Outdoor dining patio at a modern Mediterranean restaurant during golden hour in Santa Clarita

New Openings

New Restaurants & Businesses Opening in SCV in 2026

From the long-awaited Yard House to CAVA's first SCV location, a brand new coffee spot in Newhall, and several more arrivals — 2026 is shaping up to be a banner year for new places to eat and drink in Santa Clarita Valley.

July 17, 2026 Sam Silver 5 min read

Sam Silver, Santa Clarita Valley community guide author

Sam Silver

22-year SCV resident · REALTOR(R) · Community advocate

After 22 years in Santa Clarita Valley, I've watched our dining scene grow from a handful of local staples into one of the most exciting food destinations in northern LA County. And 2026 is delivering some of the biggest new openings we've seen in years. From national brands planting their flags here to local roasters expanding their footprint — here's everything you need to know about what's new, what's opening, and what's worth the wait.


Now Open

Yard House

River Oaks Shopping Center · 24201 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia

The biggest restaurant opening of 2026 so far has been Yard House at River Oaks Shopping Center. The long-anticipated location opened its doors on April 19, 2026 in the space formerly occupied by Mimi's Cafe, and it has been packed ever since.

For anyone who's been to a Yard House before, you know what to expect: an incredible beer list (over 100 taps), an American gastropub menu that goes well beyond bar food, and a lively atmosphere perfect for dinner with friends, post-work drinks, or catching the game. The Valencia location features the brand's signature mile-long bar, a spacious patio with outdoor seating, and the same scratch kitchen approach that made Yard House a destination chain.

Owned by Darden Restaurants, Yard House has locations across the country, but this is a first for Santa Clarita Valley — and local residents have been asking for one for years. It's already become one of the busiest spots at River Oaks.

Open daily 11 AM – late 100+ taps River Oaks Valencia
Modern gastropub interior with bar seating at Yard House in Valencia, Santa Clarita

Yard House opened at River Oaks in April 2026 with over 100 beer taps and a spacious outdoor patio.

Fresh Mediterranean bowl preparation at CAVA restaurant counter in Valencia

CAVA's Valencia location at the Promenade on McBean serves customizable Mediterranean bowls and pitas.


Now Open

CAVA

27055 McBean Parkway, Valencia (The Promenade)

The fast-casual Mediterranean chain CAVA opened in Valencia at the Promenade on McBean Parkway in early March 2026, taking over the space formerly occupied by Rubio's Coastal Grill. For fans of fresh, customizable Mediterranean bowls, this has been a game-changer for the SCV lunch scene.

CAVA's model is similar to a Chipotle-style build-your-own format, but with a Mediterranean twist: start with a base of saffron rice, super greens, or split lentils, then add proteins like spicy lamb meatballs, braised lamb, chicken, or grilled vegetables, and finish with toppings like hummus, tzatziki, feta, pickled onions, and their famous harissa. The result is a fresh, healthy, and satisfying meal that's become an instant hit with Valencia's lunch crowd.

This is CAVA's first location in the Santa Clarita Valley, and the response has been strong enough that you might encounter a line during peak hours. Pro tip from Sam: download the CAVA app and order ahead for pickup to skip the queue.

Open daily 10:45 AM – 9 PM Vegetarian-friendly

Coming Soon

Texas Roadhouse

The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (former Claim Jumper location)

One of the most anticipated openings on the horizon is Texas Roadhouse, which is expected to open in 2026 at the former Claim Jumper location on The Old Road in Stevenson Ranch. Known for hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, fresh-baked bread with cinnamon butter, and their famous made-from-scratch sides, Texas Roadhouse has a loyal following across the country.

The Stevenson Ranch location will be a particularly welcome addition for the west side of SCV, which has fewer sit-down dining options compared to Valencia. The space is sizable with a full bar, ample parking, and the brand's signature rustic roadhouse atmosphere. No exact opening date has been announced yet, but construction activity at the site suggests it's moving forward.

Opening 2026 Stevenson Ranch
Steakhouse exterior with rustic signage and warm lighting in Stevenson Ranch

Texas Roadhouse is coming to Stevenson Ranch in the former Claim Jumper space on The Old Road.

New Brews

New Coffee, Quick Bites & More


The SCV coffee scene just got a serious upgrade with two major additions in 2026 — plus a few more surprises worth knowing about.

Now Open

San Fernando Coffee Company

22722 Lyons Avenue, Unit 1, Newhall (Old Town Newhall)

This locally-roasted coffee chain celebrated its grand opening on May 1, 2026 in the former Honu Coffee space in Old Town Newhall. This is San Fernando Coffee Company's 13th location and second in the Santa Clarita Valley. Known for their single-origin pour-overs, espresso drinks, and cozy neighborhood cafe atmosphere, this addition has quickly become a favorite spot for Newhall's growing remote-worker and creative crowd. The outdoor patio on Lyons Avenue is perfect for people-watching over a flat white.

Sam's order: The honey lavender latte with oat milk.

Now Open

Dutch Bros Coffee

26655 Valley Center Drive, Canyon Country

The cult-favorite Oregon-based drive-thru coffee chain opened its first Santa Clarita Valley location on May 27, 2026 in Canyon Country. Dutch Bros is known for its friendly service, extensive menu of coffee drinks, teas, blended freezes, and the signature Dutch Bros rebel energy drinks. The Canyon Country location on Valley Center Drive features the brand's classic drive-thru setup with walk-up window, and the staff have already earned a reputation for being some of the friendliest baristas in SCV. Expect a line on weekends.

Sam's pro tip: Try the Golden Eagle chai or a caramelizer breve.

Coming to Valencia

Raising Cane's

The Promenade at McBean Parkway, Valencia

The Louisiana-based chicken finger chain is expected to open a Valencia location at the Promenade on McBean Parkway. Famous for its simple but perfected menu — chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, and that iconic Cane's sauce — this will be a welcome addition for the area's fried chicken lovers.

Coming to Stevenson Ranch

Luna Grill

Stevenson Ranch

The San Diego-based fast-casual Mediterranean chain is expanding into Stevenson Ranch. Known for its flame-grilled kebabs, organic salads, and house-made hummus, Luna Grill offers a healthier fast-casual option for the west side of SCV.

More to Explore

Other New Local Businesses Worth Knowing


Beyond the big restaurant openings, several other new businesses have opened their doors across SCV in 2026. Here are a few that have caught Sam's eye.

Booku Poboys

Canyon Country

New Orleans-style po'boy sandwiches right here in SCV. Brings authentic Cajun and Creole flavors to the valley, from fried shrimp and oyster po'boys to hearty roast beef versions dressed with gravy and debris.

Guanatos Tacos

Santa Clarita

Authentic Mexican restaurant inspired by the flavors of Guadalajara, Mexico. Tacos, tortas, and traditional Mexican plates made from family recipes.

Telly's Charburgers

19345 Plum Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita

A new charbroiled burger spot in the Plum Canyon area. Classic American fare done right — fresh patties, hand-cut fries, and old-school milkshakes.

Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt

Santa Clarita

A self-serve frozen yogurt shop perfect for hot SCV summer days. Multiple flavors, tons of toppings, and family-friendly pricing.

La Michoacana Plus

Santa Clarita

Mexican ice cream and dessert shop offering paletas (popsicles), ice cream, aguas frescas, and traditional Mexican treats. A welcome addition to the local dessert scene.

Bélla Salon

Santa Clarita

A new full-service salon in Santa Clarita offering cuts, color, styling, and beauty services from experienced professionals.

Development News

What the New Openings Mean for SCV


Santa Clarita Valley is in the middle of a significant growth phase, and these new restaurants and businesses are just one piece of the puzzle. With major projects like the Sunridge development (996 acres, 6,500+ new homes behind the former Saugus Speedway), the Entrada South housing project (1,574 multi-family units), and David March Park's grand reopening this spring, the valley is evolving rapidly.

For Sam, these changes reflect a valley that's growing up while keeping its community character intact. "When I started selling real estate here 20 years ago, people would drive to the San Fernando Valley for a night out. Now we have Yard House, CAVA, and a local coffee roaster with two locations. The fact that national brands want to be here — and local businesses keep opening — tells me SCV is exactly where people want to be."

Stay in the Know with SCV Life

From new restaurant openings to neighborhood guides and community events, Sam keeps SCV Life updated with everything you need to know about living in Santa Clarita Valley.