Keeping you informed of local food-and-drink news.
The food-and-drink landscape always is changing in the Reno-Tahoe area. We know keeping up with it can be tough, but we’re up for the job! Here’s our latest list of updates on the local scene to wrap up this exciting year.
OPENINGS & EXPANSIONS
There are plenty of new places to try this winter. Get ready for date nights and holiday family fun at these new gems.
The storefront for Willies Pasta Shop appeared along the Midtown Reno stretch of South Virginia Street about four years ago. On Sept. 5, it finally opened to the public, with dinner service on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. The pasta restaurant is owned by Troy and Coleen Cannan, who also own LuLou’s and Kauboi Izakaya in Midtown.
Beloved’s Bakery & Cafe, owned by Zach Condron, opened next door to the Reno Public Market on Sept. 11. The large bakery space has a separate entrance from the main market and serves a rotating selection of morning coffees from various local businesses, as well as grab-and-go lunch items, including empanadas, and several breakfast options. Of course, you also can buy bread and pastries here from the display case. Marco Dobrescu, former owner of now-defunct Uncle Buddy’s food truck and Condron’s business partner, is helping out in the kitchen.
On Sept. 26, South Lake Tahoe business Champagne & Chocolate celebrated the grand opening of its second location, on Plumb Lane in Reno. It was originally slated to open in July but experienced a few delays. The opening came on the heels of the Davis Fire, which nearly destroyed its partner business, Chocolate Nugget Factory in Washoe Valley. A portion of proceeds from the opening event went to those affected by the fire.
Madein Food & Drink Collective opened on Aug. 14. The Mayberry Landing spot is co-owned by Will Truce, who also operates Black Rabbit Mead Co.; his wife, Rachel Macintyre, who is a co-founder of Wandering Wyld; as well as chef Shawn Giordano and his wife, Marcia. Madein houses three concepts under one roof: a coffee shop, an aperitivo-inspired restaurant, and a bar program.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream opened its doors on Aug. 29. The business is owned and operated by local franchisees Andy Nava and his sister, Cristina Ferguson, as well as their spouses. The nationwide ice cream store known for carrying a wide variety of flavors — 48 at a time — originated in Ohio, but this marks the first Nevada location outside of Las Vegas. Stop by The Summit mall and use the walk-up window or dine inside.
Legends Bay Casino in Sparks opened its newest restaurant, Oyster Bar, in August. The new concept invites guests to watch modern seafood dishes being prepared right before their eyes.
Arnie’s Café held its grand opening on July 5. The breakfast-and-lunch spot located on Moana Lane in Reno is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Chef Osu Kwon first opened Tofu House in Reno in 2017, but the pandemic forced him to shut his doors. However, on July 5, 2024, he reopened the business, this time with a storefront in the Damonte Ranch Town Center. Instead of offering fast-casual, counter-service fare such as previous tenants (and those nearby), Tofu House provides a full sit-down experience in the growing strip mall.
The Spot: Riverwalk Bar and Tavern made its debut this summer. The menu focuses largely on local beer and craft cocktails, but there also is a full menu, including a children’s menu. The outdoor patio really completes the space, overlooking the Truckee River.
Roberto’s Taco Shop has a new location with a drive-through, bringing its fast-casual Mexican fare to Steamboat Parkway in the Damonte Ranch Town Center in July. The chain is family owned and originated in San Diego. It has been in Reno since 2016.
Also coming to Damonte Ranch Town Center is a second area location for Slim Chickens in 2025. The counter-service, chicken-focused chain restaurant already exists in Sparks.
Aubrey and Tyler O’Laskey, the owners of Perenn and Claio, announced a new Perenn location in Tennessee, but it’s not the only Volunteer State building they’ve secured. The O’Laskeys also have plans to build a bread and pastry manufacturing facility in Nashville.
Chick-A-Boom is the newest stall to open at Reno Public Market, as of Aug. 21. The spot specializes in fried chicken, including bone-in options, chicken tenders, and spicy chicken sandwiches.
Also on Aug. 21, Trader Joe’s opened in South Reno at The Summit. Another location is planned for Sparks in 2025.
Speaking of grocery stores, Sprouts Market is coming to the 55,000-square-foot North Carson Crossing neighborhood. The new commercial development is being built by Reno-based construction company Metcalf. While ground was broken in early July, the timeline for Sprouts to open is still up in the air.
Nonprofit Urban Roots’ new teaching kitchen opened on Aug. 21, though the project has been in the works since 2019. The kitchen will provide a space for culinary classes and camps for community members and (sometimes) their children. Plus, it will act as the working kitchen for on-site events, when available.
Thistle, a nationwide meal-delivery-service platform, has expanded its service area to include Lake Tahoe, Reno, Carson City, and beyond. The company’s offerings include nutritious, ready-to-eat meals and snacks and cold-pressed juices.
Nayaab, an Indian cuisine restaurant, is spicing up our lives in South Reno. The new restaurant opened inside of Meadowood Mall on June 14.
Speaking of Indian cuisine, Maharaja Royal Bites opened in Midtown Reno on Sept. 9. The new restaurant specializes in North Indian cooking.
Lake Tahoe AleWorX will be moving into the old Record Street Brewing space on Fourth Street in Reno. The plan is to operate The Alpine Reno (a large entertainment venue) as well as an AleWorX restaurant serving wood-fired food and craft beer and cocktails. One of the most exciting elements of the new space is a large rooftop bar.
A new dessert place opened in The Sticks in Midtown. The sweets spot, Crave, is next door to Sugar Blvd. ice cream parlor.
Finally, Fernley has its own news. City residents Troy Blake and Jim Gurnea opened a new Squeeze In restaurant in Fernley on Sept. 21.
CLOSURES & BUSINESS CHANGES
Jay Rathmann, owner of BJ’s Nevada Barbecue in Sparks, was awarded the Presidential Medallion at this year’s American Culinary Federation conference. It is considered the highest honor from the group’s president.
Riverside Farmers Market was voted the No. 1 farmers’ market in Nevada at the 16th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration. The winner was determined by public vote.
Honey Treat Yogurt in the Smithridge Plaza shopping center in Reno closed its doors this summer after more than 30 years in business.
Another ice cream shop in Reno, Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, also closed its Northwest Reno location in the McQueen Crossing shopping center on July 28.
Somersett Town Square is taking a hit with two dining concepts leaving at about the same time. Both Peavine Taphouse and Gambi’s closed in November. Rumor has it that Gambi’s may reopen in another spot while Peavine will close permanently.
Trevor Leppek sold Downtown Reno’s Pignic Pub & Patio to father-and-son duo Ajit and Jaz Ahluwalia. After nearly 15 years and five brick-and-mortar businesses, Leppek will no longer own a piece of Reno’s restaurant scene.
Wings-N-Beer closed after less than a year in business. However, Smee’s Alaskan Fish Bar & Market Place already has laid claim to the bright blue building on Kietzke Lane, relocating there after vacating its Downtown Riverwalk location.
NOTEWORTHY NEWS
Black Rabbit Mead Co. in Reno has surpassed five years in business. The Fourth Street bar hosted a party on Aug. 10 to celebrate, with an Alice in Wonderland, down-the-rabbit-hole theme.
Eight restaurants have joined the Green Dining Nevada Network at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. The announcement comes on the heels of a new partnership between environmental education nonprofit greenUP! and SSP America. The recognized restaurants include Liberty Toast, Reno Draft House, Tap & Pour, Wild Garlic, Timber Ridge, and three Peet’s Coffee locations.
Finally, a sad piece of news: Chef Joe Eidem passed away on Sept. 8. He was an award-winning chef, American Culinary Federation executive chef, and distinguished member of the American Academy of Chefs. Eidem had a reputation for mentoring culinary professionals in the region, both young and old, and championing careers in the food business. He also was a longtime supporter of edible Reno-Tahoe, for which we always will be grateful.
TAHOE-TRUCKEE NEWS
Palisades Tahoe now offers two new dining concepts. Little Bear Café is a year-round restaurant that serves pastries from Palisades Tahoe’s own pastry chef, Cortney Hadley, as well as coffee, salads, and sandwiches.
Stoked Oak BBQ at Alpine, on the other hand, will be open for the winter season only and feature a menu of traditional smoked barbecue platters and toasted sandwiches. Both eateries are part of the property’s expansion in honor of its 75th year.
Tahoe’s west shore welcomed Dockside Trading Co. to the historic Obexer’s building in July. The shop sells fresh produce as well as deli sandwiches and offers outdoor seating overlooking the lake. And if you happen to be boating in, take advantage of the sushi, snacks, and drinks available for takeout. Dockside is the sister property to Swiss Lakewood.
Also on the west shore, the Chamber’s Landing building was purchased by tech entrepreneur Chris Fanini. His investor group acquired the property in 2023 and folded it into Anidel Hospitality Group, which operates other businesses in Sonoma. The move to purchase what’s widely considered Tahoe’s oldest waterfront bar was somewhat personal, as Fanini speaks fondly of time spent at the property over the years.
The celebrity corner at Harvey’s Lake Tahoe is growing. Gordan Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen underwent an expansion that provided 56 additional seats, a new bar with a 1,200-bottle wine display, and new entrance. The changes were unveiled on July 26.
Elements Eatery & Bar opened in May, serving up a selection of Mexican American fusion cuisine. Chef Gabriela Chavez is responsible for the eclectic menu, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Tahoe Bros Charbroiled Burgers also opened in South Lake Tahoe in May, near Whiskey Dicks. The people behind Izzy’s Burger Spa, which closed in 2023, are part of the new venture, along with a new owner. Together, Andres Delgadillo, Ricardo Luquin, and Gabriel Robles own the new burger joint.
That’s it for now, folks … but you can be sure the new year will be just as busy. Until next time!
