Comings and goings: Lubbock's openings, closings, confirmed rumors from May 2023
From restaurants to cat cafes, Lubbock saw a mix of business in the fifth month of 2023. Here's a look at what opened, closed, and confirmed upcoming spots in the Hub City.
More: Comings and goings: Lubbock's openings, closings, confirmed rumors from April 2023
Here's which Lubbock businesses opened or moved in May 2023:
Chipotle Mexican Grill
What: The fourth Chipotle to open in Lubbock opened this month, offering a new service - the "Chipotlane" drive-thru window. This was designed for picking up mobile-phone orders.
When: May 25.
Where: 7715 Milwaukee Ave.
More: Chipotle launching 4th Lubbock restaurant Thursday
Dave & Buster's
What: The highly anticipated Dave & Buster's officially opened their doors to Lubbock fans in May. The space has a bar, plenty of modern and classic arcade games, and interesting prizes.
When: May 8.
Where: 2620 W. Loop 289.
O'hana Ramen & Sushi
What: An extension of O'hana Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, this restaurant offers an array of ramen and sushi. Some of their menu items include Black Garlic Ramen, Miso Ramen, Unadon (eel rice bowl), and Agedashi Tofu.
When: May 26.
Where: 5214 98th St.
Robles Taquería
What: Robles Taquería is the latest Mexican restaurant to enter the Lubbock market.
When: May 28.
Where: 1602 Main St.
The Soda Shack
What: The Soda Shack opened their second location, which sells a variety of sodas and drinks.
When: May 26.
Where: 13404 Indiana.
Toot'n Totum
What: The second of 18 planned Toot'n Totum locations opened this month, continuing the company's Lubbock or Bust campaign.
When: May 11.
Where: 5112 114th St.
More: Toot'n Totum begins opening stores, hiring across Lubbock expansion; here's what's next
Wing Shack and Tap House
What: The former owner of La Bella Pizza went into the wings business in the last week of the month. Some highlights from the menu include Rattle Snake Corn Ribs (fried, seasoned corn on the cob), Smoked Texas Twinkies (bacon-wrapped, stuffed jalapenos), and 17 sauce/rub options for their wings.
When: Late May.
Where: 5412 Slide Road, Suite 100.
Here's which businesses closed in May 2023:
Colimas Restaurant
What: The family-owned eatery became the third Mexican restaurant to close in the same week. The owners announced the closure via social media, saying that the family would close the restaurant to pursue other interests. They hope to continue catering and events.
When: May 28.
Where: 2203 Clovis Road.
More: Third Lubbock Mexican restaurant announces closing in May 2023
La Chaveña
What: Just days after celebrating their second anniversary, the Mexican restaurant announced that they would close their doors. The location will still be available to rent as a venue, and the owners hinted that they could pop up elsewhere in the future.
When: May 26.
Where: 1519 34th St. Suite B.
More: Lubbock Mexican restaurant announces closure, days after 2nd anniversary
Rangels Mexican Restaurant
What: The restaurant initially opened in 2020, and became well-known for their breakfast tacos and burritos.
When: May 28.
Where: 4821 34th St.
The Lost Cajun
What: The Lost Cajun, a restaurant known for its southern food inspired by Louisiana classics, unexpectedly closed this month.
When: May 11.
Where: 6810 Milwaukee Ave.
Here's which businesses, restaurants confirmed or denied Lubbock locations in May 2023:
Colorful Cat Cafe
Announced: Lauren Cooper, a longtime animal rescuer and foster, recently started her dream of opening a cat café in Lubbock. She has started a GoFundMe and opened a website. People can keep up with The Colorful Cat Café at thecolorfulcatcafe.com.
More: Lubbock animal rescuer hopes to open cat café; here's how to help
F&F Japanese Grill
Confirmed: The Fast & Furious Japanese Grill confirmed that a Lubbock location is under construction at 6616 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 400. An opening timeline has not been announced as of May 30.
Kung Fu Tea
Confirmed: Kung Fu Tea prides itself on being the largest made-to-order bubble tea brand in the U.S. Lubbock will become the latest location at 5815 82nd St., Unit 150. An opening date for the franchise has not been announced.
The Melting Pot
Announced: The Melting Pot, a fondue restaurant franchise that started in Florida in 1975, recently identified Lubbock as one of the cities it would like to expand into by 2027. The company is looking for a franchisee.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Here's which Lubbock businesses closed, opened, confirmed May 2023
