This week in 417 Foodie News: A popular fast-food chain will soon occupy a vacant hotspot, a downtown eatery opens its doors at a new location, and a new dive bar prepares for an unofficial opening.
Skinny Slim’s opens new location on South Avenue
Downtown watering hole Skinny Slim’s Public House has officially opened at its new location at 308 South Ave., between Nonna’s and Sweet Boy’s Neighborhood Bar. The bar is open Tuesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
The bar was previously housed in a small space on Patton Avenue for 13 years. In addition to the new menu and larger building, the bar has also expanded its cocktail menu, said owner Rob Hoerr.
Fast food chain moves into vacant building near Missouri State
For more than a year, the building at 525 S. National Ave near the Missouri State University campus has been vacant, but 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.
On August 7, plans to renovate the building using the latest Wendy’s model were reviewed by the city. A construction project report suggests construction should begin on September 3 and be completed by December 4. A grand opening date has not yet been announced.
More: This burger chain is moving into the vacant Burger King near Missouri State
Corner 21 opens second location
Popular Chinese restaurant Corner 21 has opened its second location in south Springfield.
The new restaurant, located at 1730 E. Republic Road Suite A, opened Wednesday. The new location will offer more seating for customers than the original location at 1369 E. Sunshine St. It will also feature a special roast duck dish seasoned with a blend of traditional spices and served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce and fresh vegetables — a dish not on the menu at the Sunshine location.
More: This popular Springfield Chinese restaurant will open a second location on Wednesday
Modern pub opens on the south side
South Springfield is getting a new dive bar with a modern flair.
Robert Harris, Dalton Hill and Clayton Rozell, owners of Rebar Kitchen & Taproom, are opening their second restaurant. The opening is scheduled for the first week of September. Sidebar is located at 1111 E. Republic Road, which was formerly home to Whiskey Tango.
Sidebar will offer a “totally different menu,” but some of Rebar fans’ favorite dishes will make their way there. Sidebar’s cocktail menu will feature classic cocktails, beer, wine and “all the other great stuff,” Harris said.
Following the grand opening, the Sidebar will offer weekly karaoke, APA and house pool leagues, darts leagues, trivia nights and ladies’ nights. Opening hours for the new bar and restaurant have not yet been determined.
More: Springfield bartender opens pop-up for “handcrafted, hand-curated” drinks – without alcohol
Nonna’s Italian Cafe releases new menu
Fans of downtown Italian restaurant Nonna’s may want to stop by and check out the new menu.
According to a Facebook post from the restaurant on Tuesday, the menu includes most of its popular dishes as well as some new additions.
“As a part-time Italian, Chef Shawn was ready to expand his authentic Italian offerings and make sure it stands out on his menu so you get a true Italian experience when you come to Nonna’s,” the post reads.
The new menu now includes full Authentic Italian, American Italian and Lasagna subsections. New Authentic Italian offerings include Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina (Neapolitan-style potato dumplings in tomato sauce with burrata, lemony olive oil, lemony toasted breadcrumbs and basil from the Sorrento coast), Pappardelle Bolognese (pappardelle pasta with traditional Tuscan meat bolognese sauce) and Rigatoni Arrabbiata (rigatoni in Roman spicy sauce made with Italian tomatoes, garlic, onion and dried red chiles cooked in olive oil).
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard celebrates the unveiling of its fall range
Just in time for fall, Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is introducing a Pumpkin Pie Concrete and a Pumpkin Cold Brew Frozen Coffee. Both pumpkin products are available until September 29th.
Through August 30, Rita’s Ice app users can purchase a Pumpkin Cold Brew Frozen Coffee for $3 with a one-time coupon. New app users also receive a free treat upon signing up.
More: Starbucks’ PSL is just around the corner – but Springfield breweries are already offering fall flavors
New barbecue restaurant in 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 yet announced an opening date.
Springfield Brewing Company opens taproom in Rogersville
Springfield Brewing Company is expanding its presence with a new taproom in Rogersville. The One 2 Five Taproom is located at 1846 Missouri Highway 125 in Rogersville. The taproom is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
In addition to Springfield Brewing Company beer, the taproom features a wood-fired brick oven and yard games.
Greta Cross is the Springfield News-Leader’s trending reporter. She has more than five years of journalism experience covering everything from the history of the Ozarks to the LGBTQIA+ community in Springfield. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].
