Afifa Nayeb, a chef specializing in Afghan cuisine, and pastry chef Nevin Kaya from Istanbul, Turkey, partnered to start Laili Cafe and Bakery at at 1921 Preston Road, Ste. 2004, Plano. The restaurant opened May 17 and serves a mix of Afghan and Turkish dishes.

"Both countries have some common food items that we have included in the menu," Kaya said. "Both of us wanted to open a restaurant and [Nayeb] brought me in on the project."

Some authentic Afghan items are also a part of Turkish cuisine, Nayeb said. Mantoo is one such dish served at Laili Cafe, which consists of a yogurt and tomato sauce-based dumpling. Other items served at the restaurant include bolani—known as gozleme in Turkey— which is a crispy thin flatbread stuffed with meat or veggies. Other dishes served include kebabs, hummus dips, cilantro dips and meat wraps.

Other Impacts

NOW OPEN: Dallas restaurateur Carolina Rodriguez opened her new restaurant, Lita’s la Mexicana, on April 21. Located at 7224 Independence Parkway, Ste. 356, Plano, the restaurant serves authentic-Mexican cuisine. Rodriguez is co-founder of Mi Cocina. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and opens at 5 p.m. for dinner the rest of the week. 972-618-4542.

NOW OPEN: Kula Revolving Sushi Bar opened May 13 at 100 Legacy Drive, Ste. 100, Plano. The restaurant has a conveyer belt from which patrons choose their sushi or request the kitchen staff to prepare their meal. The restaurant specializes in natural, fresh and organic ingredients. 972-517-2400. www.kulausa.com

NOW OPEN: Southern Border Grill opened April 27 at 2400 K. Ave. Ste. B, Plano. Customers can create their own burritos and burrito bowls from a variety of meats, toppings and sauces. The restaurant also features burgers, cheesesteaks, gyros and appetizers, and also serves breakfast starting at 5:30 a.m.

Fleming's Steakhouse Fleming’s Steakhouse guests can pair their steak with items like a poached lobster tail.[/caption]

NOW OPEN: Fleming’s Steakhouse will open in June on the ground floor of Legacy Tower, 7250 Dallas Parkway, Plano. The restaurant offers USDA prime, certified Angus and wagyu beef steaks as well as appetizers, such as braised short ribs, seared ahi tuna and lobster tempura. Fleming’s also serves a variety of desserts, select wines and cocktails, and offers private dining rooms. 949-222-2223. www.flemingssteakhouse.com

COMING SOON: Pie Five Pizza Co. will open its first Plano location in mid-September at 8315 Preston Road, Ste. 400, Plano. Headquartered in The Colony and first introduced in the Dallas area in 2011, Pie Five has more than 80 locations in 24 states. The fast-casual pizza chain offers customizable personal pizzas as well as salads and desserts. 972-931-7435. www.piefivepizza.com

In-Fretta Plano In-Fretta Urban Pizza Bar serves customizable, fire-baked pizza as well as pastas and salads.[/caption]

COMING SOON: In Fretta Urban Pizza Bar is set to open at 5588 SH 121, Ste. 300, Plano, by the end of May or early June. The term “in fretta” means “in a hurry” in Italian. The fast-casual restaurant offers build-your-own pizzas as well as pasta, salad, Buffalo wings, craft beer, wine on tap and a full bar. The company is expected to open four more restaurants in the Metroplex. 844-463-3788. www.in-fretta.com

COMING SOON: International Suit Wearhouse is expected to open its fifth-Dallas-area location at 5580 SH 121, Plano, by mid-June. The store offers designer men’s suits as well as dress shoes, tuxedos and sports coats. The company has a location in Richardson at 1621 N. Central Expressway. 214-360-0422. www.iswmenswear.com

RELOCATIONS: Escape Expert relocated from Dallas to 2201 K Ave., Ste. A-200, Plano. The husband-wife team opened the nine-room escape experience on May 21 and provides interactive challenges for corporate team building outings. The rooms are open to the public Friday through Sunday. 469-249-8588. www.escapeexpert.com