INDIANAPOLIS As one construction project begins on Indys south side, a few more are underway in Fishers and Carmel.

We did not realize we would have so much road construction around us, Gina Roesnow, owner of A2Z Caf, said.

WRTV

The restaurant is a slice of heaven for Tom and Gina Rosenow, who say they opened the restaurant almost 9 years ago, but recently Gina says construction is impacting her bottom line.

We are down anywhere from 25% on weekdays and the weekends its the same, Roesnow added.

Both 96th street and Hazel Dell Parkway are under construction, the main thoroughfares used to get to the cafe.

Both projects are conducted by the City of Fishers and City of Carmel respectively. Even the ongoing construction on 465 is making it difficult for her customers to get to her restaurant.

WRTV

We are shortening hours just half an hour to 2 p.m. We are going to shorten our menu which is pretty extensive and eliminate things that are a little bit more pricey to us just to maintain, Rosenow told WRTV on Tuesday.

Rosenow says this is a tough reality after surviving COVID and inflation.

My food quality is still there, my service is still here, the only thing thats missing is access, Roosenow explained.

She is just hopeful that customers will take the extra time to detour to the restaurant.

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Hopefully we will still be open in June, Rosenow concluded.

WRTV reached out to the City of Fishers at the time, we didnt hear back.

City of Carmel released a statement on the construction to WRTV.

City of Carmel

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Northside Caf surrounded by construction, forced to shorten hours to stay open - WRTV Indianapolis

Due to construction in New Orleans Square and Critter Country at Disneyland, some offerings in the area will temporarily close.

The bridge connecting New Orleans Square and Star Wars: Galaxys Edge will temporarily close beginning on July 8. Guests can access Star Wars: Galaxys Edge via the Frontierland entrance.

The Disneyland Railroad station in New Orleans Square is unavailable for boarding and unloading, but the train continues to move through the station. Guests who need an accessible entrance can use the Mickeys Toontown and Tomorrowland stations.

Hungry Bear Restaurant will close for kitchen refurbishments beginning on July 8. The nearby restrooms will also close. The nearest restrooms are in Black Spire Outpost at Star Wars: Galaxys Edge.

Davey Crocketts Explorer Canoes and the Critter Country Fruit Cart will also temporarily close beginning on July 8.

Popcorn and churro carts in the area may be temporarily relocated during construction.

In New Orleans Square, The Haunted Mansion is closed for a grounds expansion. Most of Critter Country is closed for changes to match Tianas Bayou Adventure, which is under construction between the lands.

For more Disneyland Resort news and info, follow Disneyland News Today onTwitter,Facebook, andInstagram. For Disney Parks news worldwide, visit WDWNT.

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Francos Italian Restaurant is working on its new location in Ocala, Florida. (Staff photo)

An Italian restaurant hopes to breathe new life into a space that formerly housed an iconic Ocala restaurant for over 50 years.

Francos Italian Restaurant is currently under construction at 1801 E Silver Springs Boulevard in the Ocala Center shopping plaza.

Owned by Franco Esposito, the new restaurant will serve authentic Italian cuisine when it opens at the beginning of August. The restaurant will not offer liquor, but will serve beer and wine.

Francos will replace Loritos Italian Kitchen, which was sold in 2019 and closed its restaurant last summer after 53 years in operation.

In recent weeks, the restaurant has reported that the iconic wine bottle-shaped sign that sits adjacent to East Silver Springs Boulevard must be removed because it is too close to the roadway, according to city ordinance.

Esposito is hoping the owner of the property will preserve the sign and pass it along to the Lorito family, according to a statement issued by the business.

Francos Italian Restaurant will join multiple other restaurants that have broken into the east Ocala restaurant scene over the past year:

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New Italian restaurant taking over iconic Ocala spot that closed after 50 years - Ocala News

In a three-word social media post, the company shared an updated rendering of the future restaurant located in Barrio Logan that has sat vacant and abandoned.

SAN DIEGO The long-rumored Roscoe's House of Chicken & Waffles in San Diego County is back on, the company announced on Thursday.

In a three-word social media post, the company shared an updated rendering of the future restaurant located at 1678 National Avenue in Barrio Logan that has sat vacant and abandoned.

Fans of the legendary chicken and waffle destination began asking the question San Diego has asked for years: when?

Roscoes didnt announce an official opening date or an update on the construction that has remained idle for months.

"For real this time?? you keep playing with my emotions," one comment reads.

CBS 8 has been Working for You to find out what's going on with the long-rumored restaurant.

In December 2023, CBS 8 learned that the Roscoes Chicken and Waffles site in Barrio Logan was under investigation after the city received complaints that the construction site had been abandoned and had regular squatters with drug use occurring on the property.

"No security fencing around the job site," the complaint reads. "No daily workers to prevent squatters."

Its grand opening has been pushed back multiple times since 2016, much to the dismay of San Diego County residents who have been waiting for the California-based soul food restaurant chain's arrival.

In December 2023, a spokesperson with the franchise told CBS 8 that the Barrio Logan location is still slated to open but didnt specify when.

"Our team is diligently working to pass next inspections and get the green light from the city," the restaurant's spokesperson said.

CBS 8 reached spoke to San Diego's Development Services Department who said the project is still in the works.

Work at 1678 National Ave. is ongoing, with the most recent inspection having occurred earlier in 2023. Were here to work with them to continue progress on this anticipated addition to Barrio Logan.

Roscoes Barrio Logan location would have added to the seven Southern California franchises with restaurants in Long Beach, Pasadena, West Los Angeles, Inglewood, La Brea, Anaheim and Hollywood.

The soul food restaurant chain is known for its chicken and waffles dish, but also serves other soul food staples such as giblets, candied yams and grits.

WATCH RELATED: What's going on with the San Diego Roscoe's House of Chicken & Waffles?

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Roscoes Chicken and Waffles in San Diego could be opening soon - CBS News 8

Multiple Madison County restaurants are in various stages of construction with the Ridgeland Chipotle on County Line Road slated to open Wednesday.

The location at 836 East County Line Road in Ridgeland was formerly home to a Shoneys restaurant and more recently a Shrimp Basket.

Ridgeland officials said that final inspections are underway as employees are in training to serve customers.

As of Dec. 31, 2021, the company had expanded to2,918 Chipotle restaurants throughout the United States and 44 international locations.

A second Chipotle location in Madison is in the early stages of construction with an early 2024 timetable set for opening.That restaurant is on Grandview Boulevard next to the existingZaxbys.

On a larger scale, Greg Johnston and his partners are moving along nicely on the Magnolia District in Downtown Madison as construction could be ready for its first tenant by August.

In the Magnolia District building will be the Foxtail Restaurant, which has its origins in Illinois. It will house the entire 10,000 square feet of the first building of the Magnolia District, upstairs and down.

Donuts, kolaches and hot tamales? That's what you'll find at this Mississippi shop

When will Topgolf open? Topgolf clears hurdle in Ridgeland. Construction could start by September

The owners of The Foxtail are still in negotiations with interior designers, according to Johnston, and hope to be ready to get moving on the interior by late summer and into the early fall.

When up and running, The Foxtail will offer craft cocktails, raw oysters, fresh seafood and other eats.

The Foxtail's extensive dinner menudraws inspiration from Middle Eastern cuisine and offers dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Diners can start with the zaatar-dusted flatbread and follow that with a sage-spiced lamb shank agnolotti or Moroccan tagine or choose seared tuna tataki or oysters from The Foxtail's raw menu.

The Foxtail, which has one location in Downer's Grove, Illinois, just outside of Chicago, is owned by Tim Canning and Todd Davies.

The newest Keifers location inMadisonhas come a long way on Highland Colony Parkway, adjacent to the St. Dominic's medical facility and across the parkway from Broadmoor Baptist Church.

Despite supply chain issues since the beginning of the project, the hope from its owners is for a fall opening.

"It will be as close of a replica to the site in Jackson as possible, said Keith Kent, vice president of Reunion, who helps represent Keifers. "The kitchen size will be a little bit larger to help keep up with the demand.

The originalBelhavenneighborhoodlocation in Jacksonwill remain open.

There is another Keifers location in Downtown Jackson at 120 Congress Street. However, while owned within the family, it is owned separately. They only share a name.

If you have a story idea,Ross Reilycan be reached by email at rreily@gannett.com or at 601-573-2952. You can follow him on Twitter @GreenOkra1.

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Madison, Ridgeland restaurants being built - Clarion Ledger

CONWAY A wise sage once said the only constant in life is change and that is especially true when it comes to the restaurant industry, with five years being the norm for a restaurant to make a go of it or not.

Now, four local landmark eateries, which have bucked that trend by several decades or more, are for sale, with their retirement-age owners setting the table for change.

Mind you, except for Cafe Noche, which is set to close tonight, theyre all still very much open, keeping a thriving pace at that.

For them, its business as usual, serving up excellent fare and libations, with the hope that whoever buys these establishments will carry on their proud legacies.

Realtors and restaurateurs interviewed note its a generational change and a coincidence that many of the valleys leading restaurateurs seem to be reaching retirement age at the same time.

As Mark Lahood, new owner of the Inn at Thorn Hill Spa/Forty at Thorn Hill Restaurant and Christmas Farm Inn and Spa in Jackson, noted, There is nothing unusual about restaurants being put up for sale after their owners reach retirement age. In this case, its just unfortunate with the timing of all of these at the same time. These are institutions that have contributed a great deal as a whole to the valley and it's sad to see them make the move but all of them should be thanked for the contributions they have made over the years.

So, which beloved local landmark eateries are for sale?

The venerable Red Parka Steakhouse and Pub in Glen (which dates back to 1972) has been listed by co-owners Terry OBrien and her mother, Jean Melczarek, with Earle Wason Hospitality Associates of Portsmouth and Meredith for $1.2 million.

Opened in 2004, May Kellys Irish Cottage in North Conway has been listed by Marie and Patsy McArdle for $1.75 million with Theresa Bernhardt, Gerry OConnell and Sharrene Henderson of Keller Williams Coastal and Lakes & Mountains Realty.

Just south of that thriving business on Route 16 is Delaneys Hole-in-the-Wall now celebrating its 29th year and once the site of the Snug Harbor. It was listed by owners Dick and Lanette Delaney and Mary Ellen Delaney with David Cianciolo and Ed O'Halloran of Badger Peabody and Smith for $4.5 million starting last September but as of early April, they dropped the price to $3.9 million.

In Conway Village, Tom Kugel has announced he is closing Mexican eatery Cafe Noche after tonight.

Im lucky because I have financial security and I dont have to (run a restaurant) as I own real estate, including this building and the one next door (formerly a hair salon), said Kugel. Its been a fun 30 years and we have enjoyed it and appreciate the support of our customers and all of the hard work of our staff. I am 67 and I just have things I want to do while I am still young enough to do them.

He is looking to either sell the business or lease the restaurant space for another use. His broker is Jay Polimeno of Sunbelt Business Brokers of New Hampshire in Woodstock.

Meanwhile, May Kellys is currently closed for a vacation break but will soon reopen for its usual steady business. But yes, it is for sale.

Were advertising May Kellys in Boston and in Ireland," said O'Connell.

"Im from Ireland and it is the most authentic Irish restaurant Ive been to here in the States. Patsy and Marie have been at this for over 40 years, first in Ireland and then in Boston before North Conway and they are ready to retire. Its a great establishment and a great setting. As for the next chapter, you never know just where the next owners will come from. But Patsy and Marie are very much still in business they are having new kitchen equipment installed while they are on break, OConnell added

It's never easy letting go. As the Red Parkas OBrien told the Sun, Selling a huge part of my life is hard. But it is time. Im not younger than springtime anymore and this is a business for youth with lots of new ideas and energy. Our hope is that someone will love this crazy place as much as we do.

For O'Brien, it's in the blood. Her daughters Sandra Iacozili and Seana Leger are both in the field, with Seana working in Wyoming and Sandra working as a co-owner with her father Bob Wentworth at 302 West Smokehouse in Fryeburg, Maine. OBriens parents the late legendary Dewey Mark and former wife Melczarek, now 90 co-founded the restaurant in 1972 with Lois Hatch and Hatchs then-husband, the late Al Nelson.

The Parka, as loyal legions of visitors and locals alike call it, set the example of how to give back to a community, hosting hundreds of fundraisers for worthy causes while keeping live music alive and lively on weekends.

Mark was the visionary who with Wally Campbell founded the Valley Originals, the group of independent local restaurants.

The goal was to leverage costs for independent restaurants by coalescing into one larger organization. That works for lowering food product prices, always a tight margin in the restaurant business, and pooling advertising all the while of following the Parkas tradition of giving back to the community.

The organization last year raised more than $350,000 for more than 200 local non-profit organizations and causes.

Campbell serves as the Valley Originals executive director. Dick Delaney is its president.

For the Delaneys, Lanette and Dicks three grown children are now all out west in Colorado and Idaho. The Delaneys are are doting grandparents, and Dick told the Sun although they will miss their many friends/customers here in the valley, they want to be close to their grandchildren for the next phase of their lives.

We will come back to visit all of our friends in the valley for sure, as we love the valley, said Delaney, who worked as a bartender at Horsefeathers for years before co-founding Delaneys in 1994.

Delaney said customers are both supportive and sad about their pending plans.

Customers are happy for us and say weve earned our time but they add that they just wish we werent selling, said Delaney. Like OBrien, he said they hope that whoever buys their business retains the atmosphere and food offerings but those decisions, of course, will be up to whoever buys it.

In addition to their restaurant being for sale, the Delaneys story also involves the land next door, on which their former house stands.

They sold the house and lot to the Flatbread Company, which will eventually end its lease with the Berry Companies at the Eastern Slope Inn to move to a new facility on the former Delaneys house lot.

As the Sun has reported, the two-story, 1930s-era, 2,883-square-foot house and 2.14-acre adjacent lot just south of Delaneys Hole-in-the-Wall was sold by the Delaneys last October for $1.5 million to Flatbread Company.

Although at the time the buyer of the restaurant was kept secret, representatives of Flatbread last May had received conditional approval from the planning board for an 8,726-square-foot, 207-seat restaurant but returned in December to request reducing the size to a 7,020-square-foot, 187-seat restaurant and for approval to move the house to the southeast corner of the lot to use it for three employee apartments rather than raze it.

The board found the proposal to be an insignificant change, ruling that full site-plan review was not necessary and applauded the saving of the structure, especially for employee housing.

Fast-forward to last week, when work got underway to clear trees and prepare the house for the move to a new foundation.

Shawn Bergeron of Bergeron Technical Services told the Sun in December that the new restaurant will be located on the existing site of the house. It will extend out over the banking with a walkout first floor on the west side that will allow for four double-occupancy employee housing units with each unit having its own restroom, toilet and shower and a common kitchenette and common lobby area.

Were very pleased with the plans to save the house, said Dick Delaney. We share many community values with Flatbread and we think they will be a great fit for the community.

Flatbread Construction Manager Anthony Grenon told the Sun, while giving a tour of the house last week as clearing commenced on the site, that his projected timeline, pending all permits from the town, is for construction work on the restaurant to start in late May, with a completion date before summer 2024.

He said Flatbread is having discussions with the Berry Companies on renegotiating its lease for an early termination, as there are still three years left on it. Its all a very collaborative (ongoing) conversation, said Grenon.

Meanwhile, brothers Alec and Ace Tarberry of the Berry Companies are working to repurpose the former Olympia Sports/former Carroll Reeds store in North Conway into a new food hall that will offer food to go during the day and a tap room, along with nighttime entertainment part of the new generation of entrepreneurs in North Conway Village looking to add some new energy.

In other developments, Mike Simone recently received approval from the planning board for a food truck to be located this season on the former Raffertys Restaurant site on Kearsarge Road.

Interviewed this week, Campbell saluted the hard work of all of the local members of Valley Originals which includes not only Delaney's and the Red Parka but also Cafe Noche. He cited inflationary factors as one of the current challenges for restaurateurs, a point also raised by Mike Somers, president of the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association.

But staffing remains the key challenge for restaurateurs and everyone in the hospitality business, Campbell and Somers said.

Due to COVID, they noted, many restaurant workers opted to get out of the industry and its weekend and nighttime hours. Others had senior family members at home, making the workers reluctant to put them at risk by possibly exposing them to the virus.

Having fewer employees led many restaurants to be open for fewer hours each day and to decrease the number of days they are open so they dont burn out their staff by overworking them. Somers notes that due to staffing shortages some eateries also reduced their menu offerings.

Other changes included adding outdoor dining, a must during the early COVID summers. It proved to be very popular and has been extended by local towns, including Conway.

Positions such as dishwashers and line cooks have been hard to fill, with the Red Parka advertising for a starting wage of $20 an hour for dishwashers.

As mentioned earlier, another reason restaurateurs are scrounging for help is lack of workforce housing.

Some affordable housing projects are underway, such as the Avesta project for rental housing in Conway.

Settlers Green developer Robert Barsamian also recently received a variance from the Conway Zoning Board of Adjustment at their April 19 meeting for a proposed rental housing project at the site of the former North Conway Drive-In in North Conway, but in the meantime, theres still a 2 percent unemployment rate and few places for workers to live.

Thats why the move by Flatbread to create employee housing is being lauded as visionary there is hope that in updating the towns master Plan, more incentives will be included for developers to build employee housing as part of their projects.

Behind the housing shortage that is connected to the employee shortage is that the number of properties that once provided housing are now used for short-term rentals.

With the updating of the master plan, with the revision of the towns zoning ordinances to follow, there is hope that the housing crunch can be addressed.

Meanwhile, the valleys restaurants forge ahead, adapting to staffing shortages, adjusting their hours and all the while delivering their hearty fare.

The Wentworth, the Inn at Thorn Hill, the Christmas Farm Inn, all in Jackson, and Margarita Grill in Glen (now called Pro Tune, it's a a bar/restaurant and bicycle tuning shop) have all been sold in recent years.

Meanwhile, such independently owned establishments as Almost There, Beas Cafe, Banners Restaurant, Vito Marcellos Italian Bistro, Merlinos, Hooligans, Horsefeathers, Deacon Street, Barley & Salt, Lobster Trap, Wicked Fresh Burgers, Black Cap Grille, the Red Fox Pub and Grille, Whitneys Village Inn, Shovel Handle Pub, Maxs at the Snowvillage Inn, Fiesta Jalisco, Moat Mountain Smokehouse, Muddy Moose, Priscillas, Chefs Bistro, the Notchland Inn, Shalimar of India, Peking Sunrise, Taste of Thai, Thai Nakornping, Bangkok Cafe, 27 North, Stonehurst Manor, Hobbs Tavern, Sea Dog Brewing Co., Tuckermans Tavern at the New England Inn, J-Town Deli, Thompson House Eatery, Yesterdays, the Sunrise Shack, White Mountain Cider Co., the Oxford House, Josephs Spaghetti Shed, J-Town Deli, Elvios, Abenaki Trail, Top of the Ninth and the Shannon Door now in its 70th year, and owned by Tom and Tess Mulkern, the king and queen of local restaurateurs, and managed by their daughter Nora Bean carry on the valleys tradition for great food and warm hospitality.

The Wildcat Inn and Tavern of Jackson was for sale, but co-owner Stu Dunlop told the Sun that he and co-owner David Peterson changed their minds, noting that we like to test the waters every few years, but we took it off the market.

When we did that, my wife, Lynda, said she was glad. I asked her why, and she said because she wants us to be the Tom and Tess Mulkern of restaurateurs for our generation, said Dunlop.

Last call for the current generation of restaurant owners? Not for everyone just yet. But the table is set for local restaurant ownership changes to come.

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Restaurants set the table for change | Special Sections ... - Conway Daily Sun

The Oakville Grill & Cellar, a new restaurant from Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises designed to evoke the effortless ease of Napa Valley dining, opened Monday, April 24 at 167 Green Street in Fulton Market. The latest spot from Chicagos largest hospitality group, helmed by chef and ex-Land & Sea Dept. culinary director Max Robbins, embraces escapism and aims to transport Chicagoans to Northern California with crowd-pleasing dishes, a tasting menu, and pairings from a rotating winery-of-the-month.

A counterpoint to Summer House Santa Monica, LEYEs bright and breezy SoCal-inspired spot in Lincoln Park, Oakville highlights a different side of Golden State style. Drawing on the bucolic charm of Napas vineyards and tasting rooms, the groups in-house design team softens the 200-seat ground-floor dining room and bar with natural wood and plant life. An imposing staircase leads patrons up to a second-floor space that houses a bi-level glass wine cellar as well as a year-round terrace and bar that seats 80. When the weather allows for outdoor dining, the team will add 40 more spots on a patio.

In May, those whod rather opt for intimacy can try the Cellar Door, Oakvilles private six-seat tasting room where wine director Richard Hanauer (a LEYE partner with its RPM division) aims to replicate California vineyard wine tastings. Hell feature a lineup of five pours from a roster of vintners that changes each month, as well as small dishes designed to pair with the wines.

Robbins' menu is attended to customer comfort, offering familiar proteins like Faroe Island salmon and mushroom eggplant ragout alongside dry-aged steak burgers and pork chops cooked on a white oak-fueled grill. Salads are plentiful, with selections such as the St. Helena Vegetable Market (Werp Farm greens, artichoke, peppers, avocado, lemon yogurt), as are classics like crispy fried chicken served with a bottle of pepper vinegar. For dessert, pastry chef Clair Smyth (Honeys) tempts patrons with a tropical banana split, warm wild berry cobbler, and peanut butter pie with caramel ganache.

Chicagoans in the know may recognize the building where Oakville made its home. Ahead of its opening, the new construction on Green Street was featured in a promotional video starring the Chicago Bulls Zach LaVine (a candy fan who previously partnered with Foxtrot) and Justin Bieber playing basketball on the structures 17th-floor convertible court. That floor will also serve as a corporate and private event space for LEYE.

Explore Fulton Markets new tribute to Napa Valley in the photographs below.

The Oakville Grill & Cellar, 167 Green Street, Open 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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5419 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60640

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The Oakville Grill & Cellar Is Open in Fulton Market - Eater Chicago

BoardWalk Inn is currently in the midst of construction and changes part of a resort reimagining. This post shares details about whats on the horizon and work that Walt Disney World has already completed at this iconic inn. (Updated April 27, 2023.)

About one year ago, Walt Disney World announced that theyd be making a seaside splash at Disneys BoardWalk! The multi-year project would see Walt Disney World reimagining elements of the beloved turn-of-the-century promenade and inside the Deluxe Resort, iwith a charming new lobby design, nearby coffee bar, delectable dining options, refreshed guest rooms, and other special touches.

This follows reimaginings of Disneys Contemporary and Polynesian Village Resorts last year, which brought with them a range of enhancements including character-inspired guest rooms (Incredibles and Moana, respectively). It also comes after lobby overhauls to a number of resorts, and as Walt Disney World converts a number of guest rooms at Grand Floridian to Disney Vacation Club villas. Expect elements of those enhancements to appear at Disneys BoardWalk Inn, too.

Inside Disneys BoardWalk Inn, light and airy touches will reinvigorate the lobby, lounge, and guest rooms. Just off the lobby, a new coffee bar is now open that offers artisanal beverages and quick bites.One major addition offering storybook sweet treats and dreamy desserts is The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers, a new table service restaurant and bakery.

Expected to open in Late 2023, the Cake Bake Shop replaces ESPN Club and will offer both savory and dessert menus. The restaurant will also serve afternoon tea service in a whimsical atmosphere that complements the magic of the idyllic charm of Disneys BoardWalk Inn that guests know and love.

During the construction, all other venues at Disneys BoardWalk Inn remain open. This includes the inventively-named BoardWalk Ice Cream. (Hey, at least its better than BoardWalk Ice Cream: An Edys Eating EXPERIENCE! ~ at Disneys BoardWalk Resort.)

Ive poked fun at BoardWalk Ice Cream (only because I still miss Ample Hills), but I do have to give Disney creditthey replaced the temporary signage with a nice, dimensional one. Im not sure when this happened, but its not new. I noticed it a few months ago and didnt have anywhere to mention it until now. Didnt seem worthy of its own post. Also to Disneys credit, at least this venue isnt sitting empty. (Ample Hills downfall wasnt Disneys fault.)

Inside Disneys BoardWalk Inn, its hard to tell whether work on the lobby is finished.

Earlier in 2023, the lobby was under construction. When the walls came down, the biggest change was that the uninterrupted check-in desk (singular) had been replaced by smaller kiosks that allow Cast Members to more freely move around them. This is consistent with other resorts, and isnt really a material change. Unless you were specifically looking for it, you probably wouldnt notice anything is different.

To the best of my knowledge, nothing else has changed. Maybe they swapped out a couple pieces of furniture (as a few items did look fresher), but even that I doubt. In comparing my old versus new images side by side, I cant spot any material changes.

As such, Im skeptical that the lobby work is finished, and will continue to pop in for to keep checking. Every time weve been in the Crescent Lake area lately, Ive popped into the lobby for one last look just in case. I have no idea when work here will begin, and am hoping some advance notice will be given. From my perspective, this is unnecessary. BoardWalks lobby is a thematic gem with quirky charm and character.

Hopefully the lobby project is finished, as no matter what Disney does here, theres no way itll have the same personality. The lobby is already the perfect mix of charming, well-appointed, and exquisitely themed. Its not dated in a 1990s way, and is unlikely to benefit from any reimagining.

I fear that any changes to the lobby will amount to introducing design flourishes touches that signal its a modern luxury hotel, but are at odds with the underlying themed design. Thats already happened at other Deluxe Resorts, with the refreshed Yacht Club lobby probably being the best example of the changes thatll come to BoardWalk Inn.

I also worry that some of the quirky (and frankly, creepy) details will be lost. Theres minimal upside that can come from Imagineering messing with BoardWalks lobby, and a lot of downside.

If further changes are made, theyll likely replace the carpet with something that signals modern (splashes of paint or broad brushstrokes) along with the removal of whimsical details (creepy clown chairs) and replacement of furniture with contemporary couches from Wayfair. That has been the Walt Disney World playbook on this type of project.

And in fact, thats precisely what weve seen happen with the reimagining of Belle Vue Lounge.

I cant really say Im up in arms about this, but I dont really see the point of these changes. The new-look Belle Vue Lounge is mostly a half-measure. The eclectic and more antique-looking furniture was replaced with more modern and generic-looking furniture, as was the carpet and some items displayed on the walls.

I wonder, did this really move the needle for anyone who didnt like Belle Vue Lounge before and thought it was too old fashioned? It still looks similar; only astute eyes are going to spot the changesthe exact kind of guests who are more discerning and appreciate well-themed designs.

For me, the biggest difference is that its lacking in thematic cohesiveness. The new furniture also looks cheap and lacking in durabilityliterally like someone went to the popular page on Wayfair and ordered items at random.

To be sure, the utilization and appeal of this lounge could definitely be improved, but Belle Vue does have a passionate fanbase as a secret spot or hidden gem. I can understand Disney wanting to give these spaces refreshes to give them new life and more mainstream appeal, but either do it right or dont do it at all. The bland half-measures only alienate, and dont attract new fans.

From our perspective, a good template here would be Barcelona Lounge at Gran Destino Tower. Obviously not in styleas pretty as that is, it obviously should not be replicated at BoardWalk. That has an iconic look anddoes a nice job of embracing caf society, with a day-to-night espresso bar that transitions to a Spanish-style Gin Tonic hub in the evening. Granted, Barcelona Lounge was purpose-built with this in mind and its unlikely Belle Vue Lounge could be retrofit into something like this, but its the right idea.

Then theres Carousel Coffee, which replaces the lobby gift shop.

This makes the reimagined Belle Vue Lounge look like a thematic exemplar by comparison.

Carousel Coffee is as bland as can be, with the only theme coming via selective color (???) photos on the walls.

This has been roasted online by Walt Disney World fans, and for good reason. While I dont hate it as much as many people, it still boggles my mind that the design team looked at the lobby and other spaces at the BoardWalk and thought this was a good fit.

Obviously, its bland and generically modern. That this looks like something youd find in the lobby of a Hilton Garden Inn is only part of the problem.

The bigger issue is that its totally incongruous with its surroundings. Even if you like this for whatever reason (hey, to each their own!), its impossible to claim that this is stylistically and thematically coherent with the rest of the lobbyor literally anything else at Disneys BoardWalk Inn.

Then again, I hope it stays that way. I dont want to see the rest of the lobby transformed to mesh with this (lack of) style. Id rather it be the outlier and everything else remain well-themed.

The guest rooms at Disneys BoardWalk Resort could definitely use a reimagining. The hotel side rooms are well-themed and have some great details, but they feel more and more like relics from the 1990s with each passing year. As much as Id personally love themed-to-the-hilt hotel rooms, theres also the practical reality of guest expectations, and these simply do not comport with the ~$700 nightly price point.

The room refurbishment is currently underway as of Spring 2023, and some rooms are actually finished. We have yet to stay in the new rooms, but they actually look decent from photos. Well withhold full judgment until seeing them in person, but preliminary impressions are positive.

Then there are the Disney Vacation Club rooms, which are among the dullest villas at Walt Disney World. These were refurbished at the start of the modernization wave, before Imagineering hit its stride balancing theme, functionality, and high-end finishings. Theyre underwhelming as compared to the newer rooms at Riviera, Saratoga, Grand Floridian, or the Poly Villas.

According to the2023-2024 Disney Vacation Club Resort Refurbishments & Construction Timeline, these rooms will be updated during the BoardWalk reimagining. No word yet as to timing, but it should be within the next year.

Ultimately, itll be interesting to watch how work progresses around the promenade and inside the hotel over the next year or so. Were big fans of Disneys BoardWalk Inn and hope its quaint style is preserved through this reimagining and that whatever modernization occurs isnt too jarring from a time period perspective.

However, we also realize that theres a lot of room for improvement, with a lot of spaces that have stagnated for years and could use a shot in the arm. Itll be nice to see some new dining options, and heres hoping that others are refreshed. As a whole,Im cautiously optimistic about the changes at the BoardWalk. Hopefully Imagineering uses a deft touch to bring BoardWalk into the 21st century while maintaining its (last) turn of the century personality.

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on ourWalt Disney World Hotels Reviewspage. For where to eat, read ourWalt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read ourTips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Ticketspost. OurWhat to Pack for Disney Tripspost takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, ourWalt Disney World Ride Guideswill help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is ourWalt Disney World Trip Planning Guidefor everything you need to know!

What do you think of the construction and changes coming to Disneys BoardWalk Resort? Sad to see ESPN Club removed, or ready for something new? Think this reimagining will work with the hotel theme, or is it unnecessary? Have you stayed at the BoardWalk Inn or Villas in the last few years? Do you think the resort is dated and tired, or still has a good look? Think the lobby, guest rooms, or both need an overhaul? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Other thoughts or concerns? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedbackeven when you disagree with usis both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

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BoardWalk Inn Resort Reimagining: Spring 2023 Construction Update - Disney Tourist Blog

Apr. 27An Oakwood Mexican restaurant is scheduled to close next month.

Salsa Mexican Bar and Grill, located at 3904 Winder Highway, is set to close in early May, according to owner Sindy Ahumada.

The reason for the closure is unclear, but Ahumada said another restaurant specializing in Hispanic cuisine is set to replace Salsa.

El Patio Quillero, a Colombian restaurant that bills itself on social media as "Comidas Rapidas Colombianas," which translates into English as "Colombian fast food," will be the new business in that location. Signage for El Patio Quillero is already inside Salsa, though no visible signage has been installed outside yet. Ahumada said that will be taking place soon.

El Patio Quillero's original location is in Barranquilla Atlantico, Colombia, with a stateside location in San Leandro, California.

No interior construction or design changes will be taking place, making the transition between restaurants much quicker, according to Ahumada. The same number of tables, booths and location of the bar will remain the same. The hours of operation will also remain the same, Ahumada told The Times.

El Patio Quillero serves a variation of Colombian dishes, such as arepas, cakes made from ground maize dough and filled with meats and vegetables; salchipapa, which is traditionally served with French fries topped with pan-fried beef; salads and sandwiches.

One of the signature sandwiches on the menu at the California location is the El Nojoda, which is served with sausage, steaks, chicken, bacon, melted mozzarella cheese and topped with cojita cheese and lettuce on an 8- or 11-inch roll baguette.

There will also be hot dog-like sandwiches loaded with toppings on the menu, like the Pollo Perro, or "chicken dog," served with grilled chicken, cheese, lettuce and homemade sauce.

El Patio Quillero could not be immediately reached for comment.

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This Oakwood Mexican restaurant is closing. Here's what's in line to take its place - Yahoo News

Waltham-based brewery Mighty Squirrel is making a gigantic move into Boston proper later this year. Boston Business Journal reports that the crowd-favorite brewery broke ground this month on construction for a 13,000-square-foot location in Fenway, at the shiny new residential development Bower, that is slated to open in October. The brewing company known for its hazy, juicy New England-style IPAs like Cloud Candy plans to use the space to experiment with new beers in smaller batches, and itll also include a kitchen run by a yet-to-be-named food partner. The brewery will also be neighboring the highly anticipated reboot of legendary Boston restaurant Eastern Standard, which is going into the same development.

Eighteen months after chef Mark Ladner, an alum of now-closed NYC fine dining destination Del Posto, headed up the much-publicized launch of Italian restaurant Bar Enza at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square, theres been a change in command. Tony Susi, a Boston veteran who was the former chef and owner of acclaimed Italian bistro Sage, has taken over as executive chef at Bar Enza. That means that Ladners famous 100-layer lasagna has been nixed to make way for Susis revamp of the menu, which includes a sirloin carpaccio and campanelle nero, or squid ink pasta with crabmeat.

Ladner will remain with Bar Enzas parent company the Lyons Group which runs a ton of local restaurants including Newbury Street stalwart Sonsie and French spot Rochambeau in Back Bay and will be overseeing all of their culinary operations through spring and into summer, according to a rep for the restaurant.

Chef Colton Coburn-Wood of swanky South End spot Csmica is hosting chef David Vargas of Portsmouth, New Hampshires Vida Cantina for a one-night-only pop-up on Tuesday, May 2, from 5 to 11 p.m. Vargas, who was named a James Beard semifinalist for outstanding chef this year, will be cooking baked haddock tacos, chicken drums with tamarind mole and a poblano relish, and a spring-y take on the Mexican corn salad esquites, which customers can order alongside Coburn-Woods spring menu for Csmica.

The Boston Globe checked out TikTok darling Lakon Paris Patisserie, the Newton bakery that just opened a second outpost in Brookline. Crowds are lining up for the bakerys photogenic croissants so much so that the team has had to double production to 2,000 croissants on each weekend day and start their bakes at 4 a.m.

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Mighty Squirrel Is Opening a Massive Brewery in Fenway - Eater Boston