Softies Burger, the cult favorite pop-up known for its smashburgers and signature sauces, officially opened its first brick and mortar location at USC Village in the former Stout Burgers space. Founded by former tech workers Sam Hong and Josh Kim, the duo built a following through pop-ups across Los Angeles and Orange County before settling into their permanent home near City Tacos and Insomnia Cookies. The new eatery serves a focused menu of griddled burgers, seasoned tots, vegetarian options, and rotating specials, all rooted in the same feel-good approach that defined their early days.

Bread + Butter recently opened with the bakery’s first U.S. location in Santa Monica. This Australian eatery offers a rotating case of croissants, pesto egg breakfast buns, cinnamon rolls, danishes, and other buttery favorites, plus house made sourdough, sandwiches, and pizza. Guests can enjoy it all with Proud Mary coffee on a relaxed patio outfitted with blue tables and red umbrellas that hint at a subtle Aussie touch.

Castanea Sicilian Cafe has opened its second location on South Beverly Drive, bringing the charm of Sicily to Beverly Hills with pistachio and Nutella lattes, fresh bomboloni, savory pinsa, and espresso served in a colorful tile filled space inspired by Mount Etna. Founded by a Sicilian couple, the cafe blends authentic flavors with a relaxed Italian atmosphere, offering a warm neighborhood spot that feels like a sunny escape.