Pensacola is buzzing with new energy! From gourmet brunch spots to major retail additions and family-friendly entertainment, the city is gearing up for an exciting lineup of openings through in 2026. Here’s your complete insider guide to what’s coming — with opening soon details, and links for local readers who want to explore further.
🥩 1. Prime & Beyond — Wagyu Steakhouse (East Nine Mile Road)
Opening: Early 2026
This upscale steakhouse is bringing premium wagyu cuts to Northeast Pensacola. With a gorgeous interior and a luxurious, chef-driven menu, Prime & Beyond is already generating major buzz on social media.
Expect:
• High-end wagyu and steakhouse classics
• Craft cocktails and elevated wine selections
• One of Pensacola’s most anticipated dining experiences
🍳 2. Biscuit Belly — Southern Brunch Franchise (Pensacola)
Opening: 2026
Biscuit Belly is expanding into the Panhandle with a Pensacola location planned for 2026. Known for stacked biscuit sandwiches, gourmet breakfast plates, and trendy Southern comfort food, this spot has big brunch energy.
Expect:
• Scratch-made biscuits
• Creative breakfast and brunch dishes
• A lively, Instagram-worthy atmosphere
🍪 3. Insomnia Cookies — Late-Night Cookie Shop (Garden Street)
Opening: Expected early 2026
A new late-night dessert favorite is coming to downtown Pensacola. Insomnia Cookies specializes in warm, freshly baked cookies, ice cream sandwiches, and cookie cakes — perfect for post-dinner cravings or late-night treats.
Why locals are excited:
• True late-night dessert downtown
• Walkable from bars, events, and nightlife
• A fun, casual addition to Garden Street
☕ 4. Sweet Blessings Café — Breakfast & Lunch Spot (Downtown)
Opened: Mid-December 2025
Located inside the SCI Building, Sweet Blessings Café blends Puerto Rican and Southern flavors. The menu features empanadas, breakfast burritos, homemade soups, pastries, and comfort favorites.
Perfect for:
• Downtown workers
• Casual lunches
• Cozy breakfast meet-ups
🍦 5. Cold Stone Creamery — Ice Cream & Dessert Shop (Mobile Highway)
Opening: Expected 2026
Cold Stone Creamery is finally making its way to Pensacola with a location planned near Walmart on Mobile Highway. Known for made-to-order ice cream creations and mix-ins, this will be a big win for families and dessert lovers.
Expect:
• Custom ice cream creations
• Cakes and frozen treats
• A new go-to dessert stop on the west side
🍗 6. Waldo’s Chicken & Beer (Davis Highway)
Opening: Early 2026
This Nashville-based favorite is bringing crispy fried chicken, scratch-made sides, and a strong beer lineup to Davis Highway.
Expect:
• Casual dining with bold flavors
• Family-friendly atmosphere
• A solid beer selection to pair with comfort food
🐔 7. Raising Cane’s (Cordova Mall area)
Opening: Expected 2026
One of the most anticipated fast-food openings in Pensacola, Raising Cane’s will replace the former Red Lobster site in front of Cordova Mall.
Why it’s a big deal:
• First Pensacola location
• Known for its simple, cult-favorite menu
• Long anticipated southern favorite
🧀 8. Mojo’s Famous Philly — (New 9 Mile Road Drive-Thru Location)
Opening: Coming Soon — Construction Active
Mojo’s is expanding with a 3,500-square-foot, drive-thru-only location on East Nine Mile Road.
Expect:
• Cheesesteaks, wings, and fries
• Fast service and late-night hours
• Easy access for busy commuters
🍕 9. Johnny Brusco’s NY-Style Pizza (West 9 Mile)
Opened: December 2025
While not upcoming, this recent addition deserves a shoutout. Johnny Brusco’s brings New York-style pizza, calzones, wings, and a laid-back neighborhood vibe to West Nine Mile Road.
🎳 10. Launch Entertainment — Indoor Family Entertainment Complex (North Davis Highway)
Opening: Expected 2026
This large-scale indoor entertainment venue will feature bowling, arcade games, attractions, and food and beverage options.
Expect:
• Family-friendly, all-ages entertainment
• A major draw for North Davis Highway
• Adds momentum to Pensacola’s entertainment scene
🏖️ 11. Tiffany’s — Pensacola Beach Walk-Up (Remodel & Reopening)
Opening: Spring Break 2026
A Pensacola Beach classic is getting a full makeover. Tiffany’s will return with walk-up ordering, beach snacks, and laid-back coastal charm.
Perfect for:
• Spring breakers
• Beach days with the family
• Grab-and-go seaside bites
🛒 12. Costco — (East Nine Mile Road)
Opening: Under construction, expected late 2025–2026
Possibly the biggest retail news of the year — Pensacola is officially getting a Costco. The project includes the warehouse store, fuel station, and expansive parking infrastructure.
Impact:
• Major retail draw
• Increased traffic and surrounding development
• A game-changer for the Nine Mile corridor
🎉 What This Means for Pensacola
Between the new restaurants, retail centers, and entertainment projects, Pensacola is entering a major growth phase. Whether you're craving gourmet steak, biscuit brunch, late-night comfort food, or a huge new place to shop — there’s something for every foodie, family, and lifestyle. As always, we love Pensacola and sharing the latest news, growth, and exciting changes happening in our hometown.
