In my travels, I’ve noticed several restaurants that are on the brink of opening here in the Inland Empire (along with some that we’ll have to wait a little longer for).
Let’s start in Rialto, where I found two restaurants that are likely to open soon, and one that still needs to be built.
There’s a new Ding Tea headed for north of the 210 Freeway at 1133 W. Casmalia St., Suite 2.
For updates, visit the location’s Instagram page: @dingtearialto.
On the other side of the 210, just south of where Ding Tea is coming, Baqba Mexican Grill is coming to Renaissance Marketplace.
A banner hanging on the future restaurant advertises fresh handmade tortillas.
Baqba is at 1165 W. Renaissance Parkway, Suite 410, where Chop Stop formerly was.
About a block east, fencing has gone up at 1040 W. Renaissance Parkway, along with a notice from the Alcohol Beverage Control.
The notice indicates the new eatery will be called Hoshiki.
In San Bernardino, the restaurants at the still-under-construction University Crossings project appear close to opening.
Chick-fil-A (4312 N. Varsity Ave.) and Dutch Bros Coffee (4236 N. Varsity Ave.) look closest to opening, with Panera Bread (4268 N. Varsity Ave.) perhaps a little behind.
The Dutch Bros is one of five set to open soon in the Inland Empire, including another San Bernardino location on Hospitality Lane.
Moving downtown, a banner is up at 721 W. Second St., Suite A, announcing that Osaka House Ramen & Sushi is coming soon.
The restaurant appears to be a chain, with locations in Temecula and Hemet.
We also learned recently of a new addition to the Fifth Street Gateway development: Ono Hawaiian BBQ.
Construction has begun on the new restaurant at 539 N. H St., just north of Starbucks.
The new location will be a drive-thru, a rarity for the chain, though there’s at least one other Inland Empire location (in Riverside) that’s also a drive-thru.
It’s expected to open in March 2025.
In Grand Terrace, we’re still waiting for Piara Pizza, Rapha Tea and Baskin Robbins to open.
They share a building with a Wingstop that opened in April of last year.
In Riverside, we’re getting closer to the opening of Bushfire Kitchen in Canyon Crest Towne Center.
The restaurant is at 5225 Canyon Crest Drive, Suite 92.
Guests can sign up for updates and a chance to attend invite-only preview days by visiting the chain’s website, www.bushfirekitchen.com.
New in Fontana
Habibi’s Hot Chicken has opened in Fontana.
Despite the name, the halal fried chicken chain offers six heat levels, from classic to OMG.
It’s the first Inland Empire location for the chain, which also has three restaurants elsewhere in Southern California.
Habibi’s is at 16975 Sierra Lakes Parkway, Suite 200.
It replaces The Deli.
Hours are 11 a.m.-midnight daily.
Now in Highland
There’s a new Domino’s in Highland.
The new location is at 28928 Greenspot Road, formerly an independent pizzeria called Antonio Pizza.
Related Articles
Dine 909: Mule Car Smokehouse celebrates its grand opening in downtown Ontario this week
Dine 909: More restaurants are now offering value meals
Dine 909: Our Brew brewery is leaving Redlands, moving to San Bernardino
Dine 909: New restaurants open in Ontario, Claremont and San Bernardino
Dine 909: Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, more restaurants open in Norco
Hours are 10:30 a.m.-midnight Sunday through Thursday and 10:30-1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Thanks to former co-worker Mike for letting us know about the new Domino’s.
On the move
After 22 years, Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewery has moved out of The River at Rancho Mirage.
The restaurant closed at the end of August in anticipation of its move to Canopy at Citrus in Indio.
The restaurant is expected to reopen there by January 2025.
