Keeping you informed of Northern Nevada and Tahoe/Truckee’s local food-and-drink news.
Summer always sneaks up on us, but I swear it’s also gone before we get enough time to enjoy it. Looking for an itinerary for where to sip and savor this season? Look no further; we’ve got you covered on what’s new, what’s different, and what’s still on the horizon.
OPENINGS
A bar has opened in the cottage behind Calafuria named No. 731, a nod to a number listed on the building that dates back to 1914. The new spot, which officially began welcoming patrons on April 19, will borrow Calafuria’s kitchen to serve small Italian bites along with a menu of crafted cocktails and sustainably sourced wines.
In July, Champagne & Chocolate is opening a second location on Plumb Lane in Reno. The first spot for the bar-and-dessert concept is in Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe. Chocolates are sourced from longtime local chocolatier Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory.
The Par by Parlay6 Brewing Co. opened on May 8 in the old Wonder Aleworks space in Midtown. In addition to beer, the new spot includes a full bar and food items.
Tasteful Tangle opened on March 29 in Reno’s Kings Row area. The tagline is “elevated urban takeout,” and the menu includes everything from avocado egg rolls to flatbreads and bowls. The full menu is available on the website and seems to include a little of everything, including non-alcoholic drinks.
Trader Joe’s is expanding, as confirmed by the news that it will have another new storefront. The grocery company is adding a Sparks location.
Anna’s Taqueria has announced the opening of a second location, this time in South Reno. The first location is on Wonder Street in Midtown.
Reno Regency, an apartment complex on Lake Street in Reno, has announced plans for a food hall on its ground floor space. Rumor has it a handful (or more) of the restaurants inside of Reno Public Market plan to expand their operations with second locations here.
Mountain Mike’s opened its third area restaurant in Sparks. The new space is owned and operated by Dalvir Janjua, Manpreet Rai, and Kamaljit Singh, who not only own the two Reno locations but also two additional locations in Stockton, Calif. The Sparks location is on Baring Boulevard and boasts eight big-screen televisions, an arcade, a private party room, and an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet.
Piper Stremmel and Chris Reilly, the team behind The Jesse Hotel and Abby’s Highway 40 on Fourth Street in Reno, have announced their newest project, reopening the Best Bet Motor Lodge with their own signature flair. This signals the duo’s expansion into Midtown. They’ve previously focused on projects in Reno’s Fourth Street corridor.
Birdeez is moving forward with a planned July opening. The entertainment venue opening on North Sierra Street will feature miniature golf, darts, trivia, and more. Plus, two bars and a restaurant will be on site. Former tennis pro and serial entrepreneur Philippe Frayssinoux (who also has a hand in Sensology Reno, Tahoe Axe and Darts, Reno Axe, Puzzle Room Reno, and more) is one of the owners.
CLOSURES AND BUSINESS CHANGES
Several businesses announced their exits from Reno Public Market on May 6. The four businesses to leave, after nearly 18 months in the market, include Wandering Wyld, Fuego Street Tacos, A La Parilla, and Brazilian Gourmet. Some cited high costs as their reason for departure while others staying in RPM took to social media to express their support of the business model.
While we’re happy to see a small list of closures, there are still ch-ch-changes happening all over Northern Nevada. Let’s start with The Kitchen Table, which has undergone an ownership change. Amanda and Steven Thomason have handed over the Plumb Lane business to their partner, Alexander Alioto, who also is the head chef.
Not long after Bully’s went up for sale, it found a new owner. Las Vegas businessman Ron Winchell purchased the brand (and all 11 of its Northern Nevada locations) from Jo Lown, who co-founded the company with her late and former husband, Paul Sonner, 30 years ago. Lown has had control of the business since 2009.
Outlaw Coffee Co. in Verdi was recently purchased by Shauna Adams and Chris Lemacher. Adams announced plans to keep the same menu but did mention small improvements would be made.
Marmot Properties purchased the former Junkee building in Midtown. Now that Junkee has relocated to Reno Public Market, supposedly six new tenants will be taking over the former building.
Cucina Lupo, a Carson City restaurant owned by Mark Estee, has had its staffing shaken up a bit. In February, it was announced that Howard Jachens has returned to handle front-of-house operations.
The Arch Society moved from the building formerly occupied by Junkee in Midtown Reno, but it didn’t go far. The cocktails-and-dessert concept is now is South Virginia Street in the original location of Ceol Irish Pub on Virginia Street.
X-Golf Reno is coming to The Summit mall this summer. The golf simulator business has locations in several states, but this is the first for Nevada. In addition to eight state-of-the-art golf simulators and a private simulator room, the family-friendly destination also offers food and a full bar.
Another location planning a summer opening? Denver Liu, owner of Yuzu Sushi and Bar, one of the recipients of the ReStore Grant by the City of Reno, plans to start serving customers next door to Los Gallos Taqueria soon. Liu actually took to a Reddit thread to share details of the new restaurant and confirm opening plans.
NOTABLE NEWS
From anniversaries to competition triumphs, we’re celebrating big wins with some of our impressive neighbors.
Frey Ranch Distillery can’t stay out of the news — and for good reason. The Fallon-based brand added two Double Golds to its portfolio of awards at the recent 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, going up against 500 bourbons from around the world. The Grey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut and Frey Ranch 100% Wheat Whiskey Single Barrel #1209 were the big winners.
Reno-Sparks’ Lead Dog Brewing, Revision Brewing Co., and Great Basin Brewing Co. all are working together. As Ryan Gaumer, the original owner and brewmaster behind Lead Dog, steps back into a leadership role, he’ll work alongside Revision’s CEO Jeremy Warren and the team’s head brewer, Jeb Taylor. The collaboration will take brewing operations to Revision’s state-of-the-art facility and lead to the opening of a new taproom in the brewery district. Lead Dog’s Sparks taproom, however, will close.
Pigeon Head Brewery in Reno celebrated 10 years in business on May 11. The owners hosted a party to celebrate the milestone anniversary.
Reno resident and founder of Hibear Mark Tsigounis pitched his all-day adventure flask to a tank full of sharks on ABC’s Shark Tank TV series on April 5. He appeared on episode 19 of season 15. While he didn’t receive a financial offer from the investors, he gained a great deal of media exposure.
Jordan Hosmer-Henner brings years of experience to his new role with the University of Nevada, Reno’s Desert Farming Initiative as the manager of food systems programs. His position specifically focuses on improving Nevada’s food systems’ resiliency and increasing food security throughout the entire state.
Lindsay Chichester is the new state leader for the 4-H Youth Development Program offered by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. She has nearly 15 years of experience in related roles.
Chapel Tavern has a new cocktail aging system to up the ante on its drinks program. The longtime Midtown bar now features 12 small barrels and copper pipes mounted in the ceiling and on the walls to enable the bar to serve original drinks benefitting from the enhanced flavor that aging offers.
On May 1, DuBois Health Food Center in Carson City, originally opened in 1964 by the late Phil DuBois, celebrated 60 years in business.
TAHOE-TRUCKEE NEWS
Don’t forget to check out what’s happening in the Sierra this summer.
Coffeebar has a new bakery in Truckee on Donner Pass Road, which opened on May 3. This location promises a robust tea and coffee menu, as well as an assortment of baked goods, breakfasts, and lunch options that include Roman-style pizzas. There also is the promise of weekend doughnuts. The bakery is inside the transformed former Tri-County Bank building, as one of a slew of local businesses bringing the space new life.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe in Incline Village has made a few changes to its dining destinations. In addition to remodeling and reopening its café as an Italian-Alpine fusion restaurant named Osteria Sierra in mid-March, the resort also debuted a new event space called Guests Only. Specifically created with private events in mind, the speakeasy-style lounge is located on the resort’s 11th floor.
Chris Watkins has returned to Everline Resort & Spa as chef de cuisine at Six Peaks Grille. Watkins has more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with locations from San Francisco to Switzerland on his résumé. Recently, he served as executive chef at Stella Restaurant in Truckee.
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.
Edgewood Tahoe Resort revamped its Brooks’ Bar and Deck, which reopened on May 17 for the first time since closing in October 2023. The space has been named among the Best Golf Pubs and one of the top 50 Best 19th Holes by Golf Digest. In addition to serving golfers off the green, the restaurant also is open to others coming in for a bite. The renovations included a full interior renovation and a reimagined menu.
That’s all for now! Get out and enjoy your summer, and until next time, remember to eat and drink local!
