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Our local food-and-drink scene is always evolving, and we’re sharing the latest news — from national recognition and playful new openings to returning favorites, bittersweet farewells, and a century-old liqueur recipe finding new life in Reno.
 
In our feature stories, meet a duo championing the benefits of quail eggs, explore a small arboretum with big plans, revisit a cherished garden being brought back to life, and discover how fruit trees are transforming public parks into edible gathering spaces.
 
Looking to get out and explore? We have a selection of local events to add both flavor and meaning to your week.
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Here’s some local food-and-drink news you might’ve missed.
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Base Camp Pizza Co. received national recognition, being named one of the Top 10 Pizzerias in the Nation in a recent SFGate article. The Heavenly Village pizza shop not only was praised for its delicious fare but also its community-first dedication to service.
 
Birdeez, a mini-golf and darts fun center in Downtown Reno opened on Dec. 10. It comes from the same owners behind Downtown’s Reno Axe and the Grand Sierra Resort’s Sensology, adding to the Downtown playground landscape. The business features several lanes of electronic dart games, three challenging mini-golf courses in varying levels of difficulty, and a full restaurant and bar.
 
The Wolf Den has had a somewhat complicated history of opening and closing. Located near Lawlor Events Center, it’s a popular bar for University of Nevada, Reno students. In June 2015, the Den shuttered again, but, as of 2025, it’s reopened.
 
In franchise news, Planet Smoothie opened in University Crossing, celebrating with a ribbon-cutting event on Nov. 7. Another (new) Teriyaki Madness eatery is its neighbor.
 
The long-running Genoa Country Store closed its doors on Dec. 22. The owners announced lease negotiations as the driving force for the closure. The beloved shop originally opened in 1999.
 
Blind Dog Tavern ended 2024 by closing its doors for good after hosting guests on Dec. 31 and seven years in business. The owner, Josh Callen, owns multiple bars throughout Reno.
 
Nathan Rosenbloom announced the closure of LCF Plant Nursery in December, then shut down both the in-person business and the website. He plans to focus on his newer venture, Mountain Mushrooms, as well as his family.
 
Ferino Distillery announced an impressive takeover. Torani, the producer of Amer liqueur, is giving its famed recipe to Ferino, as a way to keep tradition alive. The Reno distillery will take ownership of the recipe in March and start selling the liqueur in April. With 100 years under its belt, Torani now can focus on different products and projects without discontinuing Amer.

J Resort announced its $130 million development plan, which will include a northward expansion. In addition to resort improvements, the Downtown Reno property will grow to encompass facilities and festival grounds, and it has entered into a partnership with JMF Presents on an outdoor entertainment project.
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BIRD IN THE HAND
written by Nora Heston Tarte | photo by Yashila Photography
 
Quail eggs offer many health benefits over chicken eggs, says Serena Hehnke, co-owner of Happy Quails HQ, a Reno-based quail farm. Hehnke — who owns the business with her bird-obsessed partner Anna Farb — says the birds not only are higher in protein than chickens, with more vitamins per gram, but their eggs also don’t carry the risk of Salmonella, which makes quail eggs safer to eat in raw form.
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A GARDEN FOR THE FUTURE
written by Christina Nellemann | photos courtesy of the May Arboretum Society
 
At only 23 acres, the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden in Reno is relatively small. However, after a planned expansion, it could be included among the world’s top arboreta.
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A NEW SEASON TO GROW
written by Claire McArthur | photo courtesy of UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center
 
Nestled among the pine trees on the University of Nevada, Reno’s Sierra Nevada College campus in Incline Village, a once-thriving demonstration garden is undergoing a transformation. Originally established in 1994 through a partnership between community volunteers, Washoe County Master Gardeners, and Sierra Nevada College, the garden has long been a place for education, relaxation, and environmental stewardship. Now, under the guidance of the UNR Extension and its Master Gardener program, this cherished space is being revitalized to reconnect with the community and inspire future generations.
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FROM SHADE TO SUSTENANCE
written by Ali Dickson | illustration by Sophia Pappas
 
Reno is more than a high desert — areas of it are food deserts. To both promote sustainability and create fresh food accessibility, City of Reno leaders accepted a sub-grant of $4,000 from the nonprofit, Nevada Plants Community Forestry, in 2023 to plant various fruit trees in public parks for all to enjoy.
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Liven up your week with these local events that mix culinary fun and community spirit.
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Reno, NV 89509, United States