This week in 417 foodie news, a popular fast food chain will soon occupy a vacant hotspot, a downtown staple opens its doors in a new location and a new dive bar prepares for a soft opening.
Skinny Slim's opens in new South Avenue location
Downtown dive bar Skinny Slim's Public House has officially opened in its new location at 308 South Ave., between Nonna's and Sweet Boys Neighborhood Bar. The bar is open from 4 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
The bar was previously in a small location on Patton Avenue for 13 years. In addition to the new menu and larger building size, the bar has expanded its cocktail menu, owner Rob Hoerr said.
Fast food chain to move into vacant building near Missouri State
For more than a year, the building at 525 S. National Ave near Missouri State's campus has been vacant, but it will soon be home to a popular fast food chain: Wendy's. The building was formerly a Burger King, which closed in early August 2023.
As of Aug. 7, plans for renovating the building to the latest Wendy's model were under review by the city. A building project report proposes construction to begin on Sept. 3 and conclude by Dec. 4. A grand opening date has not been announced.
More: This burger chain is moving into the vacant Burger King near Missouri State
Corner 21 opens second location
The beloved Chinese restaurant Corner 21 has opened its second location in south Springfield.
Located at 1730 E. Republic Road Suite A, the new restaurant opened on Wednesday. The new location boasts more customer seating than the original location at 1369 E. Sunshine St. It will also offer signature roast duck seasoned with a blend of traditional spices that will be served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce and fresh vegetables — a dish not on the menu at the Sunshine location.
More: This beloved Springfield Chinese restaurant will open a second location Wednesday
Modern dive bar opens on southside
South Springfield is getting a new dive bar with a modern feel.
Robert Harris, Dalton Hill and Clayton Rozell, owners of Rebar Kitchen & Taproom , are opening their second restaurant. With a soft opening scheduled for the first week of September, Sidebar is located at 1111 E. Republic Road, which formerly housed Whiskey Tango.
Sidebar will feature a "totally different menu," but some of the Rebar fan favorites will make their way over. Sidebar's cocktail menu will offer classic cocktails, beer, wine and "all of the other fun stuff," Harris said.
After its grand opening, Sidebar will offer weekly karaoke, APA and house pool leagues, dart leagues, trivia nights and ladies nights. Hours have not been set for the new bar and restaurant.
More: Springfield mixologist opens pop-up for 'handcrafted, hand-curated' drinks — booze-free
Nonna's Italian Cafe releases new menu
Fans of the downtown Italian restaurant Nonna's may want to stop by to check out its new menu.
According to a Facebook post made by the restaurant on Tuesday, the menu features most of its popular dishes with several new additions.
"As a part-time Italy resident, Chef Shawn was ready to expand his authentic Italian offerings and make sure they stood out on his menu, so when you come to Nonna's for a true Italian experience, you get it," the post reads.
The new menu now includes full "Authentic Italian," "American Italian" and "Lasagna" subsections. New authentic Italian offerings include a Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina (Neapolitan-style potato dumplings in tomato sauce with burrata, lemon-infused olive oil, lemon-toasted bread crumbs and basil from coast of Sorrento), Pappardelle Bolognese (Pappardelle pasta with traditional meat Bolognese sauce from Tuscany) and Rigatoni Arrabbiata (rigatoni in Roman spicy sauce of Italian tomatoes, garlic, onion and dried red chili peppers cooked in olive oil).
Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard celebrates unveils fall lineup
In time for the fall season, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is unveiling a Pumpkin Pie Concrete and Pumpkin Cold Brew Frozen Coffee. Both pumpkin products will be available through Sept. 29.
Through Aug. 30, Rita's Ice app users may purchase a Pumpkin Cold Brew Frozen Coffee for $3 with a single-use coupon. App newcomers also receive one free treat upon signup.
More: Starbucks' PSL is around the corner — but Springfield brewers already offer fall flavors
New barbecue restaurant coming to downtown Ozark
A new restaurant serving soups, salads, sandwiches and barbecue is opening in downtown Ozark. Lolli's On The Square is located at 206 N. 1st St. in Ozark. The restaurant has not released an opening date yet.
Springfield Brewing Company opens taproom in Rogersville
Springfield Brewing Company is expanding its footprint with a new taproom in Rogersville. One 2 Five Taproom is located at 1846 Missouri Highway 125 in Rogersville. The taproom is open Wednesday and Thursday from 3-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
In addition to Springfield Brewing Company beer, the taproom features a wood-fired brick oven and backyard games.
Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. She has more than five years of journalism experience covering everything from Ozarks history to Springfield’s LGBTQIA+ community. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@news-leader.com .
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: These new restaurants are opening around Springfield this month
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