1. Willie Meshack’s BBQ is now open in Plano. The family-run restaurant held a soft opening for ts new location in February at 200 Coit Road, Ste. 112, near Central Market. The company is owned and operated by Willie Meshack Jr.; his wife, Roberta Plaza; and her mother, Yolande Plaza. Roberta said the concept behind the restaurant was to balance traditional, smoke-style, craft Texas barbecue with Trinidadian-style side dishes made by her and her mother. Customers can choose among prime brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork and sausage with a variety of sides, including a baked potato, cole slaw, beans, and macaroni and cheese. Sandwiches are served with a fry-bake bread, a Caribbean-style bread that Yolande makes daily. 972-905-5424. www.instagram.com/williemeshacksbbq
2. Chaya Japanese Restaurant is now open in Plano. The new location opened this winter and is located at 6900 Alma Drive, Ste. 150. The menu features a variety of Japanese-style sushi rolls such as the California roll, spicy tuna roll and shrimp tempura hand roll. The business offers dine-in and takeout options. 469-298-0775. www.chayajapanese.com
3. Friendship BBQ opened its new location in General Legacy Plaza this winter at 240 Legacy Drive, Ste. 306, Plano. The restaurant's menu features a variety of Asian-style barbecue skewers and shellfish. It also includes noodles, ribs, chicken, tofu and corn. The menu is inspired by authentic Chinese street food, according to a company official. 469-999-5336. www.friendshipbbqdallas.com
4. Rakko Sushi opened a new location in mid-March at 280 Legacy Drive, Ste. 300, Plano. The Japanese restaurant features a variety of sushi rolls, bento box options, fried rice dishes and noodles. It is located in the Golden Plaza shopping center at the former location of Luvie’s. According to company officials, "rakko" means otter in Japanese. 469-318-9466. www.rakkosushi.com
5. Dave's Hot Chicken opened April 22 at 1709 Preston Road, Ste. A, Plano. The fast-casual restaurant specializes in hot chicken tenders and sliders along with sides, such as french fries, kale slaw, and macaroni and cheese. The eatery's chicken is offered at seven different spice levels that range from "No Spice" to "Reaper," which requires a signed waiver to order, according to a company news release. This is the second Plano location for the chain, which also has locations across the country. The Dave’s Hot Chicken in north Plano opened in October. 972-850-0566. www.daveshotchicken.com
