The Inland Empire now has a second Pollo Campero restaurant.

The Guatemalan chicken chain’s new location in Fontana has opened.

The restaurant, 17010 Sierra Lakes Parkway, is open 9 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

The restaurant features a drive-thru, which the longtime restaurant at 835 Harriman Place, San Bernardino, lacks.

A third Inland Empire location — with a drive-thru — is in the works at 1105 N. Mountain Ave., Ontario.

New in San Bernardino

A new pizzeria has opened in San Bernardino.

Bacio Pizza has opened at 171 W. 40th St.

It replaces the recently-closed Pizza Fuego.

Hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

New Riverside restaurant

A new restaurant featuring crêpes has opened in Riverside.

Crepes Tree is now open at 2025 Chicago Ave., Suite A14.

The restaurant offers a selection of savory and sweet crêpes, panini sandwiches and boba drinks.

Crepes Tree also operates at several farmers markets each week throughout the Inland Empire.

Restaurant hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and 2-8 p.m. Saturday.

Madbun has moved

Madbun is now open in Rancho Cucamonga.

The Asian fried chicken sandwich purveyor recently made the move from the Cravings by 99 Ranch Market food hall in Chino to the Haven City Market food hall.

In addition to fried chicken sandwiches and sliders, the restaurant also offers loaded fries and chicken nuggets.

Haven City Market, 8443 Haven Ave., is open 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. daily.

New brunch option

Brunch options continue to open here in the Inland Empire.

Magnolia Bistro in Claremont has announced it will begin a brunch service beginning Saturday, Feb. 17.

Magnolia Bistro is at 665 E. Foothill Blvd., Suite C.

Brunch hours are 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Wine anniversary

Wine bar and eatery Uncorked on State is hosting a week-long celebration in honor of its first anniversary.

Here’s what’s planned at the Redlands spot:

• Tuesday, Feb. 20, and Thursday, Feb. 22: Happy Hour menu and Happy Hour pricing all evening, plus a 20% discount on all bottles of wine.

• Wednesday, Feb. 21: 20% off featured wines from Orin Swift Cellars.

• Friday, Feb. 23: 20% off of all bottles of wine, plus free commemorative Uncorked On State branded items and a free dessert with each purchased meal. Reservations are required.

• Saturday, Feb. 24: 20% off of all bottles of wine, plus we will be giving out special commemorative Uncorked On State branded items. Reservations are required.

Uncorked on State is at 404 E. State St., Redlands.

Palm Desert beer fest

La Quinta Brewing Co. is hosting its inaugural Beer Fest from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 at its Palm Desert brewery, 74714 Technology Drive.

The event will include beer from multiple guest breweries, food, and music from Derek Jordan Gregg.

Sorry, we’re closed

The Deli has closed its Fontana location.

The location opened in 2018.

The original location remains open at 9671 Foothill Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga.

A banner announcing a future Habibi’s Hot Chicken hangs on the building at 16975 Sierra Lakes Parkway, Suite 200.

CicLAvia is once again closing streets to cars and opening them to cyclists and pedestrians as it launches its 2024 season starting Sunday, Feb. 25.

And after strolling or biking through carless roads, participants can throw back a cold one too because CicLAvia has teamed up with a local brewery to create its own beer for the season.

“There’s nothing better than a beer after a bike ride,” said Andrew Fowler, an avid cyclist and co-founder of Los Angeles Ale Works, which has brewed a beer named “seek-la-VEE-ah.”

It’s named that for educational purposes.

“The beer’s name is the phonetic spelling of our organization. Since it is a made up word often people don’t know how to pronounce it. So we’re hoping getting this beer out in the world will give people more of an idea on how to pronounce the name CicLAvia,” said Rachel Burke, chief program officer for CicLAvia.

Since 2010, the citywide event has closed certain stretches of streets to motorized traffic and given them over to alternative forms of non-motorized transportation including bicycles, skateboards, skates, as well as pedestrians. Along the routes people can expect activities like scavenger hunts, street games and cultural hubs.

The 2024 season launches Feb. 25 with a route on Melrose Avenue between Fairfax and Vermont avenues from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The eight event season continues through Dec. 8 with Sunday events in areas like Venice, Wilmington, Hollywood, Lincoln Heights, the San Fernando Valley and other neighborhoods.

“We see this as an opportunity to introduce people to new neighborhoods and to introduce neighbors to each other,” Burke said. “We hope people will feel the joy of the city of Los Angeles, of the county of Los Angeles. We hope people will feel more connected to each other and that they might think twice about driving short distances,” she added.

But before the streets close to cars the cans of beer will pop open with a Feb. 16 season launch event at Los Angeles Ale Works’ Culver City location from 12-midnight.

The launch will include food trucks, music, games, vendors, and kid-friendly activities. This is the second year Los Angeles Ale Works has collaborated with CicLAvia to create a beer.

“We love what they do, the open streets concept and mobility and getting people to see the city from a different lens,” said Fowler, who owns five bicycles which he rides around the city.

The beer meanwhile is a West Coast India Pale Ale that comes in at a 6.5% ABV, which is pretty light for an IPA.

“It’s hoppy, fruity with citrus notes. It’s a refreshing little punch of tropical fruit. We were really going for drinkability,” Fowler said.

The can is decorated with different cities and landmarks around L.A. signifying CicLAvia’s impact on the area. For those who can’t make it to the Feb. 16 launch, the beer will be available for a limited time at the Los Angeles Ale Work Hawthorne and Culver City locations as well as places like Whole Foods, Total Wine, Bristol Farms and other small craft retailers.

Here are the event dates and areas for this year’s CicLAvia. Go to ciclavia.org closer to each event date to get a detailed route and list of activities.

Los Angeles Ale Works launch party

When: 12 p.m.-midnight Feb. 16 coinciding with the Culver City Arts District  Night Market

Where: Los Angeles Ale Works, Ivy Station Complex, 8809 Washington Blvd., Culver City.

Tickets: Free admission. Get more information at laaleworks.com

CicLAvia 2024 Season

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 25: Melrose Avenue between Fairfax and Vermont avenues.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 21: Along Venice Blvd., connecting Palms, Mar Vista and Venice.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 19: Wilmington, route TBD.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 23: South L.A., through communities along Western Avenue.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 18:  Meet the Hollywoods, connecting West Hollywood, Hollywood and East Hollywood.

Time TBD Sept 15:  Lincoln Heights, route TBD.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 13: Heart of L.A. with route through Boyle Heights, Chinatown, Downtown L.A. and Echo Park.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 8: The Valley, Ventura Blvd. through NoHo, Studio City and Sherman Oaks.

A former Rancho Cucamonga Souplantation is about to reopen as new restaurant.

Soup ‘n Fresh is a buffet restaurant specializing in salads, soups and baked goods.

In other words, it’s a lot like Souplantation.

The restaurant will launch its soft opening at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28.

The restaurant is planning giveaways and deals for lunch and dinner customers on that day.

The first 25 customers at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. will get their meals and beverages for free.

The next 50 customers at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. will get 50% off their ticket.

The next 100 customers at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. will receive a free beverage and 10% off their ticket.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Soup ‘n Fresh is in the Thomas Winery Plaza at 8966 Foothill Blvd.

Thanks to readers Troy and Mike, who emailed to let me know about Soup ‘n Fresh.

Beer for kittens

Like beer? Like kittens? Then make plans to be at All Points Brewing Co. on Saturday, Feb. 24.

The brewery is hosting a Kitten Shower Happy Hour from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. that day.

The event will support the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center in Riverside.

Attendees will meet be able to meet some of the center’s kittens, play games, enjoy sweet treats and learn about the center’s foster program.

The brewery will also be donating $1 to the center for every pint purchased during the event.

The brewery is also hosting Gordo’s Tacos from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

All Points Brewing Co. is at 2023 Chicago Ave., Suite B8, Riverside.

Chili cookoff and beer fest returns

The 9th annual Fire & Ice Chili Cookoff & Craft Beer Festival returns to Corona on Saturday, Feb. 24.

The event, a fundraiser for the Circle City Rotary, is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Shops at Dos Lagos, 2780 Cabot Drive.

Several local breweries and brew clubs are expected to participate, including Stone Church Brewing, Storytellers Brewery and Meet House, Skyland Ale Works, Main Street Brewery, Evans Brewing Co., GreyWolf Brewing Co., Norco Brewing Company, Carbon Nation Brewing, Euryale Brewing Company, All Points Brewing Co., Mars Brewing Company, Our Brew and 8 Bit Brewing Co.

Promoters are advertising 100 different brews to choose from.

Tickets — available on Eventbrite — are $50 (plus a $5.20 service fee if purchased online) for unlimited chili tasting (with or without beer).

Kids 12 and younger get in free, and obviously, you must be 21 or older to drink beer.

New in Ontario

The newest tenant of Rodeo X Public Market food hall in south Ontario is celebrating its grand opening.

Slice of Haven Pizzeria has been open a couple of weeks now, but is celebrating its grand opening beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24.

There will be a DJ providing music all day and customers can receive $1 off beverages at Brew Haven, also located in the food hall, with purchase.

Rodeo X is at 3430 Ontario Ranch Road.

Aloha plate deal

Ono Hawaiian BBQ is currently offering a deal on its Island White Fish and Crispy Shrimp Aloha Plates.

Through March 29, guests can buy either plate for $7.

Use code SURFSUP24 to get the deal when purchasing online or via the chain’s app.

There’s a lot more to St. Patrick’s Day than corned beef and green beer in the Inland Empire.

Restaurants and breweries throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties are offering a wide range of events, from family-friendly parties to late night bashes. Selfies on Guinness, Jägermeister ice luge and live music ranging from bagpipes to rock are among the festivities.

St. Patrick’s Day falls on Sunday, March 17 this year, but some parties take place the day before and some start even earlier.

Here is a sampling of celebrations that have been announced on eateries’ websites and social media.

Riverside County

Corona

Stone Church Brewing: The party runs 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on March 17 and includes green beer, traditional foods, a DJ and live music. 3737 Main St., Suite 106. 951-233-0323, stonechurchbrewing.com

The Shops at Dos Lagos: A kids party will feature balloon art, face painting, crafts, games and prizes 12:30 to 3 p.m. March. 17. 2780 Cabot Drive. shopdoslagos.com

Murrieta

The Shamrock Irish Pub and Eatery: The party is for people 21 and older and runs 11 a.m.-11 p.m. with live music. Cover is $20. 39252 Winchester Road, Suite 145. 951-696-5252, theshamrockirishpubandeatery.com

Norco

GreyWolf Brewing Co.: The St. Patrick’s celebration is also a fundraiser for the Queen of Hearts Therapeutic Riding Center. It runs 2-10 p.m. Saturday, March 16. 1780 Town & Country Drive, Suite 101. greywolfbrewing.com

The Derby Room Norco: Christy McGinity of “Little Women LA” will appear 3-5 p.m. March 17. Menu includes green eggs and ham, corned beef and cabbage and $7 Irish Mules. 3230 Hamner Ave., Unit 402. 951-692-3572, thederbyroom.com

Riverside

Lake Alice Trading Co.: Entertainment with live bands and DJs starts at  11 a.m. and runs until 1:30 a.m. Monday. 3616 University Ave. 951-686-7343, lakealicetradingco.com

Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl: The event will take place 4 p.m. to midnight March 16 and include at least five stops, according to the Crawl With Us website. Tickets include two drinks, and perks include food and drink specials, plus photos and a party cup. Group tickets are $15 each, single tickets are $20. Check-in 4-6 p.m. at Lake Alice Trading Co., 3616 University Ave. crawlwith.us

Riverside’s Best St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Bar Crawl: Events are 4-10 p.m. March 16-17 and include eateries in the Riverside Food Lab, according to its listing on Eventbrite, which promises more details on event dates. Tickets are $7.77-$15. eventbrite.com

Temecula

1909: A special menu offered March 15-17 includes corned beef, green draft beer and cocktails with names like I Pinch Back. 28656 Old Town Front St. 1909temecula.com

Baily’s Old Town: An early bird St. Patrick’s Day party kicks off at 9 p.m. March 16. Festivities include go-go dancers and a photo booth. Cover charge is $10 if you wear green, $20 if you don’t. There’s a St. Patrick’s Day Reggae Fest from 3 to 7 p.m. March 17.  baily.com/stpaddysday  28699 Old Town Front St. 951-676-9567, baily.com

Old Town Blues Club: Doors open for this 21-and-older event at 1 p.m. March 17. Festivities include corned beef tacos, green beer and live music by the Ramblin’ Irishmen. $10 tickets on Eventbrite. 28636 Old Town Front St. eventbrite.com

Killarney’s Irish Pub: Parking lot festival runs 8 a.m.-11 p.m. March 17. Highlights include games, face-painting, bull riding, raffle, DJ, live music and a Jägermeister ice luge. Cover charge is $20 for people 17 and older. 32475 Temecula Parkway G101,Temecula. 951-302-8338, killarneys.com

San Bernardino County

Big Bear Lake

Wyatt’s Grill & Saloon: The party takes place 4-11 p.m. Saturday, March 16 with live music from Mrs. Murphy’s Chowder Band and family fun. 42900 W. Big Bear Lake Blvd. bigbearevents.com

Chino Hills

The Pub at Chino Hills: Partying starts Friday, March 15 with green beer, Irish Car Bombs, Jameson shots, and a “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” cocktail. Food includes corned beef skillets and lamb stew. 5771 Pine Ave., Suite A. 909-597-2224, thepubatchinohills.com

Mentone

Mill Creek Cattle Company: The annual celebration will take place from noon to 9 p.m. March 17 and includes an all-you-can-eat buffet with corned beef and cabbage as well as ribs, chicken and more, according to the restaurant’s website. Drink specials include green beer,  $5-$7, Irish Car Bombs and Irish Coffee, both for $7.50. $21.95. 1874 Mentone Blvd. 909-389-0706,

Rancho Cucamonga

4th & Mill: Festivities on March 17 include a pop-up beer garden, live music and a special menu with leek soup and Irish nachos. 11260 Fourth St. 909-736-6535, 4thandmill.com

Redlands

Royal Falconer:  A bagpipe duo will perform at 3 and 7 p.m. March 17, and the menu will include corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew and green beer. Seating is first come, first served, with no reservations. 106 Orange St., Redlands. 909-894-3200, redlandsroyalfalconer.com

The Three Stags: Guests will be able to print selfies of themselves on a head of Guinness beginning Feb. 12 at the new pub on Orange Avenue. There will also be live entertainment and a special menu March 12-17 that includes corned beef and cabbage and Irish banger corn dogs. Seating is limited and first come, first served, according to the owners. 328 Orange St., 909-792-8335, thethreestagspub.com

Upland

Last Name Brewing: The party will run March 15-17 with live bands and food trucks. Brews include an annual “green red ale” called Shamless McDale. 2120 Porterfield Way. lastnamebrewing.com

Wicked Cow Burgers & Brews: Beginning Friday, March 15, the menu includes corned beef skillets, lamb stew, green beer, Irish Car Bombs, Jameson shots, and a “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” cocktail. 131 W. Foothill Blvd., No. 1. 909-608-1924, thewickedcow.com

Yucaipa

Hops & Spokes Brewing Company: Festivities start at noon and run to 8 p.m. with green beer and live music by Arena Red. 34324 Yucaipa Blvd., Suite A. 909-797-1099, hopsandspokes.com

Los Angeles County

Pomona

O’Donovan’s Restaurant & Pub: The party starts Sunday morning and stretches into the following work week with Irish food, beer and whiskey. from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. March 17. 101 E. Third St.  909-397-4384, odonovansdtp.com

For its latest seasonal release, Southern California’s Golden Road Brewing came up with a generously hopped and fruity beer dubbed the Get On Board Hazy IPA.

Brewed with real citrus and showcasing flavors of juicy orange, eureka lemon and subtle peach, it’s meant to pair well with the spring season.

But there is a lot more meaning behind this beer.

It has a deep personal connection to the brewery’s founder and was created in collaboration with members of the autistic community.

“This is the most special beer we’ve ever created,” said Golden Road founder Meg Gill, whose 4-year-old daughter was diagnosed with non-speaking autism and was the catalyst for this collaboration. “It brings together my first baby, the business, and my real first baby, and it gives back to a community that I feel has brought me the gift of communication with my daughter.”

The new beer will be released at the brewery’s Anaheim location on Tuesday, April 2, which is World Autism Awareness Day. It was created with the help of four non-speaking autistic individuals who use a letterboard method to point out letters and spell out words. They used this system to collaborate with brewers in the creation of the new beer, from hops to can.

“The four spellers created the beer recipe, style and the creation of the marketing,” Gill said.

The collaborators, who were nicknamed the Fab Four, are members of  the nonprofit Speller’s Freedom Foundation, which helps non-speaking autistic people learn to communicate. They are also featured on an upcoming five-episode online series titled “Underestimated: The Heroic Rise of Nonspeaking Spellers.” The series will launch on underestimated.tv on Sunday, May 26 and episode 3 will feature the collaboration with Golden Road.

To create the new IPA, the Fab Four first took lessons on beer making and marketing from Golden Road brewers with the help of spelling therapists before selecting the beer style. The process took about six months, and yes, the Fab Four are all older than 21, so they can taste their creation.

“It’s floral, citrusy, happy deliciousness. And we’re very excited for the release,” Gill said.

“And they loved the beer,” she added, referring to the Fab Four, who will also be in attendance at the release party.

More importantly for Gill, the collaboration will bring attention to the non-speaking autistic community and all net proceeds of Get On Board Hazy IPA sales will benefit the Speller’s Freedom Foundation.

“Having a daughter who was diagnosed with non-speaking autism and getting connected with different ways of communication has been challenging, but also a bright light in our world,” Gill said. “The brewery hopefully can be a positive example to the community of how to truly be inclusive for people with disabilities as well.”

Golden Road Brewing is located at 2210 E. Orangewood Ave., Anaheim. The beer release party will take place from 5-7 p.m. on April 2. For more information, go to spellersfreedomfoundation.org or goldenroad.la.

The Habit Burger Grill has launched a limited-time $6 adults meal.

The Grown-Up Meal consists of a Charburger, small fries, regular drink and a gummy candy.

The catch? It’s only available at participating locations.

That’s good news if you live in Riverside County, since it appears that the meal deal is available at most locations, with the exception of the one on the UC Riverside campus.

However, it appears none of the San Bernardino County locations are offering the deal.

Best beer in the state

Congratulations to the several Inland Empire breweries that won awards at the 2024 Brewers Cup of California ceremony held March 13 in Sacramento.

Main Street Brewing in Corona took first place in the American Wheats category for its Hefeweizen, second place in the Irish Red category for Rimpau Red Ale, and third place in the Belgian Pale Strongs/Tripel category for Bishop’s Tipple Trippel and in the Scottish Ales category for its Scottish Ale.

Stone Church Brewing in Corona earned first place in the UK Pale Bitters/IPA category for Canterbury ESB, second place in the Scottish Ales category for its SCB Scottish Ale.

GreyWolf Brewing Co. in Norco gained first in the Session IPA for Lil Wolf and third place in the Berliner Weisse category for its Bloodberry Berliner.

Solorio Brewing Company in Rancho Cucamonga won first place in the British Stouts category for its Solorio Oatmeal Stout.

Claremont Craft Ales earned second place in the American Pilsner/Malt Liquor category for Baldy, third in the Herb and Spice Beer category for Pepper & Peaches and third in the Rye Ale or Lager category for Jacaranda.

Evans Brewing Co. in Corona got second place in the Belgian Quads category for Quadrupel Donker.

Old Stump Brewing Co. in Pomona won third place in the Irish Red category for Rusty Gasket.

Mexican lager beer pairing dinner

Reservations are now available for the next BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse five-course beer-pairing dinner, set for 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 6.

The seis de Mayo dinner features Mexican lagers.

The menu is as follows.

Welcome beer: Estrella Jalisco

Course 1: Modelo Especial with a California club flatbread

Course 2: Dos Equis Lager with chicken tortilla soup

Course 3: Victoria Lager with our Santa Fe salad

Palate cleanser: BJ’s CureVeza Mexican-style lager

Course 4: Dos Equis Ambar Especial with our blackened shrimp tacos

Course 5: Modelo Negra with a Cookies ‘N’ Cream Pizookie

The cost is $45 in advance and will be $50 the day of, if available. The cost for designated drivers is $30.

The price does not include tax or gratuity.

As of the time of writing, reservations were still available at all Inland Empire locations.

For more information or to make reservations, visit: www.bjsrestaurants.com.

Sorry, we’re closed

Which Wich? has shuttered its last San Bernardino County location.

The location, 1185 W Renaissance Parkway, Suite 310, Rialto, closed recently.

The sandwich chain formerly had locations in Upland and Chino Hills, as well.

Remaining Inland Empire locations include Eastvale, Murrieta and Palm Desert.

The San Bernardino Shrimp Shack Cajun Fusion location has closed.

However, its owners have a plan for the restaurant.

The eatery, 1725 W. Northpark Blvd., Suite A4, is being transformed into University Ave Pizzeria.

If the owners are smart, they’ll make it a quick-serve pizza restaurant, a la MOD Pizza, Pieology and Blaze Pizza, since there are none of those types of pizza restaurants in San Bernardino.

Shrimp Shack locations in Haven City Market in Rancho Cucamonga and the Riverside Food Lab remain open.

Now open in San Bernardino

Next door to the former Shrimp Shack, Mita’s Mexican Food has opened at 1725 W. Northpark Blvd., Suite A3.

The location was previously home to another Haven City Market restaurant, Ibasa.

Mita’s offers typical Mexican food options including tacos, enchiladas, flautas and burritos, including footlong, three-foot and six-foot varieties.

The restaurant also hosts a burrito challenge, where diners attempt to eat a whole three-foot burrito in 25 minutes.

Salads are also available.

Mita’s is open 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday though Friday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.

New in Eastvale

Ice cream and drinks shop Nobibi has expanded into Eastvale.

The shop, which offers soft-serve ice cream treats and boba drinks opened recently in the Cravings by 99 Ranch food hall at 4296 Hamner Ave., Suite 103.

Hours are noon-8 p.m. Sunday, 3-9 p.m. Monday, noon-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and noon-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The chain’s other Inland Empire locations are in Pomona, Claremont and Chino Hills.

Now open in Murrieta

Chipotle Mexican Grill’s second Murrieta location opened last week at 27970 Clinton Keith Road, Suite 100.

The new location includes a Chipotlane for quick pickup of digital orders.

The restaurant is open 10:45 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

Coming to Colton

While driving through Colton recently, I noticed paper tacked up in the window of Pizza Q, 1231 E. Washington St., Suite C.

Turns out the combination pizzeria and barbecue joint, which opened in 2016, closed at the end of last year.

Signage is up at the restaurant indicating it will become Tacos El Callejón.

For updates, visit the Instagram page: @tacos_elcallejon.

3 Iron turns nine

3 Iron Brewing Company in Colton is celebrating its ninth anniversary Saturday, April 6.

The brewery’s club members can kick off the party at noon.

There’s not a lot of detail available at the time of writing, but based on previous anniversary celebrations, there will likely be live music, food vendors, and plenty of beer, including several new releases.

3 Iron is at 898 S. Vía Lata, Suite A.

Mochinut returns

The Ontario Mochinut, which has been temporarily closed for the last several months, has reopened.

The donut and Korean corn dog shop is at 960 Ontario Mills Drive, Unit C.

Hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Brewery Kickstarter

Congratulations to Metabolic Brewing Co. on its successful Kickstarter campaign!

The future Ontario brewery raised $16,458, topping its goal of $15,000.

The retro sci-fi horror-themed brewery is preparing to open at 1609 S. Grove Ave., Unit 109, the former home to Chino Valley Brewery.

Sorry, we’re closed

The Riverside Hooters, which was at 6225 Valley Springs Parkway, Suite 15, has closed.

The chain’s sole Inland Empire location remains open at 725 N. Milliken Ave., Ontario.

Neon Bear Brewery has shuttered its Pomona taproom as it prepares to move east.

Neon Bear is planning to reopen as part of the still-under-construction Redlands Public Market food hall, 330 Third St.

Neon Bear opened in August 2022 in the Pomona Packing Plant, 560 E. Commercial St., taking over the space that was formerly Sanctum Brewing.

New at Haven City Market

Italian cuisine is back on the menu at Haven City Market food hall.

Nonna’s Bistro has a variety of hot and cold sandwiches, pastas, salads and Italian sodas.

Delivery is available through Grubhub and DoorDash.

Haven City Market is at 8443 Haven Ave., Rancho Cucamonga.

Open again

El Toro Grill has reopened following a March 4 accident in which a car drove into the restaurant.

Repairs are still being done, but the restaurant has been given the go-ahead to open in the meantime.

During construction, the restaurant, 380 Foothill Blvd., will be open 6 p.m.-2 a.m. daily.

Breakfast is served

Fire Rock Burgers & Brews is now serving breakfast on weekends at its Calimesa location.

The new menu includes eggs Benedict, a breakfast burger, croissant French toast, huevos rancheros and more.

Breads and pastries from Old Town Baking Company are also available, along with coffee from Bones Coffee Co.

There’s also a kids meal option.

Beermosas, micheladas and mimosas are served, along with non-alcoholic beverages.

Breakfast is available beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Fire Rock is in The Marketplace at Calimesa, 1040 Cherry Valley Blvd.

Breakfast is coming to the chain’s Big Bear Lake location, 618 Pine Knot Ave., Suite B, as well.

BYOC at 7-Eleven

Slurpee season officially kicks off Saturday, April 13, with Bring Your Own Cup Day at participating 7-Eleven locations.

Guests can bring any beverage container and fill it with Slurpee for $1.99.

The chain requests that the cup is clean, watertight, leak-proof and fits upright within the 10-inch hole in the in-store BYOC Day display, indicating it will fit under the Slurpee dispenser.

Also on that day, 7Rewards members can purchase a Slurpee in a standard large cup for just $1.

Arby’s freebie

Arby’s Rewards members are being treated to free sandwiches all month.

Members can receive one free sandwich each week with a minimum $1 purchase each week in April.

Choices include roast beef sandwiches, fried chicken sandwiches, gyros, wraps and more.

The deal only applies to orders placed online or via the chain’s app.

Sorry, we’re closed

The Rialto Chop Stop Salad Co. has closed.

The location, formerly at 1165 W. Renaissance Parkway, Unit 410, follows the recent closure of another Renaissance Marketplace restaurant, Which Wich.

Remaining Inland Empire locations include Rancho Cucamonga, Temecula, Ontario and Chino Hills.

Also closed — at least temporarily — is the Blaze Pizza at 301 N. Pepper Ave., Suite 400, Colton.

The location remains on the chain’s website and the pizzeria earned a 96 on its most recent health inspection in November, so that doesn’t appear to be the issue. I’m guessing it’ll reopen at some point.

Psst! Want to buy a brewery?

The owners of Last Name Brewing in Upland — Andy and Curt Dale — have put the brewery up for sale.

Last Name is the oldest brewery in the Inland Empire, recently celebrating its 21st anniversary.

According to the Instagram post announcing the sale, the Dale brothers are looking for an owner who will share their love for craft beer.

In the meantime, the brewery will operate as usual and will continue to host events, including a Mother’s Day pop-up market on April 28 and a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta on May 4 and 5.

The announcement comes after a tough year in the Inland Empire beer scene, which saw the closures of several Temecula taprooms.

In addition, Chubby Cheeks Meadery in Temecula and reportedly, No Clue Craft Brewery in Rancho Cucamonga have recently changed owners.

Last Name is at 2120 Porterfield Way, Upland.

New brewery

A new Riverside-based brewery has launched.

Prison Break Brewery — owned and operated by a pair of former inmates — is currently distributing its beers locally, but has yet to establish a taproom.

The brewery has pledged to help give back to the community, earmarking 5% of profits for organizations that help children of the incarcerated, women and LGBTQ victims of violence as well as law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

The brewery is also dedicated to hiring those with a criminal past, to help them build a career away from crime.

Two beers are currently available: Shanked Blonde Ale (4.9% alcohol by volume) and Shot Caller India Pale Ale (7% ABV). A third beer, Escapa Cerveza is expected soon.

The beers are available at dozens of restaurants, bars and retail outlets throughout Riverside and Orange counties, including brewery incubator and taproom Brüe Crüe, 11626 Sterling Ave., Suite G, Riverside, which may be hosting the brewery for production in the future.

Shanked is available for nationwide delivery via craftbeerkings.com.

For a list of where to find Prison Break brews, visit www.prisonbreakbrewery.com/where-to-buy.

Tamale fest BOGO

The Riverside Tamale Festival returns from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. April 27, and there’s currently a buy-one-get-one-free deal on tickets.

Full-price tickets are $20, but through Saturday, April 20, two tickets can be purchased for that price.

A $4.90 service fee applies.

Also, $10 tickets are available for military, seniors, students and teachers.

A VIP experience is available for $100.

Tickets are available via Eventbrite.

New in Chino Hills

3CAT Handcrafted Beverage is now open in The Shoppes at Chino Hills at 13865 City Center Drive, Suite 3052.

The feline-themed drink shop offers a variety of tea drinks, along with milk and fruit drinks, plus “catpuccino.”

A selection of toppings — from vanilla ice cream to avocado mousse — are available.

Through April 30, the shop is offering 50% off a second beverage.

Hours are noon-8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and noon-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Now open in Rancho Cucamonga

My NY Pizza has opened a new location at 9615 Foothill Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga.

Hours are noon-9 p.m. Sunday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The location joins others in Ontario (1919 E. Fourth St.) and Fontana (15034 Foothill Blvd., Suite B).

Hannah Wyman | St. Louis Post-Dispatch (TNS)

ST. LOUIS — Anheuser-Busch InBev’s beer sales dropped by $1.5 billion in North America last year, but its nonalcoholic beer sales are exceeding expectations, a shift experts credit to consumers becoming more health-conscious and beverage choices expanding.

The company’s no-alcohol beer portfolio, which includes Budweiser Zero, Stella Artois 0.0, O’Doul’s and Busch NA, saw revenue growth “in the high teens,” according to A-B’s annual report.

It comes at a good time for the company. Consumers appear to be moving away from alcoholic beverages, according to a report on store-bought alcohol by market research firm Circana. Surveyed consumers’ preference for beer and hard cider shrank from 16% in 2020 to 13.5% in 2023. Wine dropped about 3% in preference, while the spirits/cocktails/coolers category decreased by 1%.

Customers are increasingly favoring soft drinks and sports/energy drinks, the report found.

But the shrinking preference for alcohol does not point to abstinence, said Scott Scanlon, Circana’s executive vice president of alcoholic beverages. Instead, consumers are less likely to overindulge — especially after drinking more during the pandemic — or are reevaluating their consumption, he said.

“While I think health and wellness is not a fad, I don’t think mocktails will be as big a category as beer,” Scanlon said. “People will just moderate instead of shifting to mocktails.”

According to Global Market Insights, the nonalcoholic wine and beer market is estimated to grow annually 7% between 2023 and 2032 and is set to surpass $30 billion by 2025. Data from NielsenIQ found that nonalcoholic beer took up more than 85% of nonalcoholic sales between August 2021 and August 2022.

Nonalcoholic beers are also being produced by local craft brewers, who are feeling the pinch of lower beer sales, too. Production for craft beer was down in 2023, with increased competition from other types of alcoholic beverages, according to the Brewers Association.

St. Louis craft brewer Schlafly has responded to the market trends by ensuring its pubs have robust nonalcoholic offerings, said Dan Jameson, head of brewpub operation. Schlafly debuted its own nonalcoholic pale ale for “dry January,” the trend where people kick off the new year by giving up alcohol.

“We have to look at everything and make sure we’re doing things today that respond to the needs of the marketplace just as any business would,” Jameson said. Customers are asking for the nonalcoholic brews, he said.

Growing demand

Nonalcoholic beer has gone mainstream. Budweiser Zero is the official beer of the seventh-inning cutoff time at baseball games in Canada, and Corona Cero will be featured as a leading global Worldwide Olympic Partner brand.

But A-B recently reported that it would not meet its 2025 target of 20% of the company’s total beer volume being no- and low-alcohol beer, a plan it announced almost a decade ago.

In 2023, less than 7% of its global beer volume was brands with less than 3.5% alcohol by volume. A-B brands Michelob Ultra and Bud Light each have an ABV of 4.2%.

Local bartenders have found that nonalcoholic cocktails are gaining popularity and say such options are becoming fixtures on bar menus.

“It’s here to stay,” said Giselle Brooks, manager of Hidden Gem, a disco bar on Locust Street in Midtown St. Louis. “I wouldn’t even call it a trend.”

“The demand is only increasing. More people are coming in and asking for nonalcoholic cocktails,” Gioia said. “Restaurants or bars that don’t have some form of nonalcoholic option are leaving money on the table.”

Gioia said nonalcoholic beer is more familiar to customers than alcohol-free spirits or wine because it has been around for almost three decades, while mocktails were almost unheard of five years ago.

Courtney Cothren, an associate teaching professor in the marketing department at the University of Missouri-Columbia, said health-conscious consumers are normalizing nonalcoholic beverages.

“People are thinking about their bodies and what goes into them,” Cothren said. “I think if people continue to focus on health and they like the taste, (nonalcoholic) beverages will continue as a trend. It may drop or plateau, but it will be a larger share than when it started.”

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