japanese franchise started in Tokyo in 2011 and has since expanded stateside with six California locations.
That’s all she wrote. Until next time, happy eating, sipping, and savoring!
