It always seems that openings and closings happen in bursts around our fine city. Here are a few exciting changes:

Hearth on Mellwood, a new high-concept seafood restaurant, will fill the spot vacated last November by Bistro 1860 at 1765 Mellwood Ave. Chik’n & Mi owners Jason McCollum and Aenith Sananikone-McCollum have begun renovation of the space and plan to open by the end of May. You can read more in this article by Kevin Gibson over at Insider Louisville.

Steve O’s Italian Kitchen, 2230 Frankfort Ave, is now open in the space that used to house Clifton’s Pizza. It’s a mix between a sports bar and pizzeria, and it’s a good spot to grab a pie or some Italian food for less than $20.

Lula’s Frozen Yogurt & Treats, 1501 Bardstown Rd., announced their closing on Facebook recently, marking yet another loss in the Bardstown Road corridor.

The Celtic Pig food truck will be putting down permanent roots at 221 E. Main St. where the old Main Street Café once was. Owners Melissa Ingram and Sam Bracken hope to be serving up their Guinness battered fried fish batter and Scotch eggs sometime in April.

Goodfellas Pizza seems to be following a trend in our city with a large scale restaurant and arcade planned for the Phoenix Hill neighborhood at the corner of Baxter and Broadway, just across from Cave Hill Cemetery. With all the closings through the Highlands, residents are sure to embrace yet another pizzeria. The Courier-Journal reported on their plans here.

Palatucci’s Italian American Ristorante, 204 Spring St, posted on their Facebook that they plan to open for Derby week in the space once occupied by Gary’s on Spring St. and are selling tickets to Derby week dinners here. 

Noche Mexican BBQ, 1838 Bardstown Rd., is opening a unique concept in an old cathedral with a special theme: the Mexican holiday Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The team hosted a pop-up at Butchertown Grocery in February. They plan to be open for Derby but are currently offer catering from their web site.