Braum's, CAVA, Hazel's, Southern Heaux... which ones are you actually excited about?

Saw the list of new eats headed our way and figured I'd ask before the day gets away from me (it's not even 8am and I already have a list going).

- Braum's planned on Chenal Parkway
- CAVA going into the old Genghis Grill spot at 12318 Chenal
- Hazel's Public House at 225 E Markham, they've been hiring but no opening date yet
- Southern Heaux closing in Maumelle and reopening in Hillcrest

Honestly the Southern Heaux move is the one that gets me, because Hillcrest is a lot closer to us in the Quarter than Maumelle ever was. Hazel's is the other one I'm watching since Markham is an easy drive, but I'll believe it when I see an actual opening date. "Hiring" can mean a lot of things around here.

Braum's on Chenal is fine, I'll go for the ice cream and probably forget about it by fall. CAVA I've only had in other cities, so curious if it holds up. Also I'm just glad something is going into that Genghis Grill building instead of it sitting empty.

What about y'all? Anything on here you'd actually drive across town for, or is it all just more of the same? Bonus points if someone has the inside scoop on when Hazel's opens, I'd like to plan a post-game dinner spot for game nights.

Hazel's is the only one on the list I care about, and I'm not holding my breath. Dani's right that "hiring" is doing a lot of work. Half the time it means they're staffing up for a soft open, and the other half it means they can't keep anybody past week three. No date plus an open job posting makes me lean toward option two, but I'd love to be wrong. Markham is an easy spot to get to for a post-game dinner, so I'm rooting for them.

Braum's on Chenal I'll hit exactly twice. Once for the novelty and once because somebody in my house will demand a milkshake. CAVA is fine, it's a bowl of nice-for-you food and I'll eat it, but I'm not setting an alarm. Mostly I'm just happy the Genghis Grill building isn't turning into another vape shop.

Southern Heaux moving to Hillcrest is smart for them. Maumelle folks are going to be grumpy about it though. Hillcrest parking will be its own sport on a Friday night, so budget extra time.

Honestly I'd trade all four for one decent new coffee shop on the west side. Just saying.