High Desert/Inland Empire
High Desert/Inland Empire Content
The restaurant industry in San Bernardino, Riverside, and Imperial counties – the High Desert/Inland Empire – is a major economic driver for the region’s growing population. Beyond national chains, many independent and ethnic restaurants thrive, reflecting local diversity and serving daily diners. These establishments provide jobs at all levels, boost sales tax revenue for public services, and strengthen communities by offering gathering spaces and supporting local food suppliers. Much of this economic activity stays within the High Desert/Inland Empire.
By Haiden Emmett and Esau Flores
PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
Imperial
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Teen entrepreneur takes ownership role at Mely’s in El Centro
An August profile highlighted 18-year-old Susette Solano, who is operating Mely’s in the Imperial Valley Mall food court after first encouraging her family to acquire the burger business when she was 16. Solano has taken responsibility for operations, inventory and marketing and has used social media to rebuild customer traffic.
Why it matters: Solano’s story offers a distinctive example of young restaurant entrepreneurship and hands-on operating experience.
Source: Calexico Chronicle
Riverside
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Palm Springs Advances Cannabis Lounge Food and Entertainment Expansion
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is moving toward allowing cannabis consumption lounges to prepare and sell non-cannabis food and nonalcoholic beverages, host live entertainment, and hold ticketed events in response to declining city revenue from cannabis sales. According to local reporting, the proposal advanced on first reading in August, with alcohol and tobacco remaining prohibited, and lounges eligible to pursue land use permits for outdoor events.
Why it matters: The ordinance could affect the local entertainment and food-service landscape by allowing more venues to combine food, nonalcoholic beverages, and live-event programming.
Source: The Palm Springs Post; NBC Palm Springs
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Yozu Asian Bistro opens on El Paseo
Yozu Asian Bistro opened August 26 at The Shops on El Paseo in Palm Desert, taking over the former Shorebird restaurant space. The modern izakaya-style concept offers sushi and shareable dishes influenced by several Asian cuisines.
Why it matters: Yozu returns a prominent El Paseo restaurant space to active use and expands the district’s full-service Asian dining options.
Source: Coachella Valley Weekly
San Bernardino
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One Twenty-Three Burger Co. moves from food truck toward permanent Upland restaurant
One Twenty-Three Burger Co. announced that it is preparing a brick-and-mortar restaurant at 507 North Mountain Avenue in Upland. Owner Joe Silva has built the concept through a food truck and plans to use the storefront as the next stage of the business.
Why it matters: The move provides an example of a mobile restaurant business using its established customer base to transition into a permanent location.
Source: What Now Orange County
Verification note: An opening date had not been announced.
Black Rock Coffee prepares Rancho Cucamonga location
Black Rock Coffee Bar is preparing a new location at 8736 Base Line Road in Rancho Cucamonga and has begun recruiting for the restaurant. Reporting published September 5 identified October as the targeted opening period.
Why it matters: The project adds another growing beverage operator to the Inland Empire and provides a near-term restaurant hiring opportunity.
Source: What Now Orange County
Verification note: Confirm the October opening date.