North Central
North Central Content
Restaurants in rural Northern California counties such as Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity are vital to local economies. These eateries support area farms by buying local produce and provide important jobs. Cities such as Chico, Red Bluff, and Redding offer a range of dining options for both residents and visitors. Overall, these restaurants are key employers and generate tax revenue that supports essential services, making them crucial to the region.
By Haiden Emmett and Esau Flores
PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
Butte
Policy:
Chico City Council Approves Entertainment Zone Ordinance
Chico
At its August 18 regular meeting, the Chico City Council adopted an ordinance that would create a local framework for entertainment-zone activity, pursuant to Senate Bill 969.
Why it matters: Restaurants and bars in or near designated zones may want to monitor event approvals, ABC requirements, public-area alcohol rules, and customer-traffic opportunities.
Source: City of Chico Council Agenda
Plates:
Chico’s first Chick-fil-A opens under longtime local operator
Chick-fil-A opened its first Chico restaurant August 13 at 2018 Forest Avenue. Local owner-operator Matt Hock is a Chico State graduate and former local teacher and coach, and the company said the restaurant would create approximately 140 jobs.
Why it matters: The project is a sizable restaurant hiring event with daily operations led by an owner with longstanding community ties.
Source: Chick-fil-A
Colusa
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Glenn
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Lake
Policy:
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Plates:
Former teacher marks opening of Barbecue by Biasotti in Clearlake
The Lake County Chamber of Commerce held an August 5 ribbon cutting for Barbecue by Biasotti at 14094 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake. Owner Tim Biasotti spent 15 years as a special-education teacher before building his barbecue business through catering, pop-ups and restaurant operations.
Why it matters: Biasotti’s path from educator and pop-up operator to property-owning restaurateur illustrates one route to gradual independent-business growth.
Source: The Bloom/Lake County Chamber of Commerce
Shasta
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Siskiyou
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Tehama
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Trinity
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