FAST FOODIE FACTS. Some newbies and chains are making moves in Eau Claire, including 7 Brew Coffee. (Photo by McKenna Scherer)

7 Brew Coffee is planning its second E.C. location.

7 Brew Coffee has become a fast favorite since the chain opened its northern-most location, at 2405 N. Claremont Ave., Eau Claire, in September 2023. A second Eau Claire location for the drive-thru only coffee joint was proposed by Plaza Street Developers, and on Nov. 18 the Eau Claire Plan Commission officially approved a site plan. The new 7 Brew will replace the abandoned Holiday gas station at the corner of Prill Road and Gateway Drive and will feature two drive-thru lanes.

According to the meeting minutes, a full Traffic Impact Analysis was suggested by the tenant. Traffic concerns were also addressed by Deputy Engineer Al Rinka, Casey Scholz of Excel Engineering, and the commission. The future Southside 7 Brew plans were approved unanimously, with some staff conditions, and will aim to be open by September 2025.

Leona’s is opening in the new year.

The long-awaited opening of Leona’s pizza shop – formerly Covizza – officially has an expected time window: January. While renovation setbacks at its first brick-and-mortar storefront (408 Galloway St., Eau Claire) led to the Leona’s team launching a Kickstarter to support construction efforts, owners Jacob and Brittany Paulsrud announced they plan to open up shop in the new year on a recent episode of local podcast “Banker with a Beer.” The eatery will also have a bar, host live music and events, and features an outdoor patio.

Keep up with Leona’s on Facebook and Instagram for future updates.

Eau Claire Billiards Bar & Grill is aiming for December opening.

The former Good Times Tavern and Double Days location at 3020 London Road, Eau Claire, will soon open its doors to the public once more, this time as Eau Claire Billiards Bar & Grill. As its name suggests, folks can expect quality billiards, drinks, and a nice variety of food options. The billiard hall and grub spot has undergone quite a makeover this fall, including some demo, installation of a brand-new beer draft system, and more. According to its Facebook page, Eau Claire Billiards Bar & Grill is aiming to open on Dec. 17 with its first Winter Classic 8 Ball Tournament on Saturday, Dec. 28.

Find Eau Claire Billiards Bar & Grill on Facebook.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is back in Eau Claire.

Dickey’s Barbecue was founded in 1941 in Texas, and its Eau Claire location – the chain’s first in Wisconsin – opened in 2011. Dickey’s churned out its signature barbecue goods until 2020, closing up shop after changing ownership a couple of times, with no plans to reopen. Now, the Eau Claire location’s original owner, local Dan Pekol, has apparently decided to give it another go. A new Facebook page for “Dickey’s Barbecue Pit - Eau Claire” popped up on Dec. 1, announcing plans to begin operating as a ghost kitchen and trailer “with a focus on catering and delivery.”

Keep up with Dickey’s Barbecue Pit on Facebook.