From soul food to sushi, here are 15 new restaurants that opened in Springfield in 2022

Harrison Keegan, Springfield News-Leader
·3 min read
The Momo platter, sushi fire cracker, and bržlŽe cheesecake at Momo Sushi and Grill, a new Japanese restaurant at 2767 W. Republic Road in Springfield.
The Momo platter, sushi fire cracker, and bržlŽe cheesecake at Momo Sushi and Grill, a new Japanese restaurant at 2767 W. Republic Road in Springfield.

After two years of major pandemic-related disruptions, 2022 saw a return toward normal for many industries — including restaurants.

Restaurant marketing company Popmenu did a survey in which 58% of respondents said they ate at restaurants more often in 2022 than they did in 2021.

In Springfield, consumers got several new options to choose from with the opening of a plethora of new restaurants from soul food to vegan offerings and acai bowls. Here's a look at some of the restaurants that opened this year in the Springfield area:

  • Mimi's Soul Food: This soul food joint at 533 S. Kimbrough Ave. specializes in Southern-style dishes. Mimi's menu includes items such as fried potatoes, corn bread, Cajun catfish, spaghetti, smothered pork chops, sweet potatoes and much more.

  • Springfield Acai Bowl: This healthy food concept at 230 E. Republic Road serves up bowls made of acai berries and additional fruits, then topped with ingredients like nuts, seeds and granola.

  • Momo Sushi and Grill: The Branson sushi restaurant opened a location this year at 2767 W. Republic Road in Springfield. Momo Sushi and Grill has an expansive menu, but some of the most popular dishes include the Momo platter, sushi firecracker, tonkostu ramen and brûlée cheesecake for dessert.

Momo Sushi and Grill, a Japanese restaurant that started in Branson, has opened a new location at 2767 W. Republic Road in Springfield.
Momo Sushi and Grill, a Japanese restaurant that started in Branson, has opened a new location at 2767 W. Republic Road in Springfield.

  • The Garrison: The Garrison is a fine dining experience that is part of the Finley Farms business venture from Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris and his daughter Megan Stack. It's located at 802 Finley Farms Lane on the banks of the Finley River in Ozark underneath The Ozark Mill Restaurant.

  • Bosky's Vegan Grill: This vegan restaurant at 405 W. Walnut St. in downtown Springfield has a menu full of different plant-based offerings.

Bosky's Vegan Grill, located at 405 W Walnut St., is looking to open in early May.
Bosky's Vegan Grill, located at 405 W Walnut St., is looking to open in early May.

  • Billiards: The pool hall known for its iconic burgers reopened in 2022 under new ownership at 541 E. St. Louis St.

  • Thailand Station: The Thai restaurant opened in February at 1730 E. Republic Road and offers traditional favorites in addition to some Thai street food.

Thailand Station owners and friends Gift Williams and Mint Hempala opened the restaurant in February at 1730 E. Republic Road.
Thailand Station owners and friends Gift Williams and Mint Hempala opened the restaurant in February at 1730 E. Republic Road.

  • I Love Tacos Taqueria: The popular food truck opened a brick-and-mortar location this year at 2724 E. Chestnut Expressway in Springfield.

The I Love Tacos Taqueria food truck will be opening a brick-and-mortar location at 2724 E. Chestnut Expressway.
The I Love Tacos Taqueria food truck will be opening a brick-and-mortar location at 2724 E. Chestnut Expressway.

  • Krackin Cajun Seafood House: The popular Joplin seafood restaurant opened a location this year at 3644 S. Campbell Ave. in Springfield.

  • Nawab's: This Indian restaurant opened in January at 3654 S. Campbell Ave. with a menu full of authentic dishes.

New Indian restaurant Nawab's, located at 3654 S. Campbell Avenue, opened in January.
New Indian restaurant Nawab's, located at 3654 S. Campbell Avenue, opened in January.

  • Chicken Salad Chick: The Atlanta-based chicken salad chain restaurant opened in October at 1322 E. Battlefield Road. It has 12 original chicken salad flavors and fresh side salads, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches and desserts.

  • Krab Kingz: Another seafood restaurant opened this year at 3014 S. National Ave. It boasts the best seafood in town with signature sauces.

  • Craft Sushi: Springfield's build-your-own sushi and poke bowl restaurant opened a second location at 1282 E. Republic Road.

  • Wahlburgers: The famous family's burger chain arrived in Springfield inside the new Hy-Vee at 2150 E. Sunshine St.

  • Whataburger: The Texas-based fast food burger chain made its much anticipated debut in the local market in December with a location at 1371 Highway 60 in Republic. Whataburger plans to add three Springfield locations and one Ozark location in 2023.

Wondering what other restaurants you'll be able to try in 2023? Some of those that have announced plans to open in Springfield in the near future include Twin Peaks, Go Burrito, MacCheesy's, and Ariake Sushi and Robata.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield restaurants that opened in 2022 or coming soon in 2023