Here’s what’s going on in the Long Beach food scene:
- Cali Chilli has officially scored its liquor license, with owner Praveen Nair saying they are in the midst of testing drinks to create “a really spectacular bar program.” For my full profile on Cali Chilli for Eater LA, click here.
- Knead, the Cambodian-owned donut joint I have long proclaimed as the city’s best, will be expanding its footprint even further. Co-owner Amy Behuynh, daughter to other co-owner Huey, has said the space will be opening a third location in Cerritos on South Street, just east of the Cerritos Mall.
- Qargo Coffee, a franchise coffee shop chain with locations ranging from Las Vegas and Denver to San Jose and Northridge, will be taking over the former Starbucks location inside the Current at the northwest corner of Ocean and Alamitos.
- Q’s, the corporate barbecue joint that has been one of the many corporate anchors along the Pine Pier area of DTLB where Pine Avenue ends at Shoreline Drive, will return to being a Famous Dave’s. The space was originally a Famous Dave’s but, following a string of closures between 2017 and 2018 of Famous Dave’s nationwide, became a Q’s Smokehouse. The pandemic, however, proved fruitful for the failing company: With a surge in to-go and catering business both mid- and post-pandemic, the chain has actually bought back several franchise locations. The Long Beach Famous Dave’s is expected to open Nov. 8.
