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Oyster Estate opens in Greenport, bringing a fresh boutique stay to Long Island’s North Fork

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Oyster Estate opens in Greenport, bringing a fresh boutique stay to Long Island’s North Fork

Oyster Estate has officially opened in Greenport Village on Long Island’s North Fork, introducing 34 guest rooms, redesigned public spaces, and a courtyard pool to the former Greenporter Hotel. The boutique property blends maritime-inspired design with a relaxed, community-minded atmosphere, while its signature restaurant and cocktail venue, Fortune Favors, is set to follow later in September.

Key takeaways

  • Oyster Estate is a 34-key boutique hotel in the heart of Greenport Village.
  • The property is the third Long Island East End hotel opened by Blue Flag Capital in 2026.
  • Its design draws on North Fork landscapes, bay houses, and Greenport’s creative character.
  • Fortune Favors will add Asian-inspired food, cocktails, and a dedicated listening room.

A new chapter for a Greenport landmark

Developed by Blue Flag Capital with in-house management company Collared Martin Hospitality, Oyster Estate reimagines the former Greenporter Hotel while retaining its existing structure. The renovation touched nearly every element of the guest experience, including accommodations, bathrooms, public areas, the central courtyard, pool, and food-and-beverage spaces.

The hotel sits near Greenport’s working waterfront, with the North Fork’s vineyards and farmland a short drive away. Its location positions Oyster Estate as both a convenient base for visitors and a potential gathering place for local residents.

Design rooted in the North Fork

Blue Flag collaborated with Islyn Studio on interiors inspired by historic bay houses and the coastal landscape. Wood appears throughout the hotel as framing, furniture, built-ins, and architectural enclosure, giving the spaces a warm, grounded quality.

The palette reflects the shoreline through clay tones, weathered greens, and salt-softened stone. Local references are woven into the details, including dried flowers pressed into lobby tiles, ceramics from a nearby maker, and a hay-plaster ceiling recalling the surrounding salt marshes.

Rather than relying on one conventional lobby, the common areas unfold as a collection of residential-style rooms. Books, plants, and found objects contribute to an inviting atmosphere, while the courtyard, patio, and outdoor pool form the property’s social center.

Guest rooms designed for a relaxed stay

Guest rooms include Parachute Home linens and robes, Salt & Stone bath products, Tivoli Bluetooth speakers, minibars, minifridges, Fellow tea kettles, and complimentary coffee and tea. The amenities support the hotel’s broader emphasis on comfortable, considered stays rather than formal luxury.

That approach should appeal to travelers who want easy access to the North Fork’s food, farms, and waterfront while still having a distinctive place to unwind at the end of the day.

Fortune Favors adds food, cocktails, and music

Scheduled to open later in September, Fortune Favors will serve as Oyster Estate’s signature cocktail bar, restaurant, and listening room. Its interiors will contrast with the calmer guest spaces through saturated colors, layered textures, and low, atmospheric lighting.

The menu will pair Asian-inspired dishes with a distinctly Greenport perspective, alongside a cocktail program designed for lingering visits. A dedicated Listening Room will feature vinyl records and a custom sound system, bringing music into the restaurant experience and creating another reason for both guests and locals to return.

Expanding Blue Flag’s East End presence

Oyster Estate is Blue Flag Capital’s third hotel opening on Long Island’s East End in 2026, following Hotel Corduroy in Montauk and Faraway Sag Harbor. The company also expanded beyond the region with Faraway Jackson Hole in Wyoming.

Each property is intended to reflect its setting, and Oyster Estate’s opening suggests a thoughtful new hospitality option for Greenport. By combining local references, flexible social spaces, and a forthcoming food-and-music destination, the hotel gives the North Fork another lively place to gather throughout the year.

Sources

NM Hospitality Expands Pittsburgh Footprint With Acquisition of EVEN Hotel Downtown

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NM Hospitality Expands Pittsburgh Footprint With Acquisition of EVEN Hotel Downtown

NM Hospitality has acquired the EVEN Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown, adding a wellness-focused property in the city’s Central Business District to its growing hotel portfolio. The hotel occupies the historic Kaufmann Building, giving the Gettysburg, Pennsylvania-based hospitality company an opportunity to pair contemporary guest experiences with one of Pittsburgh’s most recognizable addresses.

Key takeaways

  • NM Hospitality acquired the EVEN Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown; financial terms were not disclosed.
  • The property operates under IHG’s EVEN Hotels wellness-focused brand.
  • The hotel is housed in Pittsburgh’s historic Kaufmann Building.
  • NM Hospitality plans additional investment while preserving the building’s character.

A strategic addition in downtown Pittsburgh

The acquisition broadens NM Hospitality’s presence in Pittsburgh as the company continues building its portfolio. The hotel’s location in the Central Business District positions it to serve business travelers, leisure guests and visitors exploring the city’s revitalized downtown corridor.

For guests, the property offers the appeal of a central urban stay alongside the distinctive identity of a landmark building. That combination can make a hotel feel more connected to its destination, particularly in a city known for blending historic architecture with a changing business and cultural scene.

Wellness remains central to the hotel’s identity

The EVEN Hotels concept is built around wellness, with hospitality designed to help guests maintain healthy routines while traveling. The brand’s positioning gives the Pittsburgh property a clear point of difference in a competitive downtown market, where travelers increasingly value fitness, balance and flexible experiences.

NM Hospitality said it intends to continue investing in the hotel while supporting its wellness-driven approach. That commitment could help the property remain relevant to modern travelers who want more from a hotel stay than a convenient room and a central address.

Preserving the Kaufmann Building’s character

The hotel’s setting within the Kaufmann Building adds a meaningful layer to the acquisition. Rather than treating the structure as simply a backdrop, NM Hospitality plans to preserve its historic character as it moves forward with investment in the property.

That balance between preservation and improvement is especially valuable in downtown Pittsburgh, where historic buildings contribute to the city’s sense of place. Keeping those details visible while maintaining current standards can create a more memorable experience for guests and support the broader appeal of the neighborhood.

NM Hospitality’s Pittsburgh outlook

Principal Sapan Mehta said the company sees Pittsburgh as a city with strong momentum, pointing to its business community, downtown revitalization and enduring cultural identity. The EVEN Hotel acquisition reflects that optimism and gives NM Hospitality another platform for participating in the city’s continued growth.

The company did not disclose the purchase price or specific renovation plans. For now, its stated focus is clear: invest in the property, uphold the EVEN brand’s wellness promise and protect the historic qualities that make the hotel distinctive.

Sources

Raising Cane’s picks Sept. 22 for its second Oregon restaurant in Gresham

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Raising Cane’s picks Sept. 22 for its second Oregon restaurant in Gresham

Raising Cane’s will open its long-awaited Gresham restaurant on Sept. 22, giving Oregon fans a second in-state destination for the chain’s signature chicken fingers. The new location will bring crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, coleslaw and Cane’s Sauce to North Burnside Road, adding another high-profile dining option to east Portland’s growing fast-food scene.

Key takeaways

  • Raising Cane’s Gresham restaurant is scheduled to open Sept. 22.
  • The restaurant will be located at 20 N.W. Burnside Road, near Gresham High School.
  • It will be the chain’s second Oregon location.
  • The surrounding area already features several popular fried-chicken competitors.

The opening is welcome news for fans who have been waiting for Raising Cane’s to expand beyond its existing Oregon restaurant at Pioneer Place in downtown Portland. The company also operates a nearby location in Vancouver, Washington, which opened in 2024.

What to expect at the Gresham location

The Gresham restaurant will serve the focused menu that has helped make Raising Cane’s a national fast-food favorite. Customers can expect hand-prepared chicken fingers accompanied by crinkle-cut fries, creamy coleslaw, thick-cut Texas toast and the chain’s distinctive dipping sauce.

Raising Cane’s has built its identity around keeping the menu centered on chicken fingers rather than offering a sprawling selection. That simple approach can be appealing when the goal is a dependable, satisfying meal, especially for families and fans who already know their preferred order.

A busy stretch for fried chicken

The new restaurant is located just off North Main Avenue, close to Gresham High School. Its arrival will give the stretch of North Burnside Road an unusually dense collection of fast-food chicken choices.

Dave’s Hot Chicken, KFC, Popeyes and Chick-fil-A are all within roughly a six-minute drive. That level of competition should give local diners plenty of variety, while also making the area a convenient destination for anyone craving crispy chicken, spicy options or a familiar combo meal.

Part of a wider Oregon expansion

Raising Cane’s opened its first restaurant 30 years ago, on Aug. 28, 1996, and has since grown to more than 900 locations nationwide. The Gresham opening signals that Oregon may be entering a broader growth period for the brand.

Additional restaurants could eventually be considered for Eugene, Springfield and Hillsboro. For now, Gresham is the next stop, and its Sept. 22 opening gives chicken fans a date to circle as summer winds down.

Sources

Chicken Salad Chick brings Southern comfort to Fairview Park with a warmly welcomed opening

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Chicken Salad Chick brings Southern comfort to Fairview Park with a warmly welcomed opening

Chicken Salad Chick has opened its new Fairview Park restaurant, giving local diners another place to enjoy the brand’s signature chicken salad, sandwiches, soups and sides. The opening attracted customers early, with lines forming before service began and signaling strong interest in the restaurant’s arrival.

Key takeaways

The Fairview Park opening adds a fresh dining option for the community while extending Chicken Salad Chick’s growing neighborhood presence.

  • Early customer lines pointed to strong local curiosity and enthusiasm.
  • The menu centers on a range of chicken salad flavors and familiar Southern-inspired sides.
  • The restaurant offers a casual setting for dine-in meals, takeout and quick gatherings.

A highly anticipated arrival

Opening-day lines are often one of the clearest signs that a new restaurant has connected with its community before the doors even open. For Fairview Park residents, Chicken Salad Chick’s arrival brings a recognizable fast-casual concept to the neighborhood and creates a new option for lunch, dinner or a convenient meal on the go.

That early turnout also gives the restaurant an encouraging start. While novelty can bring customers in once, a welcoming experience and dependable food are what turn an opening-day visit into a regular habit.

What diners can expect

Chicken Salad Chick is best known for offering chicken salad in multiple styles, giving guests the opportunity to choose between traditional flavors and more distinctive combinations. The menu also includes sandwiches, soups, sides, desserts and beverages, making it suitable for both a light meal and a more filling order.

The variety is part of the appeal. Guests can keep their order familiar with a classic chicken salad sandwich or explore different flavors over several visits. That flexibility can make the restaurant especially useful for groups with different tastes.

A positive addition to Fairview Park

New restaurants do more than add another menu to a community. They create gathering places, contribute energy to nearby business districts and give residents more ways to enjoy their own neighborhood. Chicken Salad Chick’s opening arrives with the kind of early enthusiasm that can help build that sense of place.

For Fairview Park, the restaurant’s arrival is a bright spot for local diners seeking approachable food and a relaxed atmosphere. The early lines may eventually become a lasting measure of how well the new location has earned a place in the community’s dining routine.

El Cortés brings intimate luxury and Mexican creativity to Roma Norte

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El Cortés brings intimate luxury and Mexican creativity to Roma Norte

El Cortés has opened in Mexico City’s Roma Norte, giving one of the capital’s most design-forward neighborhoods a new boutique address. Housed in a restored Porfirian-era mansion once used as a presidential residence, the 15-room hotel pairs historic architecture with personalized service, local artistry and a restaurant led by Swiss-born chef Luc Liebster.

Key takeaways

El Cortés offers a carefully scaled alternative to Mexico City’s growing collection of large luxury hotels.

  • The hotel occupies a restored mansion with Art Nouveau, Neoclassical and marble details.
  • Its 15 rooms and suites are individually designed for privacy and comfort.
  • Lotti serves European cuisine shaped by Mexican ingredients and traditions.
  • Guest experiences include mezcal tastings, market tours and architecture walks.

A historic Roma Norte setting

The hotel’s three-year restoration was led by Mexican owner Carlos Zaragoza in collaboration with local artisans. Rather than erase the mansion’s past, the project preserves its hand-carved moldings, original facades and decorative finishes, allowing the building itself to remain central to the stay.

That approach feels especially well suited to Roma Norte. The neighborhood’s tree-lined streets, early 20th-century architecture, galleries and independent design studios have made it one of Mexico City’s most compelling destinations. El Cortés adds a place to stay that reflects the area’s creative character instead of competing with it.

Rooms designed for a personal stay

Each of the 15 guestrooms and suites has its own visual identity. The accommodation range begins with Classic rooms featuring queen beds and extends to Superior rooms overlooking Roma Norte, as well as suites with antiques, original artwork, marble details and private terraces.

Byredo amenities, locally selected minibar offerings and individually chosen furnishings add polish without making the experience feel standardized. The limited room count also supports the hotel’s emphasis on discretion and attentive service, a welcome quality for travelers who prefer a residential atmosphere.

Lotti puts Mexican flavor at the center

At the heart of El Cortés is Lotti, a restaurant led by Swiss-born chef Luc Liebster. Its cooking combines European technique with Mexican heritage, using seasonal ingredients and local flavors as the foundation for a refined menu. The restaurant has already received recognition in the Michelin Guide Mexico 2026, strengthening its role as more than a hotel dining room.

El Cortés extends that culinary focus through mezcal tastings and guided market tours. These experiences offer visitors a more direct connection to the ingredients, traditions and everyday energy that make Mexico City such a rewarding food destination.

A showcase for Mexican creativity

The hotel’s artistic identity reaches beyond its architecture. Mexican fashion designer Kris Goyri created the bespoke staff uniforms, while locally sourced furnishings, Talavera pottery and artwork collected by Zaragoza bring contemporary Mexican talent into the guest experience.

With its intimate scale and strong sense of place, El Cortés makes a persuasive case for thoughtful hospitality in a city attracting ever more investment. Its appeal lies in the details: a restored mansion, a distinctive restaurant and a neighborhood best explored at an unhurried pace.

Fort Smith and Van Buren See Hospitality Tax Revenue Slip in 2026

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Fort Smith and Van Buren See Hospitality Tax Revenue Slip in 2026

Hospitality tax collections in Fort Smith and Van Buren declined during the first half of 2026, reflecting softer weekday travel and cautious consumer spending. Weekend performance remains encouraging in Fort Smith, while tourism officials in both cities are preparing for a year shaped by affordability concerns, economic uncertainty and changing travel habits.

Key takeaways

  • Fort Smith collected $607,623 in lodging tax revenue from January through June, down 4.3% from the same period in 2025.
  • Four Fort Smith hotels have not yet submitted reports, meaning the city’s total will increase.
  • Van Buren collected $441,779 in hospitality taxes, a 3.5% decline year over year.
  • Officials point to weaker weekday travel, inflation and higher trip costs as contributing factors.

The results are softer than local tourism leaders hoped, but continued weekend demand and forward-looking event planning offer reasons for optimism.

Fort Smith sees weekday demand weaken

Fort Smith collected $607,623 in hospitality tax revenue through June, compared with $635,070 during the first six months of 2025. The city applies a 3% lodging tax, and the current figure does not include four hotels that have yet to report their collections.

Ashleigh Bachert, executive director of the Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau, said hotel benchmarking data shows weekends outperforming last year in both occupancy and average daily rate. Weekday demand, which is more closely tied to corporate and government travel, has been softer.

That shift highlights the value of Fort Smith’s efforts to attract leisure travelers and weekend events. Bachert said the bureau will continue promoting the city while working to support local hotels. Its longer-term focus has already moved toward booking events for 2027 and beyond, giving properties a stronger base of future business.

Van Buren collections remain close to 2025 levels

Van Buren recorded $441,779 in hospitality tax collections through June, down from $457,833 a year earlier. The city levies a 3% hotel tax and a 1% prepared food tax.

Hotel tax revenue fell 3.1%, from $107,377 to $104,006. Prepared food tax collections declined 3.8%, from $350,457 to $337,274.

Maryl Purvis, director of the Van Buren Advertising and Promotion Commission, said the first-half results were largely expected and that she anticipates little change during the rest of the year. She also noted that consumers appear more cautious about discretionary spending, a trend that could continue through December.

Travel costs shape the outlook

The local declines come as travelers face higher prices for fuel, lodging and other trip expenses. National travel forecasts suggest consumers are favoring shorter and less expensive trips, while survey data indicates that affordability is prompting some households to stay home.

For Fort Smith and Van Buren, that environment makes targeted event recruitment and destination marketing especially important. Stronger weekend activity shows that visitors are still willing to travel when the experience feels worthwhile, giving both communities an opportunity to build demand through festivals, meetings and leisure events.

The first-half totals also leave room for improvement as delayed Fort Smith reports arrive and tourism officials work to secure future bookings. While 2026 may remain a cautious year, sustained local promotion could help the region capture more of the travelers who are still making plans.

Sources

Hilton Garden Inn Opens in Steele Creek, Bringing New Stay, Meeting and Dining Options to Charlotte

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Hilton Garden Inn Opens in Steele Creek, Bringing New Stay, Meeting and Dining Options to Charlotte

Maya Hotels has opened the Hilton Garden Inn Steele Creek Charlotte, a 124-room property positioned beside Charlotte Premium Outlets and near the River District. The new hotel combines convenient highway and airport access with meeting facilities, fitness amenities, an outdoor pool, on-site dining, and a future rooftop-style gathering destination.

Key takeaways

  • The six-story hotel is Maya Hotels’ 12th property and its 10th current hotel in the Charlotte metro area.
  • It offers 124 guestrooms, 3,787 square feet of meeting and event space, and a 1,129-square-foot fitness center.
  • Dear Charlotte, a top-floor bar, restaurant, and event venue, is planned for late fall 2026.

The opening strengthens Steele Creek’s hospitality offering at a time when the area continues to attract retail, recreation, business, and residential activity. Located off I-485, the hotel provides convenient connections to I-77 and I-85 and sits about eight miles from Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

A convenient base for exploring Steele Creek

Guests can walk to Charlotte Premium Outlets, which features more than 100 stores and nearby restaurants. The hotel also places visitors within reach of Lake Wylie, McDowell Nature Preserve, RiverGate, and Carowinds Amusement Park, giving leisure travelers several ways to fill a weekend or extend a business trip.

That balance of accessibility and nearby attractions is a meaningful advantage for families, shoppers, corporate travelers, and groups visiting the southwest Charlotte area. For a growing destination such as Steele Creek, a hotel that supports both quick overnight stays and longer visits adds welcome flexibility.

Designed for business, wellness, and gatherings

The property includes the Garden Grille and Bar on the first floor, along with five meeting rooms suited to business meetings, celebrations, and social events. The total meeting footprint spans 3,787 square feet, allowing the hotel to host gatherings without requiring guests to leave the property for meals or refreshments.

The expanded fitness center is organized around cardio, strength, and functional training. Equipment includes treadmills, an elliptical, a ClimbMill, a rower, a Peloton bike, free weights, a Smith machine, leg and multipress machines, and functional-training stations. An outdoor pool adds another option for relaxation.

Maya Hotels co-chief executives Parimal Thakor and Krishna Deva said the development reflects a long-term investment in Steele Creek. Their comments emphasize durability, thoughtful guest experiences, and the different needs of business travelers, families, and groups. That people-centered approach gives the new property a strong foundation as it becomes part of the local community.

Dear Charlotte will expand the hotel’s appeal

A significant addition is still ahead. Dear Charlotte will occupy the hotel’s top floor as a standalone bar, restaurant, and event space. Its planned menu will feature craft cocktails, artisan pizzas, and shareable plates in a garden-inspired setting.

Expected to open in late fall 2026, the venue could become a destination in its own right for hotel guests and Charlotte residents alike. Together with the hotel’s meeting areas and existing dining options, it promises to give Steele Creek another inviting place to gather, celebrate, and enjoy the neighborhood from a new perspective.

Sources

Vidorra sets Aug. 31 opening for its first Tarrant County restaurant

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Vidorra sets Aug. 31 opening for its first Tarrant County restaurant

Vidorra is bringing its modern Mexican dining concept to Grapevine, marking the restaurant group’s first Tarrant County location. The new restaurant at 700 W. Texas 114 is scheduled to open Aug. 31, offering a broad menu of Mexican favorites, creative drinks and flexible spaces for celebrations and private events.

Key takeaways

  • Vidorra Grapevine is scheduled to open Aug. 31.
  • The restaurant will be located at 700 W. Texas 114.
  • The menu will include fajitas, birria tacos, enchiladas and loaded trompo fries.
  • The location will offer brunch drinks, cocktails and private-event spaces.
  • Grapevine is Vidorra’s fifth location in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

The opening gives Tarrant County diners a new destination for modern Mexican food, whether they are planning a casual meal, weekend brunch or a larger gathering. Vidorra has built its identity around a lively atmosphere and a menu designed to appeal to groups with varied tastes.

A new dining option for Grapevine

Vidorra Grapevine will join a growing restaurant scene in and around the city, adding a polished Mexican concept near Texas 114. The restaurant says its team has spent considerable time preparing the space and refining the details ahead of opening day.

For local diners, the arrival is especially notable because this will be Vidorra’s first location in Tarrant County. The restaurant’s existing Dallas-Fort Worth presence includes locations in Dallas, Addison, Grand Prairie and Rockwall.

What will be on the menu

The menu is expected to feature familiar Mexican staples alongside more contemporary choices. Diners can look forward to fajitas, birria tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas and a chipotle chicken taco.

One standout option is the loaded trompo fries, made with trompo beef, queso blanco, mixed cheese, pico de gallo, pickled jalapeño and guacamole. The combination gives the dish the kind of generous, shareable format that fits Vidorra’s group-friendly approach.

Drinks and private events

Vidorra’s beverage program will include wine, brunch mimosas, martinis, margaritas and other options. That range could make the Grapevine restaurant a convenient choice for everything from a relaxed lunch to an evening celebration.

The restaurant will also include private-event spaces for birthdays, rehearsal dinners, corporate gatherings, holiday parties and other special occasions. With its energetic setting and broad menu, the new location is positioned to serve both everyday diners and larger groups.

Part of a growing local restaurant scene

Vidorra is owned by Dallas-based Milkshake Concepts, whose restaurant portfolio also includes Saaya, The Finch and Serious Pizza. The Grapevine opening expands that company’s reach into Tarrant County while giving residents another upbeat option for dining and entertaining.

As Grapevine continues to attract restaurants, retailers and visitors, Vidorra’s combination of colorful Mexican fare, cocktails and event-friendly spaces should give the area another reason to gather. Its Aug. 31 opening will be one to watch for diners eager to try a new local concept.

Sources

Chick-fil-A South Salinas sets Aug. 13 opening with jobs, community giving and cow-themed celebration

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Chick-fil-A South Salinas sets Aug. 13 opening with jobs, community giving and cow-themed celebration

Chick-fil-A is expanding its Salinas presence with the Aug. 13 opening of Chick-fil-A South Salinas at 363 E. Market St. The restaurant is expected to create about 80 full- and part-time jobs, offer multiple ordering options and mark opening day with a playful invitation for guests to wear cow-themed attire.

Key takeaways

The new restaurant brings expanded access to Chick-fil-A’s familiar menu and hospitality while creating another opportunity for local employment and community partnerships.

  • Opening day is Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, at 6:30 a.m.
  • Jordan Chroman will serve as the local Owner-Operator, his second Salinas restaurant.
  • Hours will be Monday through Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Services will include dine-in, drive-thru, mobile pickup and third-party delivery.
  • The opening includes approximately 80 new jobs and a $25,000 donation supporting local hunger relief.

A second Salinas restaurant for Jordan Chroman

Chroman opened Chick-fil-A North Salinas in 2021 after a 30-year career in the U.S. Army. In his role as a local Owner-Operator, he says the new restaurant will allow him to continue developing employees, supporting future leaders and building relationships throughout Monterey County.

The local ownership model places day-to-day responsibility with an individual who lives and works in the community. Chick-fil-A says Chroman will work alongside Team Members while focusing on training, mentoring and a welcoming experience for guests.

Jobs and development opportunities

Chick-fil-A South Salinas is expected to add about 80 full- and part-time positions. The company highlights hands-on training, competitive pay and benefits, flexible scheduling and opportunities to apply for scholarships through its Remarkable Futures program.

For Salinas residents seeking a first job, a flexible role or a path toward restaurant leadership, the opening could provide a useful local opportunity. The restaurant’s hiring plans also strengthen the broader employment base in the community.

Opening-day celebration with a local cause

Guests who arrive on opening day wearing cow-themed clothing or accessories can redeem one free entrée or kids’ meal inside the restaurant or through the drive-thru, while supplies last. The offer does not require a purchase and is limited to one per person in cow attire per day.

The celebration will also support local hunger-relief efforts. Chick-fil-A, Inc. is donating $25,000 to Feeding America for the Food Bank for Monterey County, a local partner food bank. The restaurant will additionally participate in Chick-fil-A’s Shared Table program, which redirects surplus food to nonprofits.

What guests can expect

The restaurant will serve Chick-fil-A staples such as the Original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, breakfast items, nuggets and kids’ meals. Its combination of dine-in, drive-thru, mobile pickup and delivery is designed to give Salinas customers more flexibility throughout the day.

With a second location led by an established local operator, Chick-fil-A South Salinas arrives as both a new dining option and a continued investment in the people and organizations of Monterey County.

Sources

Cambria Hotel opens in Bend as Central Oregon’s hospitality scene expands

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Cambria Hotel opens in Bend as Central Oregon’s hospitality scene expands

Bend has welcomed its newest hotel, bringing 131 rooms, a restaurant and bar, and outdoor-focused amenities to a growing Central Oregon lodging market. The Cambria Hotel, near the Old Mill District and downtown, is the first property under the brand’s name in Central Oregon and arrives as visitor demand remains strong.

Key takeaways

The opening adds fresh capacity for leisure, business and lifestyle travelers while strengthening Bend’s position as a year-round destination.

  • The 131-room Cambria Hotel is now welcoming guests near the Old Mill District and downtown.
  • It is the first Cambria-branded hotel in Central Oregon.
  • Amenities include a restaurant and bar, fire-pit gathering areas, cornhole, ski lockers and bike storage.
  • Bend now has 3,028 hotel rooms, according to Visit Bend.

A hotel designed around Bend’s outdoor appeal

Owned and operated by Choice Hotels International, the new property reflects the character of its surroundings. Guests can gather outdoors around a fire pit, play cornhole and use dedicated storage for skis and bicycles, features that speak directly to Bend’s active travel culture.

The hotel also includes a restaurant and bar, giving visitors a convenient place to eat and unwind without leaving the property. Its location places guests close to downtown businesses, the Old Mill District and the recreation that continues to draw travelers to Central Oregon.

Adding capacity to a strong visitor economy

Bend’s visitor economy is already substantial. Annual visitor spending exceeds $408 million, and Visit Bend reports that Central Oregon recorded a 98.8% visitor satisfaction rate last year. The city also estimates that visitors contribute four times more to its economy than residents do.

That activity supports lodging businesses while helping fund public services. Bend’s 10% lodging tax generates roughly $15 million each year from hotels, vacation rentals, RV parks and other short-term accommodations. The revenue supports police, fire, roads and other city needs, while Visit Bend reinvests part of its share in arts, culture and outdoor recreation projects.

Part of a changing hotel landscape

The Cambria opening is one piece of a broader shift in Bend’s lodging market. Although Shilo Inns closed its 151 rooms in January, the Westman Hotel added 23 rooms in February, and Mt. Bachelor reopened the former LOGE as the 70-room Trailhead Lodge in July. The 68-room CASCADA Hotel and thermal spa is scheduled to open in late 2028.

The additions and changes suggest a market adapting to evolving traveler expectations. Cambria’s arrival gives visitors another upscale option, while amenities tailored to outdoor recreation reinforce the qualities that make Bend especially appealing.

A positive outlook for Bend travel

Bend’s hotel occupancy reached about 82% in July 2026, roughly matching the previous July, according to Visit Bend. With peak-season demand holding firm, the Cambria Hotel is entering a market that continues to attract travelers seeking scenery, recreation and a lively local experience.

For Bend, the opening offers more than another place to stay. It expands the city’s ability to welcome visitors and participate in the economic benefits that tourism brings to the community.

Sources

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