New Japanese restaurant and sushi bar Wasabi has opened in Bluffton’s Buckwalter Place near Subway. Owner and chef LingXian Chen operated a restaurant in Bridge Center near the bridges to Hilton Head Island for three years, starting in 2013. The restaurant focuses on sushi, sashimi, bento boxes, hibachi options, and Japanese curry. Wasabi is open every day for lunch and dinner.

The Island Rec Center will offer Food Truck Friday Oct. 11 and Nov. 1 from 3–7 p.m. The event will feature six local food trucks set up in the parking lot of the newly remodeled Rec Center. For details, go to www.islandreccenter.org.

The Cottage Café, Bakery and Tea Room is turning 10 years old and is celebrating with a birthday party on Oct. 15 to bring together community leaders and foodies throughout the Lowcountry. The birthday bash includes complimentary champagne, celebratory fun and free gourmet cupcakes for all. For more information, go to www.thecottagebluffton.com. 

Fast-casual restaurant Healthy Habit has opened a new location on the south end of Hilton Head Island. The redesigned and rebranded restaurant is located at Park Plaza and offers a variety of healthy options made from fresh ingredients, like salads, wraps and superfood bowls. Healthy Habit plans to franchise and offer more locations in the future. 

A new Italian eatery named Bricco has opened in the former location of Downtown Deli, 27 Mellinchamp Drive in Bluffton. Owners Nino and Pam Catuogno had an Italian restaurant in New York and recently relocated to the Lowcountry.

Sproutz of the LowCountry is a new Hilton Head Island-based business that cultivates and sells microgreens, popular for their delicate textures, distinctive flavors and health benefits. In general, microgreens also offer more nutrients than their mature counterparts. Sproutz co-owners Neal Bitner and Eddie Borzacchini sell at the Bluffton and Port Royal farmers markets, and are working on providing microgreens to local restaurants.

Old Oyster Factory has joined the Coastal Restaurant and Bars (CRAB) family of restaurants. The Old Oyster Factory is celebrating its 30th anniversary. It was built on the site of an original oyster cannery by Ric Peterson, who has owned and operated it since its inception. Coastal Restaurants and Bars is locally owned and operated for over 40 years. Old Oyster Factory will be their tenth establishment. 

Pizza Co. is now open in Main Street Village. Pizza Co. specializes in customized pizzas made with fresh ingredients and a plethora of sauces, cheeses, meats, veggies and other toppings. The restaurant will also feature three signature chopped salads and a build-your-own salad bar. 

Nonna Lucia, owned by Julio and Michelle Licona, has re-opened at 5 Godfrey Place near the traffic circle of S.C. 46 and Bluffton Parkway. Nonna Lucia is the winner of several locals’ choice awards including Best All Around Restaurant, Best New Restaurant, and Best Italian Restaurant. To make reservations call 843-707-4281 or go to www.blufftonnonnalucia.com.