The national chain store Crumble Cookies will hold their grand opening in the Orchard Crossing shopping center, between Target and Barnes & Noble, on Friday, Dec. 9. The store says they keep offerings fresh by rotating menu items weekly for its bakeries in 47 states. 

Never fear, they’ll keep customers updated on Facebook for what’s coming weekly. 

The store is slated to be open 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday.  If that’s not enough, there is talk of a second location coming soon to Fort Wayne.

Burger, ice cream shop coming to town 

We love our burgers, and soon there’ll be another option as California Burgers expects to open up near Time Corners by February in the former Fazoli’s at 5909 Covington Road, just off Jefferson Boulevard. 

The company says the shop will be their first venture outside of Indianapolis, offering sandwiches and ice cream in addition to their burgers.

Savor Fort Wayne returns next month

I’ve heard it said that one of the most popular activities in northeast Indiana is going out to eat. It’s so popular, in fact, that Visit Fort Wayne has a showcase event for it. 

Slated for Jan. 18-29, Savor Fort Wayne gives you an opportunity to visit local restaurants as they set up special menu items.

We’ll dig deeper on this in a few weeks.

Acme expands hours to include lunch

Less than a month since reopening the historic north-side eatery, Acme by Full Circle is now open for lunch.  

They’ve been opening at 11 a.m. daily for a few weeks, serving their expanded pizza and rolls menu at the 1105 E. State Blvd. location. 

Crescendo introduces winter drinks

The popular Crescendo Coffee & More has unveiled its winter drink menu that includes peppermint frosted cold brew, peanut butter blossom and salted caramel milkshakes, and maple cookie, butterscotch, and caramel apple lattes. 

The coffee shop attached to The Clyde Theatre’s Club Room is open 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.  

World Cup matches go on at Hop River

Despite the Americans being ousted from the World Cup, Hop River Brewing Company, 1515 N. Harrison St.,will continue to offer soccer viewing parties. 

Hop River was a popular hangout for fans as the U.S. was able to reach the Round of 16 before falling to the Netherlands on Dec. 3. 

Soccer or not, Hop River is offering membership in the 2023 Mug Club, which is limited to 200 members. For $50 you get invited to quarterly events, 20 percent discounts on merchandise, $1 mug fills, and birthday promotions, and a custom glass next December. 

Another Mexican option hops into fray

There’s another authentic Mexican option in town.

Family-owned Taqueria Rancho Alegre has been open nearly a month, serving tacos, burritos, and other traditional dishes in The Marketplace of Canterbury, 5709 St. Joe Road. 

They are open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. 

Cuban Cafe opens on Dupont Road 

It’s been a popular food truck for a while, and now Laz’s Cuban Cafe has set up shop at 1533 W. Dupont Road on Fort Wayne’s northwest side. 

Located in the space formerly occupied by Pastor’s Place, you can find favorites like Cuban coffee, sandwiches, pastries, Latin-American soft drinks, cheesecake, and more Cuban items.

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.