One of Chicago’s Best Local Coffee Shops to Open In the United Center

— After adding local stalwarts Big Star, Firecakes, Lillie’s Q and more in recent years, it appears the United Center will soon add another acclaimed local vendor. Dark Matter Coffee teased via social media photos of its new signage behind the Michael Jordan statue that it will be available in the home of the Bulls and Blackhawks, writing “Opening details coming soon!”

— The much-anticipated expansion of Parson’s Chicken & Fish’s original location is making progress as Land & Sea Dept. reps say it’s on track for an early spring completion. Expect a larger interior with more seating, a much-needed expanded kitchen that should reduce wait times, and more. Just don’t expect all of these features, sadly:

— One of the most revered breweries in America, Tampa’s Cigar City Brewing, will start distribution to the Chicago area on February 19, according to a news release and the Tribune. The craft brewing icon and its beer consistently rank among the tops in the world via Beer Advocate and Rate Beer, with its best-known brew being Jai Alai IPA.

— Joy District, the multi-floor clubstaurant in the former Epic space at 112 W. Hubbard Street, closed its first floor temporarily to turn it into a sports bar, RedEye reports. Expect it to re-open around mid-March as the rest of the space remains open.

— And finally, congratulations to the winners of the 2018 Donut Fest at Chop Shop this past weekend: Firecakes (Judges’ Choice) and D&D’s Place (Crowd Favorite). The full list of winners from other categories is here.