Alchemy opened in the Princess Theater in 2018, but remains closed after a fire. (Sean Hogan, WFIU/WTIU News)
Bloomington saw several changes to its dining scene in 2018.
The Princess Theater transformed into an upscale bar and restaurant called Alchemy. But, it's now closed because of a fire that caused extensive damage. It's unclear if the restaurant will reopen.
Finch's Brasserie rebranded and reopened in March as The Roost. The new concept aims to offer more dishes at a better price point.
After several years of planning, Switchyard Brewing opened at the former Jake's Nightclub on North Walnut. Owner originally hoped to build near the B-Line, then announced plans to open in the former Bloomingfoods Elm Heights location. When Bloomingfoods sold that space to the owner of Pictura Gallery, Switchyard's owners settled on the N. Walnut location.
Two Sticks Bakery opened the same month at 415 S. Washington Street.
Five Guys opened its second Bloomington location on Kirkwood Avenue in November. Bloomington Bagel temporarily occupied the space in 2017 while a new building went up on its original location.
Viva Mas opened a Mexican restaurant and cantina at 2550 E. 3rd Street in December. The space was most recently a HuHot Mongolian Grill.
The owners of Nick's English Hut opened Italian restaurant Osteria Rago at the beginning of 2018. The restaurant is located in an alley behind Nick's.
Scholar's Inn reopened as Scholar's Keep in May. The owners spent eight weeks rennovating the space and made several changes to the menu.
A long-awaited Culver's opened on W. 3rd Street in November.
Burning Grill opened in the former east side Burger King. The Burger King moved to a new building on E. 3rd Street.
Feta Kitchen opened at the corner of E. Hillside and S. Henderson in September.
Across the street, Feast Bakery Cafe closed Dec. 24 after serving its final brunch service. The owner will reopen the restaurant under a new concept later this year. Feast Market & Cellar remains open.
Pinball bar and music venue Orbit Room opened in November in the space below Darn Good Soup.
Campus Craves opened on 208 N. Walnut in the fall. The restaurant offers ice cream, ice cream sandwiches and fried snacks.
Golden Corral closed its location on the west side.
Topo's 403 transitioned from a restaurant to an events venue over the summer.
Owners of The Tap will open a third restaurant next to Social Cantina, in the former Indiana Running Company space. According to Facebook, SmokeWorks will offer Memphis-style dry rub barbecue, along with whiskey, moonshine and bourbon. It's set to open this winter.
Feast Bakery Cafe will reopen as Oona, "a seasonal eatery celebrating Midwest ingredients through exploratory cuisine," in Mid-January. The restaurant will have the same owner and chef.
Joella's Hot Chicken will open Jan. 24 in the former Scholars Inn Bakehouse on E. 3rd Street.
Cafe Pizzaria hopes to sell beer sometime this year. The restaurant applied for an alcohol permit, and is waiting for approval.
116 Buffet will open in the former Golden Corral location on Franklin Road by the end of January. The restaurant will offer Chinese and Japanese food, including seafood and sushi.
Another smoothie bowl restaurant will come to Bloomington next month. Rush Bowls will open near the intersection of 17th and Dunn. The bowls feature fruit and are topped with crunchy granola and a drizzle of honey.
