The Great Chick-Fil-A blitz of 2023 proved that the Chippewa Valley is as excited about new eateries as ever, but let’s face it: We’ve got plenty of fast food options, burger options, pizza options, etc. What we don’t have are many solid options for Indian cuisine, outside of the Oakwood Mall food court. And while downtown Eau Claire is still in the thick of a good old-fashioned boom, it still doesn’t have any waterfront dining options, or a panoramic rooftop bar and grill. Hear that, entrepreneurs? The diners of the Chippewa Valley have spoken. —Eric Rasmussen