Los Patios Mexican Restaurant is up and running at space formerly occupied by O’Reilly’s Irish Pub near Parkview Field, 301 W. Jefferson Blvd. 

They’ve been open less than a month, but customers are taking notice quickly. They’re posting on social media about the ample menu and their drink selections. 

In mid-February, O’Reilly’s abruptly ceased operations. You may recall they were one of the first tenants to occupy the mixed-use residential/retail property when it came online in 2013. 

Rita’s opens on Covington

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, 6312 Covington Road, is now open. 

The Philadelphia-based sweet shop has 550 locations in 30 states and is devoted to creating a unique, family-oriented shop with more than 75 flavors. More than just their namesake treats, they also have gelatis, milkshakes, and concretes. 

The store is open every day from noon-9 p.m. They will have a grand opening celebration soon. 

Food Truck Nights begin at Union 12

The food trucks have begun rolling into Union 12, 7563 E. Lincolnway Road, near the Allen/Whitley County Line Road. 

Every Wednesday, the food trucks roll in with activities from 5-9 p.m. through Aug. 14. 

Enjoy the best food trucks in northeast Indiana, live music, and shopping. 

RibFest is just around the corner

Save the date: RibFest returns for its 27th season, June 13–16, at Headwaters Park. 

The food gets the headlines, but it’s four days of family-friendly fun, entertainment, and a dive into the world of sweet, spicy, and tangy BBQ brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and, of course, ribs. 

Organizers say about 40,000 people attend and devour nearly 25 tons of food. 

Ft. Wayne’s Farmers Market moves outside

Ft. Wayne’s Farmers Market is heading outdoors to Dynamo Alley at Electric Works. 

After spending the winter at 500 E. State Blvd., across from North Side High School, organizers and shoppers are ready to get outside. 

The market is every Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The outdoor season runs through the end of September. 

Swing by Leo-Cedarville for fresh goods

The Leo-Cedarville Farmers Market is now open for the season. 

Every Thursday in the downtown area near the Shops of Leo, merchants will offer fresh local produce, flowers, and unique handcrafted items. 

The market is open from 4-7 p.m. near Main Street and State Road 1 and runs through September. 

Coffee, ice cream shop proposed

Buckner Park and its splash pad are a beehive of activity during the summer, and a proposed new business could make it even more active. 

Clark Hurley and Ashley Holley want to build a hard-dip ice cream and coffee shop near the park in a vacant building at 6128 Bass Road. 

The shop would have walk-up and drive-thru customers. 

The Fort Wayne Plan Commission will consider the idea next month. 

O’Charley’s raises money for scholarships

O’Charley’s, 1220 S. Illinois Road, is teaming up with the Folded Flag Foundation to help the families of fallen service members. 

The Fort Wayne location will join others around the nation to collect money for scholarships and other educational grants. The restaurant says 100 percent of every contribution will go to the charity. 

Diners are also being rewarded. For every $5 donation, O’Charley’s will give a $5 reward to use on a future visit. A $10 donation results in a $15 gift coupon. 

Off the Eaten Path is the Whatzup weekly column that covers Northeast Indiana’s restaurant and food news. Send your news items to info@whatzup.com.