Things are looking pretty casual this week in Austin food. A few popular mini-chains are expanding their local footprint, and soccer is on many Americans' minds as the major league kicks off the season. Here are some ways to cheer Austin FC on or keep treating restaurant hopping as the only sport you care about.

This week we have a new products and events list just like this one, but it's entirely dedicated to cocktails and other spirited news. Read up on that here.

Openings and closings

Each time a new Chuy's Tex-Mex is announced, we eagerly await the cheerful, eclectic decor. Each location is unique, and a new spot in the Mueller neighborhood (2027 Aldrich St.) opening this spring will be no different. So far, details on what will make this one as different as any other are sparse, but the uniting elements are house-made tortillas, big portions smothered in sauce and cheese, and if the other locations give any indication, another popular happy hour. This will be the Austin-based chain's seventh local spot, operating from 11 am to 9 pm Sundays through Thursdays, and 11 am to 10 pm Fridays and Saturdays. Hiring opens February 26.

Onetaco, a super-casual, street-style taco mini-chain in Austin has opened a concession stand at Q2 Stadium, where Austin FC plays. There is already a stand in section 122, but a new one now resides in 134. Soccer fans can order traditional tacos as well as a new, rotating "taco of the match." Also new on the menu is a vegan taco with grilled cauliflower, crispy onions, queso fresca and avocado sauce.

Another seventh location for an Austin chain is joining the fray as Jo's Coffee moves into Symphony Square, located inside residential building The Waller (1104 Sabine St.). This is the first time Jo's is partnering with an outside designer, so of course they went with the locally ubiquitous Michael Hsu, who designed recognizable spots like Loro, Uchi, Tecovas, and many more. A grand opening will be held March 1, with free drip coffee all day long — or until it runs out. Operating hours are daily from 7 am to 7 pm.

ICYMI: A beautiful new sushi restaurant from California called Sushi Roku has settled into the warehouse district with a creative, but mostly traditional menu. This was one of our most-read stories last week. Austinites are about to see lots of photos of Australian mini-golf courseHoley Moley once it opens, so here's your official warning that pre-booking has begun. Finally, if you're looking for some brewery inspiration this weekend, we've shared a list of the ten best in town according to our Tastemaker Awards judges.

Other news and notes

The very buzzy contemporary Chinese newcomer RedFarm (also a Tastemaker Awards nominee) is launching a new dim sum service March 2. So far, it'll only be available for weekend brunch, from 11 am to 3 pm. Highlights listed in a press release include the restaurant's signature "Pac Man" shrimp dumplings, pork and crab soup dumplings, and gold scallion pancakes. Visitors on the weekend are not beholden to brunch; The full menu will remain available throughout the service.

Speaking of Austin FC, Meanwhile Brewing is kicking off the season with help from supports section band La Murga de Austin. Together, they're hosting the Verde Verde Verde festival on Meanwhile's grounds on February 23. From 6-11 pm there will be live music by DJ Stitch, Aviator, Danger Roosevelt, Yacht Dogs, Relegated, Moimiento Cumba, and the host band. Meanwhile is also celebrating the arrival of its World Beer Cup Gold medal winner, Meanwhile Lager, on draft at Q2 stadium beginning the same day.

Austinites are already quite familiar with Japanese food — especially when it comes to sushi and ramen — but there's nothing like stepping into a grocery store to appreciate the full breadth of a cuisine. Asahi Imports, an all-Japanese grocer in Austin, is hosting a free sampling event with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and other importers on February 24. There will be fresh seafood, rice, sake, and more treats ready for tasting from noon to 4 pm at the store's 6105 Burnet Rd. location.