The Toledo City Paper depends on readers like you! Become a friend today. See membership options
Infinity Real Estate School, a state-approved school in Maumee, offers pre-licensing and continuing education courses. Currently classes are held in various locations provided when a participant registers. infinityrem.com 855-SELL101
Family House, 669 Indiana Ave, is now the second location for Leading Families Home, the region’s largest nonprofit dedicated to stabilizing families experiencing homelessness. lfhtoledo.org or familyhousetoledo.org 419-242-5505
Gathering Volumes is opening a second location at 1320 Adams St. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, author events and strong community ties, book lovers can look forward to more shelves, more stories and more opportunities to connect through the joy of reading. gatheringvolumes.com
Game Collective, at 2175 Woodville Rd. (Suite A), Oregon, is the area’s newest all-inclusive hub for gamers and collectors. The locally owned shop — created by Robert and Amy Gottschalk — offers a wide range of games, cards, toys, comics and collectibles, with a focus on making gaming accessible for all ages and abilities. thegamecollective.co 419-540-1997
EatWell Cafe opens Jan. 15 inside the Toledo Main Library. The community-supported restaurant, founded by leaders connected to the now-closed SAME Cafe, is built on a participation-based model that ensures everyone has a place at the table. Guests can enjoy fresh, locally sourced, bowl-based meals Monday–Friday, 11am–2pm. 325 N. Michigan Ave., 419-277-0847. eatwellcafe.org
Cake in a Cup will wrap up their operations at 6511 Central Ave. bakery at the end of this holiday season, closing its doors after nearly 20 years. With rising ingredient costs and shifting foot traffic, the owners have chosen not to renew their spring lease. While the storefront is closing, the team is exploring future possibilities like pop up shops or collaborations to keep sharing the treats Toledo has loved for two decades. Facebook: cake in a cup
Burger Hub is now open at 3444 Secor Rd., offering Toledo a fresh take on halal comfort food. The fast-casual spot serves up unique smash burgers and late-night favorites in a welcoming, flavor-first setting. Guests can stop in Sunday–Wednesday, 11am–2am, and Thursday–Saturday, 11am–4am. Facebook@BurgerHub
Paws and Whiskers is Toledo’s only nonprofit feline no-kill shelter. They are gearing up for a major expansion that will help serve the area’s growing cat population. The organization will move from their facility on 32 Hillwyck Dr. into a newly acquired 17,000-square-foot building at 7300 International Dr. next summer. pawsandwhiskers.org. 419-536-1914
Schmucker’s Restaurant After a 103-day closure due to an August fire, the beloved family diner is ready to welcome guests back at 2103 N. Reynolds Rd. Guests can once again enjoy classic homestyle meals, fresh pies and the warm hospitality that has defined this Toledo favorite for generations. Schmckersrestaurant.com 419-535-9116
Plant House Toledo is reopening in an expanded space right next door to its original location at 5934 Secor Rd. Inside the former Reggie’s Bike Shop building, the plant haven is welcoming customers back Friday-Sunday 10am. The space is three times larger than the former shop—offering more room to browse and grow. Planthousetoledo.com
CIFT, a nonprofit that supports food manufacturers and entrepreneurs, is set to close permanently following the loss of federal and state funding. The facility currently serves 22 small businesses and will close at the end of the month, impacting food producers across the region. ciftinnovation.org.
Jamarican Reggae Kitchen and Lounge is now open and welcoming the Toledo community to a new destination for Caribbean-inspired cuisine and laid-back vibes. Located at 1208 N Reynolds Rd., they are offering guests a first taste of bold flavors, music and atmosphere. 419-503-6608
Cinnabon Known for its classic cinnamon rolls, along with other baked goods and drinks, this will be the first standalone Cinnabon inside the mall and the only dedicated Cinnabon location in the greater Toledo area. Franklin Park Mall, Center Court. 419-847-1472
Common Grounds Coffee is now serving Perryburg with a focus on quality, wellness and community. Located at 28400 Cedar Park Blvd., Suite C, the coffee shop specializes in clean coffee that is lab-tested for mold and mycotoxins, ensuring a smoother, healthier cup. Beans are locally roasted in Toledo and sourced ethically, delivering fresh, flavorful coffee with every brew. Beyond great coffee, Common Grounds Coffee is committed to giving back through community programs that support local heroes. Open daily at 8:30am, except Thursdays. 419-344-3022. commongroundscoffee.com.
Tacos El Junior has opened its first brick-and-mortar restaurant at 332 N. Erie St. in downtown Toledo, bringing its popular food truck flavors indoors. Owned by Jose “Junior” Merino, the new location features homemade Mexican dishes based on family recipes, including tacos, burritos, tortas, quesabirria, asada fries and all-day breakfast favorites. Open Monday–Saturday, 8am–8pm. TacosElJuniorToledo on Facebook.
Smith & Williams located at 5038 Lewis Ave, is a new Black-owned restaurant to the city’s dining scene. The kitchen serves comfort-forward dishes with bold, savory flavors. The restaurant offers a welcoming spot for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, with more to explore on the menu for first-time visitors. TheHungryBlackMan on Facebook.
The University of Toledo launched the Northwest Ohio Cancer Research Institute, a new collaborative hub bringing together more than 60 clinicians and researchers to advance cancer treatment and discovery. Led by inaugural director Dr. Jian-Ting Zhang, the institute unites expertise across medicine, biology, engineering and pharmacy, along with partners including ProMedica and the Toledo Clinic. Utoledo.edu
