Palm Beach County restaurant news: New openings, a reunion, a Vegas night

Note: This story was updated to include Blisseri's new West Palm Beach bakery with a grand opening date of July 11.

Palm Beach County’s dining scene is buzzing the week of Jan. 20, with new openings, a sweet homecoming, a goodbye party decades in the making and one of the county’s most creative fundraisers gearing up for its next chapter.

Downtown gets something bold, Lantana welcomes a familiar favorite in a new home, Boca Raton starts the day with a new kind of energy, and Delray’s most playful annual event returns with a flashier theme than ever.

There’s even a chance for longtime regulars and former staff to gather one more time before a neighborhood fixture says farewell.

Let’s get into it.

Intimate Indian in downtown West Palm Beach

Chhauka, the intimate new Indian restaurant in the former Sassafras space, officially opened downtown Jan. 16. Restaurateur Pravin Mascarenhas is partnering with Subculture’s Rodney Mayo and bringing in Chef Hemant Mathur, who helped earn the first Michelin stars ever awarded to Indian restaurants in the United States, to guide the culinary identity.

Expect regional, elevated Indian cooking in a sophisticated setting, a style Mascarenhas says has been missing here. The refreshed room has a stately colonial vibe, the location works and cocktails are sublime. Expect to spend between $30 to $50 per person on food. Happy hour starts a 3 p.m. and weekend brunch is in the works. Reservations via OpenTable.

Location: 105 S. Narcissus Road, West Palm Beach

A sweet new neighborhood dessert shop in Lantana

Blissri Bakeshoppe, the small‑batch dessert shop that emerged from Grandview’s food hall scene, is moving to Lantana with a grand opening Jan. 24 at 10 a.m. Founder Micaela O’Grady’s unlikely path from bodybuilding to baking has powered a growing brand known for cookies, cupcakes, dessert bars and creative café drinks.

The new storefront delivers those signature sweets in a bright, modern space designed for grab‑and‑go treats, social‑worthy moments and opening‑week specials, including limited‑edition items available only at this location. The new Lantana shop is the first of Blissri’s next wave of growth; her second location opens July 11 in West Palm Beach near Belvedere and Parker.

Details: 8744 Lantana Rd., Suite B118; 561‑787‑7551; blissribakeshoppe.com

Greens and Grains opens first Florida location

Plant‑powered fast‑casual brand Greens and Grains makes its Florida debut in Boca Raton with a grand‑opening celebration on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 8 a.m. The first 50 arriving score a free smoothie, and every visitor that day is entered to win free smoothies for a year. Festivities include a Pure Barre community class at 8:30 a.m. (advance sign‑up is required), plus a DJ, giveaways and interactive experiences from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Inside the 1,200‑square‑foot indoor‑outdoor space, the menu stretches across 14 categories encompassing salads, grain bowls, smoothie bowls, gluten‑free wraps, cold‑pressed juices, breakfast dishes and vegan sandwiches including a "meatball parm" sub. We're told everything is built with local ingredients and designed for quick service.

This opening is a milestone for franchisee Matthew Nyce, who joined the company at 17 while living in New Jersey. Now 27 and newly based in Boca Raton, he’s opening his first location with plans to expand across South Florida. Greens and Grains currently operates across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Location: 179 S.E. Mizner Blvd. at Royal Palm Place, Boca Raton

Hooters of Boca Raton hosts alumni reunion

As Hooters of Boca Raton prepares to close next month, the longtime neighborhood staple is hosting an alumni reunion on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. The event is open to the public and invites former employees from both the original location (1993–2003) and the current one (2009–2026) to gather for one last celebration.

Expect live music from local favorite Stardust One, exclusive collectible merchandise and throwback food‑and‑drink specials such as buy‑six‑get‑six wings, half‑priced buffalo shrimp and $3 domestic drafts.

Leadership says the farewell festivities are meant to honor patrons and staff who shaped the restaurant’s 27‑year history.

“This is a legacy Hooters,” said managing partner Chris Torelli. “With hundreds of former staff and decades of guests, it’s only fitting to bring everyone back to the place where it all started.”

Hooters of South Florida continues to operate 15 other locations and is exploring new sites for Boca Raton.

Location: 2240 N.W. 19th Street, Boca Raton

“Pub at the Hub: Vegas, Baby!” returns

Community Classroom Project’s signature fundraiser, Pub at the Hub, returns Saturday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. — this year transformed into a neon‑soaked tribute to the Las Vegas Strip.

The Hub at Space of Mind becomes a vibrant maze of casino vibes, Rat Pack nods, surprise performances and photo‑friendly backdrops. Slip & The Spinouts lead the soundtrack with vintage Vegas energy, while attendees wander through themed rooms, browse a student‑and‑professional art sale, and take part in a mystery auction.

Local chefs will serve a lineup of over‑the‑top Vegas‑inspired bites including Wagyu “High Roller” sliders, showgirl shrimp cocktail shooters, spicy “Jackpot” wings and Elvis‑style banana pudding parfaits. A giant buffet, open bar and themed cocktails round out the night.

Participating restaurants and beverages include Amy Lee (Space of Mind/CCP; formerly of Palm Trail Grill), Blake Malatesta (Wine & Spirits Kitchen), Jimmy Everett (Driftwood), Eric Lamb (Windy City Pizza), Michael Salmon (Flybird), Bryce Dangerfield (Curds & Corks), Aaron Schiffman (Delray Beach Pizza), Crazy Uncle Mike’s and Munyon’s Paw Paw.

With 200 tickets priced $200, the party stays intimate but lively. Think of it as a Vegas night without leaving Delray. For tickets, visit ccpdelray.org.

Location: The Hub at Space of Mind, 101 N.W. First Ave., Delray Beach

Diana Biederman is the Palm Beach Post's food & restaurant writer. Care to share news tips about the local dining scene? Please send them to [email protected]. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.