What new restaurants and hangouts are coming to O’Fallon? The list is long.
What is on the horizon for new dining places in O’Fallon? Coming soon are two new Mexican restaurants, a familiar coffee-and-donut chain, and the metro-east return of a wildly popular steakhouse with a distinct Down Under theme.
This list is by no means complete, as several fast-food sites and a sit-down restaurant are part of The Shops at Pierce Boulevard zoning proposal that is up for approval at the July 17 O’Fallon City Council meeting.
An Outback Steakhouse under construction at 1102 Central Park Drive, near the Drury Inn, is expected to open in late fall or early winter, according to Community Development Director Justin Randall.
This Australian-themed American chain is returning to the southwestern Illinois region after the Swansea location, which opened in 1995, did not reopen after a fire on April 24, 2021. Currently, there are three in the St. Louis area — O’Fallon and St. Peters, Missouri, and South St. Louis County.
A Dunkin’ Donuts is the final commercial development at The Shoppes at Richland Creek that borders Greenmount Road, Frank Scott Parkway and Central Park Drive. Popeyes, Five Guys, Wing Stop, Burger King, Taco Bell, Chicken Salad Chick, and Smoothie King are the neighboring places.
This Dunkin’ (company is dropping the “Donuts” from the title), will be a two-lane drive-thru and will not have indoor dining. No estimate yet about when they will open. The nearest metro-east location is currently in Fairview Heights.
Oaxaca Margarita Bar and Restaurant is going into the former 1818 Chophouse location on Green Mount Road. Pronounced “Wa-ha-ka,” which is a region in Mexico, hospitality and authentic cuisine is the focus. There is currently a metro-east location in Edwardsville, at the Trace on Parkway, which is ironically across from where 1818 Chophouse relocated in 2021.
Another Mexican restaurant, Tio’s Taco + Tequila Bar, is going in the strip center on Scott-Troy Road next to Aberdeen Village. Based in New Jersey, the restaurant is known for its curated tequila list, traditional Mexican fare, and such specialties as signature shrimp cocktail and empanadas. No word yet on their plans.
In 2022, the city welcomed the first Hi-Pointe Drive-In and Dogwood Social in the metro-east, the second metro-east locations of Edley’s Bar-B-Que and Hawaiian Brothers Island Grill, a Scooter’s Coffee drive-thru, Blossom Play Café, Juice Heal Thrive, Yummy Rice Bowls, and O Town Food Hall & Tap House in the remodeled Hop House location.
This year, Le Ono Restaurant, GiGi’s Gelato and Italian Market, and Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant have opened, Casa Maria Express was renamed Frida’s Cucina, and both Imo’s Pizza and Juice Heal Thrive moved, but not too far from their original location.
Relocations in Town
Owner Angie Bernreuter moved her Juice Heal Thrive smoothie and juice bar from 622 E. State St. to 124 W. State St., next to the Medicine Shoppe in the Schwarz Center, in June. The family-owned business, which opened in 2020, sells all-organic, plant-based, gluten-free cold-pressed juices and offers a few food items, like special salads and energy cookies.
The hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and also at Vine Street Market in season, 8 a.m. to noon. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Imo’s moved this spring to 705 Cambridge Blvd, down the road from their old U.S. 50 location. Manager Justin Olds said there is a pick-up window but no longer has a few tables for indoor dining. The phone number remains the same for ordering.
Restaurants aren’t the only sign of commercial opportunities for new retail, business and medical offices, health and wellness services, and financial and investment planners have opened during the past two years.
To find out the status of planning and zoning projects, check out this map: https://arcg.is/1vaO8q.
