Q:  Do you know what happened at 3rd & Fernwood?
Tom: Not exactly. We first noticed that the restaurant was no longer taking reservations several weeks ago, with the website going offline shortly thereafter. The restaurant’s social media channels have not been updated since the summer. We reached out to owners Greg and Subrina Collier a few times for a statement, but unfortunately have not yet received any replies. While there has been no formal closing announcement by the Colliers, a recent visit to the The Metropolitan shows that the windows are now covered up and a call to the development’s leasing agent confirmed that 3rd & Fernwood is no longer a tenant. Meanwhile, Greg Collier has made several social media posts over the last serveral weeks highlighting menu items he’s been developing for SouthPark’s Fine & Fettle.

Q: What does your crystal ball say about restaurant trends for 2026?
Tom: Not so much my crystal ball but several hospitality sources say to look for a lot of comfort and nostalgia combined with new tech in 2026, with chefs elevating classics like smash burgers, casseroles, and noodle bowls, often with global twists. The National Restaurant Association reports that comfort and value remain top priorities for diners, making these dishes especially relevant. At the same time, Food Business News says menus will continue to embrace authentic, region-specific global flavors, particularly Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino, and Caribbean. According to The Infatuation website, cost-sensitive diners are driving growth in smaller portions and snackable plates, offering affordability without sacrificing creativity. Also, Restaurant News says to look for more AI-supported ordering and personalization tools.