This week in 417 food news, winners of the Vegan Chef Challenge are announced, a drive-thru boba tea spot is coming soon and a new sports bar opens in Nixa.
Not’cho Ordinary Taco wins Vegan Chef Challenge again
For the second year in a row, Not’cho Ordinary Taco at 14 Mill Market in Nixa has won the Vegan Chef Challenge in Springfield. Uptown Hog, also in 14 Mill Market, won second place and best barbecue, while The Press Coffee & Juice Bar in Springfield won third place.
During the month of May, 14 Ozarks restaurants offered vegan options for the Vegan Chef Challenge, which allows area businesses to show off their skills when it comes to plant-based menu options.
According to the press release, more than 250 people voted for the various chefs and dishes. Voters were vegan, vegetarian and meat eaters.
Here are the rest of the titles handed out by the Vegan Chef Challenge:
Best Sushi: Craft SushiBest Date Night Destination: Flame SteakhouseBest Mediterranean Cuisine: Greek BellyBest Jackfruit: Jamaican Patty Co.Best Dessert: Mama Jean’s Natural MarketBest Tacos: Tinga TacosBest Indian Cuisine: Zayka Indian Cuisine
Boba tea drive-thru opening in Springfield soon
Got a craving for those chewy tapioca pearls in a milky tea drink, but don’t feel like leaving your car? Jade Dragon Bubble Tea has your back.
The drive-thru boba tea spot announced on Facebook that it plans to open July 1, 2025. It will be located in Metro Eats, a food truck park at 2463 W. Sunshine St.
Need a bubble tea fix while you wait? Here’s a list of places that serve the Taiwanese drink.
Sports bar Social BTB Nixa opens
Social BTB Nixa, 101 S. Main St. in Nixa, is now open and slinging burgers, beer and chicken tenders. The sports bar officially opened last week and is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Monday.
In addition to 16 draft beers on tap, the restaurant also offers “epic burgers” and hand-breaded chicken tenders.
Social BTB Nixa shares a name and logo with Social BTB Joplin, a locally owned restaurant in Downtown Joplin that opened in 2018. According to the Secretary of State, Social BTB Nixa is owned by Jacque Haldoupis and Petros Haldoupis. Social BTB Joplin, is owned by George Michalopoulos, Michael Joseph and Michael Theodore.