Kanpai Sushi, 4710 Coldwater Road, is now open in the JoAnn Plaza — just west of Northcrest Shopping Plaza — in the space that formerly housed Tuesday Morning. 

Following a grand opening on Dec. 29, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was Jan. 8.

They promise an authentic experience that’s full of fresh ingredients and comfortable dining. There are rolls and Tobiko sushi featuring Tobiko (flying fish roe eggs), eel, and salmon. Also on the menu are soups, salads, raw and fried rolls, and appetizers: tuna, salmon, crab, shrimp, oyster, and other seafood. 

They have more than 100 items, many available as all-you-can-eat.

Maintenance temporarily closes Fortezza

Maintenance work forced the temporary closure of Fortezza Coffee, 819 Calhoun St. 

A social media post from Jan. 3 states, “We have to unfortunately close until further notice. Major maintenance is being done; we hope to be up and running soon.” 

Update: An updated social post on Jan. 6 stated the issue has been resolved at the coffee shop reopened Jan. 7.

Taye’s Treats moving into Glenbrook Square

Taye’s Treats is shifting from downtown New Haven to Glenbrook Square in a move to be closer to their core customers. 

They’ll be opening in the next couple of weeks next to Chick-Fil-A in the food court. They are open during regular mall hours Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Watch for their specialties like cake, cookies, brownies, crack grapes, banana and zucchini bread, cinnamon rolls, cheesecake cups, cupcakes, mini pies, and pudding. 

Many of those are gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free options. 

They’ll also be serving up soul food on Sundays with meatloaf, wings, and smothered pork chops.

Grab Exotic Snack at mall

Speaking of Glenbrook Square, Exotic Snack Guys are also now in the mall, moving in across from Forever 21. 

They serve a collection of unique global candy, chocolate, chips, cookies, drinks, and other treats from 40 countries. It runs from sweet and salty to savory and spicy. 

They also have American favorites but with an international twist. Imagine items like Lay’s Kobe thick-cut wagyu potato chips, chunky Kit-Kat bars with popcorn, Milka Oreo brownies, or two packs of Dunkin’ Jelly Donut-Flavored Filled Chocolates.

The chain operates stores throughout the Chicago area, Wisconsin, Texas, Maryland, and Florida. They also are in the Castleton Mall in Indianapolis.

Big Eyed Fish hooks location in Whitley County

Big Eyed Fish are expanding into Whitley County. 

The popular local chain has acquired the Tri-Lakes Restaurant, 2700 E. Colony Ave., near Churubusco. Tri-Lakes has been closed since late 2023. 

That makes four locations for Big Eyed Fish joining the original at 1502 N. Wells St., Big Eyed Fish Express at 3001 Hillegas Road, and Big Eyed Fish Express North at 10380 Leo Road in Leo Crossing. 

Owners say they are ramping up to a full-service menu, much like their offerings at the original location. Once they obtain the permits, they’ll serve alcohol. When complete, it will become Big Eyed Fish Tri-Lakes.

Tiny Little Donuts making Sweet move

Tiny Little Donuts will have a presence downtown now that they plan to serve their mini masterpieces at Sweets on Main, 123 W. Main St. 

They are finalizing permits and inspections but should be open in a few weeks. Sweets on Main will still have ice cream, just during the evening, while Tiny Little Donuts will operate during the day. 

During warmer weather, they operate from an Airstream camper at Chapel Ridge at 10300 Maysville Road. The trailer will reopen in the spring.

Free dinner served up in Pierceton on Jan. 16

The Pierceton community dinner is Thursday, Jan. 16, at St. Francis Xavier Church, 408. W. Catholic St. 

This is a drive-thru event offering chili, cornbread, fruit, and cookies. The meal is free to everyone, although donations are accepted and will go toward future community meals. 

It starts at 5 p.m. in the church parking lot. 

News and Venues covers Northeast Indiana’s music and arts organizations, venues, and colleges, from large to small. Send your news items to info@whatzup.com.