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 AUGUST 11, 2026
Butte
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Chico’s first Chick-fil-A announces August 13 debut
Chick-fil-A announced that its first Chico restaurant will open August 13 at 2018 Forest Avenue. Local owner-operator Matt Hock is expected to oversee a workforce of approximately 140 employees. Hock has longstanding connections to Chico, including previous work as a teacher and coach at Pleasant Valley High School.
Why it matters: The opening represents a significant restaurant hiring event and places day-to-day responsibility for the franchise with an operator who has deep local ties.
Colusa
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Glenn
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Lake
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Shasta
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Burger restaurant reactivates fire-damaged Redding property
Market Street Smack N’ Burgers opened July 27 in the former Pop’s 50s Place building in Redding. The property had been damaged by a fire in April 2023.
Why it matters: In addition to introducing a new independent restaurant, the opening restores commercial activity to a recognizable hospitality property that had been out of service.
Siskiyou
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Tehama
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Trinity
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