It’s been a busy year for Salvatori’s Hospitality Group. On top of operating seven Salvatori’s Authentic Italian Eatery locations, they added Powers Hamburgers and Paula’s on Main to their holdings. Well, now you can add el Azteca, 535 E. State Blvd. 

Jeremy McClain, a partner with Salvatori’s, said the group wants to preserve classic Fort Wayne eateries. 

For el Azteca, McClain reported they are bringing back many classics, including the rice, beans, and salsa. They are also including the original owners in the transition. 

In April 2023, el Azteca merged with Tropic Chicken. At the time, it was billed as a mash-up of the best dishes from both restaurants.

Sweet Tooth opens store

Sweet Tooth Chocolates has been making an impression at local events like the Johnny Appleseed Festival and the Apple Festival in Kendallville.

Recently, they opened a brick-and-mortar store at 2809 North Ave. in Kendallville. 

They are open Saturdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and will expand to 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday during December. 

That means you can snag their showcase treat —maple creams — along with mint creams, raspberry creams, and orange creams. They also offer buckeyes, truffles, almond butter crunch, cashew crunch with toffee, turtles, chocolate-covered items such as nuts, pretzels, potato chips, Oreos, and marshmallows. 

They also offer chocolate fountains to rent for parties, receptions, and other events. 

Iggy’s find a home in Parnell Plaza

Iggy’s Gourmet Subs, 4534 Parnell Ave., is making a comeback. 

When they originally opened in 1998, it was on North Anthony Boulevard. Now, they’re set up in Parnell Plaza. 

Like before, potato bacon, chicken noodle, and broccoli cheese soups highlight a menu that features 19 sandwiches with combinations of veggies, ham, hummus, pepperoni, salami, capicola, roast beef, BBQ meatballs, and sirloin steak on freshly baked bread. 

They also feature soft-service ice cream, also known as their “Chillicious” menu. 

They are open from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday.

Aboite Township welcomes Cosmos

Cosmos, 10212 Chestnut Plaza Drive, has officially opened in Aboite Township. 

Last December, the local restaurant group announced they were moving into the space formerly occupied by Hotel Tango near Kroger at Scott and Illinois Roads. 

Cosmos also have a restaurant at 9807 Lima Road in Lima Marketplace, just behind Dunkin’ Donuts. 

Both locations are open from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. 

New leadership at Jersey Mike’s

Jersey Mike’s Subs has a new owner. 

Last week, Blackstone, an asset management company, purchased the quick-serve sandwich chain. 

Published reports say the deal is worth $8 billion, and the move is believed to hasten expansion plans. The company projects more than 2,800 stores this year. 

There are two Jersey Mike’s franchises in Fort Wayne: 6408 W. Jefferson Blvd. and 10020 Lima Road.

McRib fans rejoice

The McRib is McBack. 

McDonald’s announced they will begin serving the sandwich Dec. 3 but for a limited time and only at participating restaurants. 

And, while they are at it, they are offering half-gallon jugs of the McRib sauce. The sauce, A Whole Lotta McRib Sauce, is available only at wholelottamcribsauce.com.

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