It’s been a long time since we’ve had any restaurant news, for obvious reasons.

We’ve noticed a few new places have opened up since our last roundup, however, so we figured it’s time for a little update.

It is a tough time for restaurants all over, but probably especially for those that have just opened and are trying to make the seemingly daily adjustments it takes to operate in the middle of a global pandemic.

Here’s what we know about a handful of places that have opened recently.

Atlas Restaurant

A new fine dining restaurant serving food inspired by cuisine opened back in February on Block Avenue.

The new restaurant, called Atlas, is located at 208 N. Block Ave. in the building formerly home to Big Star bar, Beaver Electric, and a host of other businesses since it was built back in the 1920s.

The restaurant announced earlier this week it would be open and accepting reservations in a “soft opening” phase Feb. 4-16.

Atlas is co-owned by locals Elliot Hunt and Brandon Rostek. Hunt is a chef that has cooked and studied at locations all over the world, and the food at the restaurant will take inspiration from his travels to France, India, Ecuador, Australia, Morocco, and other locales, he said.

Rostek has restaurant experience as well. His mother a general manager and catering coordinator, and his father is a chef and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, and Brandon grew up working in their restaurants.

The restaurant is currently open for curbside and delivery service.

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Feed & Folly

A new restaurant specializing in house-cured and smoked meats with a rooftop bar overlooking the south side of town opened back in mid-March, just about the time COVID-19 started shutting everything down.

The new spot, called Feed and Folly, is located at 110 S. College Ave., next to the old courthouse and just across the street from the John Paul Hammerschmidt Federal Building.

The menu focuses on smoked meats, charcuterie plates, specialty sandwiches, along with seasonal entrees, local brews, and craft cocktails using fresh, local ingredients.

They have focused on to-go orders and curbside to this point, but they announced today they’ll be doing some seating on their rooftop patio by reservation beginning this week.

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Outsliders

A new food truck offering plant-based sandwiches and sliders is open in the Yacht Club on College.

The truck, called Outsliders (good one), offers impossible burger sliders, chik-un sliders, not-dogs, and more.

We haven’t tried it yet, but we’ve heard good things already, and the images on their social media pages look legit.

According to their Facebook page, they are open Tuesday-Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

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Dairy Queen Grill & Chill

The Dairy Queen restaurant on Crossover Road opened for business recently.

This one’s been in the works for what seems like forever. We first mentioned this one back in 2017.

Y’all don’t need to tell us what Dairy Queen is. They server burgers, fries, and ice cream treats.

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Old Pine Coffee Roasters / New Roots Juice Co.

A new coffee joint is open in the old Core Pub space on Mall Avenue.

The shop, called Old Pine Coffee Roasters, focuses on locally-roasted coffee, and coffee drinks, along with a handful of scones, cinnamon rolls, and other sweet treats.

According to their website, they officially opened on March 11.

The restaurant is sharing a space with New Roots Juice Co, a restaurant offering juice drinks, smoothies, smoothie bowls, and other healthy items.

Both Old Pine Coffee Roasters, and New Roots Juice Co. are located at 3775 Mall Ave., Suite 1, and both businesses are open Monday-Saturday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

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