Aug. 20, 2026
Polar Bites founders Jessica and Matt Rooney have sold the seasonal frozen treat business that operates out of a modified shipping container on 41st Street. It will be closed starting on Friday and will reopen under new ownership Sept. 1. The Rooneys will continue to operate the Dakota Snow shaved ice trailers.
Roots of Brasil is hosting its third annual Root Fest on Saturday. Stop by the family-friendly outdoor event for live music, a food tent, beer garden, vendors and a kid zone with activities and games from noon to 8 p.m. See more details here.
Blarney Stone Pub is celebrating fresh tomatoes with a few entrees inspired by bruschetta. Try Bruschetta Chicken Salad, Bruschetta Chicken Wrap and Bruschetta Chicken Sandwich for a limited time.
Chef Lance’s on Phillips has added new dishes to the menu: Mushroom Chicken, Lemon Caper Chicken, Executive NY Strip Loin, Tuna Tartare, Scallop Pomodoro and Turkey Wild Rice Soup.
Taco John’s has collaborated with social media creator Nic Flood, “The Fat Electrician,” to create the Fat Grilled Burrito. A flour tortilla is filled with chicken, steak, Potato Oles, chipotle ranch, a four-cheese blend and nacho cheese. It’s available through Aug. 27 or while supplies last. A portion of proceeds will go to a national charity that supports military members, veterans, first responders and their families.
Endless Shrimp has returned to the menu at Red Lobster for a limited time with a new flavor: Garlic Bread-Crusted Shrimp, served with marinara sauce for dipping. Other choices are Garlic Shrimp Scampi, Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, Parrot Isle Coconut Shrimp and Shrimp Linguini Alfredo.
After an appearance at the beginning of the year, Biscoff Cookie Butter is back as a featured flavor at Nothing Bundt Cakes because of customer requests, the bakery said. It’s back in all sizes until Oct. 11.
The new Zest Social House is owned by retired teacher Janelle Whempner, so she’s celebrating her freedom from back-to-school season with the featured No More First Days menu that will be available from opening to 2 p.m. Monday through Aug. 31. Retired educators will get a 10 percent discount and are asked to bring proof of their school days like a funny teaching story, school spirit gear, old school photo, old teacher ID or school memorabilia.
Morrie’s Steakhouse is trying to make the return to school easier on families with its Back to School Pork Bundle. Get 3 pounds of pork, slider buns, barbecue sauce, jalapeno creamed corn and Boursin mashed potatoes for $85.
MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub is offering a back-to-school discount through Aug. 31. Bring in a school supply receipt of $25 or more and get 25 percent off your meal. If you order online, use the code SCHOOL25. That’s also the date that marks the end of the 406 Summer Fare menu.
“Chipotle Sundays” is emerging as an end-of-the-week ritual on TikTok, so Chipotle is offering a back-to-school Sunday special Aug. 23, Aug. 30 and Sept. 6. Buy two entrees after 3 p.m. on the app or online, and get a third one for free. Use the code SUNDAYS.
TJ’z Bar & Restaurant in Colton is trying to make the best of road construction with daily specials through Aug. 31.
Over Easy offers its “Weekday Social” from noon to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday with food and drink specials.
NFL season specials at Dave & Buster’s include $5 drinks and 10 wings for $10 on Sunday, Monday and Thursday nights.
The Human Bean will donate $1 from every drink sold Friday to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. And through next week, get half-price Bright Energy drinks after 2 p.m.
Fat Shack is donating 10 percent of proceeds Saturday to the after-school program at Community Learning Center. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.
Changes in hours, service
Falls Overlook Cafe has shifted to fall hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. It’s closed on Wednesdays.
Creekside Meats in Hartford is closed now on Sundays until spring. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Now that the school year has started, B&G Milkyway in Harrisburg is no longer open for lunch. Hours are 2 to 9 p.m. daily.
The Rush has added delivery service through DoorDash.
Here are other food and drink headlines from the past week.
Qdoba to open at Lake Lorraine
Back by popular demand: Grille 26 Happy Hour offers delicious new deals
Desire to replicate matcha drinks found in Japan leads to mobile business
Dining and Cooking