'Dungeon Crawler Carl' author, narrator tease 'super heavy lore reveal' in Book 8

New achievement! MoreDungeon Crawler Carlis nearly here.

The LitRPG books, fast-paced and addictive, are sparking a wider interest in the video game-like subgenre as a whole. The series follows a man and his ex-girlfriend’s cat, Donut, who survive an alien invasion and must participate in a video game-like dungeon reality television show with intergalactic viewership.

“A Parade of Horribles”comes out May 12 from Ace, an imprint of Penguin Random House. We’ll meet back up with Carl and Donut on the 10th floor, tasked with a series of races while panic spreads outside in the wake of Faction Wars.

USA TODAY caught up with author Matt Dinniman and audiobook narrator Jeff Hays to see what readers can expect from the eighth book.

Matt Dinniman and Jeff Hays tease ‘A Parade of Horribles’

During a quick backstage interview withUSA TODAY at BookConin late April, Dinniman shared three words to describe the upcoming Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 8: "'chaos, focused and explosive."

BookCon fans also got a treat when Hays read a passage from “A Parade of Horribles,” flawlessly switching back and forth between characters live.

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Speaking later with USA TODAY, Hays said “Parade” is his “second-favorite book in the whole series,” only behind Book 5, “The Butcher’s Masquerade.”

“This new one is just so much fun, it’s so fast-paced but … the last 25% of the book is just super heavy lore reveal stuff that just hits you hard,” Hays says. “Matt gives you a bunch of answers that you’ve been dying to know about for a long time.”

This next teaser is a bit of a spoiler, so head back to your books if you don’t want a sneak peek.

OK. Still here?

“The second most exciting thing is the music,” Hays says. “Hardcore spoilers here: There's going to be a karaoke scene with Carl and Donut singing a song, and you guys will find out what it is when you listen to the book. I'm a serviceable singer, so I have to become a good singer for this particular part, and that takes practice. It's a challenge for me. And then there's going to be another song that's another parody from Book 5.”

Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY’s Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors and dives into the culture of reading. Find heron Instagram, subscribe to our weeklyBooks newsletteror tell her what you’re reading atcmulroy@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Dungeon Crawler Carl book 8 will be 'chaos', Matt Dinniman teases

byAnio Baumeister

in

May 10, 2026

'Dungeon Crawler Carl' author, narrator tease 'super heavy lore reveal' in Book 8

New achievement! MoreDungeon Crawler Carlis nearly here. The LitRPG books, fast-paced and addictive, are sparking a wider interest...

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Gwen Stefani Gets a 'Little Emotional' Playing Multiple Throwbacks While Kicking Off No Doubt's Vegas Residency

No Doubt kicked off their Las Vegas residency at Sphere with 21 songs, including some not performed in decades

NEED TO KNOW

• The band utilized Sphere's immersive technology, featuring themed visuals like sea creatures and foam oranges falling from the ceiling

• This marks No Doubt's first multi-date residency in 14 years, with 18 shows planned due to high demand

Welcome back to the stage, No Doubt!On Wednesday night, the iconic Orange County, Calif., bandkicked off their Las Vegas residency showat Sphere, bringing soul, ska and a whole lot of nostalgia to the all-encompassing venue.Over the course of two hours,Gwen Stefani, Tony Kanal,Tom Dumontand Adrian Young ripped through 21 songs, including several that haven’t been performed live in decades. "The Climb," for instance, from 1995's definitiveTragic Kingdom, hadn’t been performed 29 years before the show."I’m getting a little emotional up here," Stefani told the screaming crowd, many of whom stopped into the No Doubt Experience, an immersive pop-up at Venetian chronicling the group’s history with memorabilia.Performing atop a checkerboard stage, No Doubt naturally played hits such as "Spiderwebs," "Hella Good" and "Sunday Morning." They also utilized the Sphere's technology, performing "Underneath It All" against a backdrop of the sea and sea creatures very reminiscent ofThe Little Mermaid, likely an homage to their Anaheim, Calif., roots, where Disneyland is located.

As they played "Tragic Kingdom" for the first time since 2009, a theme park was projected onto the screen behind them, making guests feel as though they were riding a roller coaster — even the seats rattled! During a poignant performance of "Don’t Speak,” the background cut to a grove of shaking orange trees, the cue for foam oranges to fall from the Sphere’s roof onto the crowd, many of whom dressed like Stefani.Stefani, 56, also brought several super fans onstage at various points, including during "Just a Girl.""I wrote this song out of pure innocence in a time where I was just becoming aware of myself and my surroundings,:" she said of "Just a Girl." "But I always thought that I would be like ... I would grow up too much to sing it and it would be out of style, but you tell me if you think it's still relevant or stylish or? It's up to you guys."Naturally, the crowd’s response told Stefani that the song still held up after 31 years."It's crazy just thinking about it. All those years we just keep coming back to see you guys, and now you're here to see us again, and this is this crazy exchange of love that just never ends, and I'm just so grateful," she said.

Throughout the show, the "Happy Now?" hitmakers leaned into their history. Prior to the show, promotional fliers from past shows lined the Sphere screens, and the band members recorded multiple vignettes that played during the show."You know what's so strange is, I don't have a memory of, 'Wow, we're No. 1,'" Stefani said in a vignette, as the group spoke about their success. The band also spoke candidly about Stefani and Kanal’s seven-year relationship and their ensuing breakup."Being in No Doubt has been an incredible journey," Stefani said in a video flashed on the screen, "but originally, the songs were written from a lot of pain. I was doing it because it was just coming out of me, this natural way of healing myself."She added, "I was never consciously writing these songs thinking, ‘Oh, someone's going to relate to this,’ or it would help somebody. I was writing these songs to express what I was feeling, kind of writing for Tony."Kanal, 55, said, "I remember when she was first showing me some of the lyrics she wrote after our breakup. They were heavy, but I understood for her it was a catharsis."

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Although the iconic band has reunited for one-off performancesin 2024 at Coachellaand in 2025 at the FireAid benefit concert, this marks the first time in 14 years that Stefani, Kanal, Dumont and Young will perform multiple dates. They’ve not released an album since 2012’sPush and Shove.Initially, No Doubt planned for six shows, but more concerts were added due to demand. Wednesday’s show marked the first of 18 concerts at the 20,000-capacity Sphere.Stefani is no stranger to Vegas, having had herJust a Girl solo residencyat Planet Hollywood from 2018 to 2021. Over 200,000 guests attended the 57 shows. At Sphere, she’s the first female headliner since the venue opened in 2023.

Stefani and Co.'s residency coincides with her husbandBlake Shelton’s residency, taking place a mile away at Caesars Palace’s Colosseum. Sheltonpreviously quippedthat household bragging rights would be on the line due to their dueling performances."That'll be interesting because I'll be in direct competition with my wife," he told PEOPLE in January. "I'm excited about that because I know there'll be probably a little bit of trash talking."He joked that it wouldn't be a "friendly competition" between them, laughing, "Yeah, it’s not very friendly when it's absolute ass-kicking."

When the day finally came, however, Shelton became a softie. Ahead of the show, Stefani shared a video from her dressing room on her Instagram Stories of a large bouquet of pink roses. She then flashed the card, which read, "Good Luck Pretty Girl! I Love You! Love - Blake." "I have the best husband," she said.

Read the original article onPeople

byAnio Baumeister

in

May 10, 2026

Gwen Stefani Gets a 'Little Emotional' Playing Multiple Throwbacks While Kicking Off No Doubt's Vegas Residency

No Doubt kicked off their Las Vegas residency at Sphere with 21 songs, including some not performed in decades NEED TO KNOW ...

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Adolescence dominates Bafta TV nominations ahead of ceremony

The Bafta 2026 Television Awards and TV Craft Award nominations have been announced;Netflix’sAdolescenceleading the field with 11 nominations, including for Leading Actor (Stephen Graham), Limited Drama, Supporting Actor (both Ashley Walters and Owen Cooper), Supporting Actress (Christine Tremarco and Erin Doherty) and Memorable Moment.

A Thousand Blows(Disney+) receives seven nominations, withAndor(Disney+) andTrespasses(Channel 4) getting six each.Celebrity Traitorsreceives five.

Erin Doherty is a Bafta debutante, with first-ever nominations for her performances inA Thousand Blows(Leading Actress) andAdolescence, while Aimee Lou Wood is recognised forFilm Club(Leading Actress) andThe White Lotus(Supporting Actress).

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The BBC leads the way with a total of 73 nominations across the Television and Craft Awards, Netflix following with 29 and Channel 4 with 25.

The full nominations are below.

Actor in a Comedy

• Jim Howick, Here We Go – BBC One

• Jon Pointing, Big Boys– Channel 4

• Lenny Rush, Am I Being Unreasonable? – BBC One

• Mawaan Rizwan, Juice – BBC Three

• Oliver Savell, Changing Ends– ITV1

• Steve Coogan, How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge)– BBC One

Actress in a Comedy

• Diane Morgan, Mandy – BBC Two

• Jennifer Saunders, Amandaland– BBC One

• Katherine Parkinson, Here We Go – BBC One

• Lucy Punch, Amandaland – BBC One

• Philippa Dunne, Amandaland – BBC One

• Rosie Jones, Pushers – Channel 4

Children’s: Non-Scripted

• A Real Bug’s Life – Disney+

• Boosnoo! – Sky Kids

• Deadly 60 Saving Sharks – CBBC

• World.War.Me (Sky Kids Investigates) – Sky News

Children’s: Scripted

• Crongton – BBC iPlayer

• Horrible Science – BBC iPlayer

• Shaun the Sheep – CBBC

• The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball – Cartoon Network

Current Affairs

• Breaking Ranks: Inside Israel’s War (Exposure) – ITV1

• The Covid Contracts: Follow the Money – ITV1

• Gaza: Doctors Under Attack – Channel 4

• Undercover in the Police (Panorama) – BBC One

Daytime

• The Chase – ITV1

• Lorraine – ITV1

• Richard Osman’s House of Games – BBC Two

• Scam Interceptors – BBC One

Drama Series

• A Thousand Blows– Disney+

• Blue Lights – BBC One

• Code of Silence – ITV1

• This City Is Ours – BBC One

Entertainment

• The Graham Norton Show – BBC One

• Last One Laughing– Prime Video

• Michael McIntyre’s Big Show – BBC One

• Would I Lie to You? – BBC One

Entertainment Performance

• Amanda Holden, Alan Carr, Amanda & Alan’s Spanish Job – BBC One

• Bob Mortimer, Last One Laughing – Prime Video

• Claudia Winkleman, The Celebrity Traitors– BBC One

• Lee Mack, The 1% Club – ITV1

• Rob Beckett, Romesh, Ranganathan Rob & Romesh Vs… – Sky Max

• Romesh Ranganathan, Romesh: Can’t Knock the Hustle – Sky Max

Factual Entertainment

• The Assembly – ITV1

• Go Back to Where You Came From – Channel 4

• Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars – Apple TV

• Race Across the World– BBC One

Factual Series

• Bibaa & Nicole: Murder in the Park – Sky Documentaries

• Educating Yorkshire – Channel 4

• See No Evil – Channel 4

• The Undercover Police Scandal: Love and Lies Exposed– ITV1

International

• The Bear – Disney+

• The Diplomat – Netflix

• Pluribus – Apple TV

• Severance – Apple TV

• The Studio – Apple TV

• The White Lotus– Sky Atlantic

Leading Actor

• Colin Firth, Lockerbie: A Search for Truth– Sky Atlantic

• Ellis Howard, What It Feels Like for a Girl– BBC Three

• James Nelson-Joyce, This City Is Ours– BBC One

• Matt Smith,The Death of Bunny Munro– Sky Atlantic

• Stephen Graham, Adolescence– Netflix

• Taron Egerton, Smoke – Apple TV

Leading Actress

• Aimee Lou Wood, Film Club– BBC Three

• Erin Doherty, A Thousand Blows – Disney+

• Jodie Whittaker, Toxic Town– Netflix

• Narges Rashidi, Prisoner 951– BBC One

• Sheridan Smith, I Fought the Law– ITV1

• Siân Brooke, Blue Lights – BBC One

Limited Drama

• Adolescence – Netflix

• I Fought the Law – ITV1

• Trespasses– Channel 4

• What It Feels Like for a Girl – BBC Three

Live Event Coverage

• Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 – BBC One

• Last Night of the Proms: Finale – BBC One

• VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember – BBC One

News Coverage

• BBC Newsnight: Grooming Survivors Speak – BBC Two

• Channel 4 News: Israel-Iran: The Twelve Day War – Channel 4

• Sky News: Gaza: Fight for Survival – Sky News

Reality

• The Celebrity Traitors – BBC One

• The Jury: Murder Trial – Channel 4

• Squid Game: The Challenge– Netflix

• Virgin Island– Channel 4

Scripted Comedy

• Amandaland – BBC One

• Big Boys – Channel 4

• How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge) – BBC One

• Things You Should Have Done – BBC Three

Short Form

• Donkey – BBC Three

• Hustle and Run – Channel 4

• Rocket Fuel – BBC iPlayer

• Zoners – BBC Three

Single Documentary

• Grenfell: Uncovered – Netflix

• Louis Theroux: The Settlers – BBC Two

• One Day in Southport – Channel 4

• Unforgotten: The Bradford City Fire– BBC Two

Soap

• Casualty – BBC One

• Coronation Street – ITVX

• EastEnders – BBC One

Specialist Factual

• Belsen: What They Found – BBC Two

• Simon Schama: The Road to Auschwitz – BBC Two

• Surviving Black Hawk Down – Netflix

• Vietnam: The War That Changed America – Apple TV

Sports Coverage

• The 2025 Ryder Cup – Sky Sports Main Event

• The FA Cup Final – BBC One

• UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 – BBC One

• Wimbledon 2025 – BBC One

Supporting Actor

• Ashley Walters, Adolescence – Netflix

• Fehinti Balogun,Down Cemetery Road– Apple TV

• Joshua McGuire,The Gold– BBC One

• Owen Cooper, Adolescence – Netflix

• Paddy Considine, MobLand– Paramount+

• Rafael Mathé, The Death of Bunny Munro – Sky Atlantic

Supporting Actress

• Aimee Lou Wood, The White Lotus – Sky Atlantic

• Christine Tremarco, Adolescence – Netflix

• Chyna McQueen, Get Millie Black – Channel 4

• Emilia Jones, Task– Sky Atlantic

• Erin Doherty, Adolescence – Netflix

• Rose Ayling-Ellis, Reunion– BBC One

P&O Cruises Memorable Moment Award

• Adolescence, Jamie Snaps at the Psychologist – Netflix

• Big Boys, I didn’t make it, did I? – Channel 4

• Blue Lights, The police are warned of an ambush – BBC One

• The Celebrity Traitors, Alan Carr wins The Celebrity Traitors – BBC One

• Last One Laughing, Bob Mortimer and Richard Ayoade’s speed date – Prime Video

• What It Feels Like for a Girl, Byron leaves for Brighton and introduces herself as Paris – BBC Three

The Bafta 2026 Television Awards is on BBC One on Sunday 10 May

byAnio Baumeister

in

May 10, 2026

Adolescence dominates Bafta TV nominations ahead of ceremony

The Bafta 2026 Television Awards and TV Craft Award nominations have been announced;Netflix’sAdolescenceleading the field with 11 nomin...

Read More

Oklahoma governor vetoes OETA extension, putting public TV at risk

Oklahoma's statewide public broadcasting network — responsible for bringing "Sesame Street," "Antiques Roadshow" andKen Burns' documentariesto Sooner State viewers — is again at risk of gettingshut down by Gov. Kevin Stitt.

On Wednesday, May 6, Stitt vetoed OklahomaSenate Bill 1461, which would have extended the sunset date for theOklahoma Educational Television Authority, or OETA, from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2031.

"Though OETA’s programming might be worthwhile for the viewer, funding a television station is not a core function of state government," Stitt said in his veto message.

"I have beenconsistent in my positionthat public broadcasting should not depend on government subsidies."

In 2023, lawmakersvoted to overrideStitt's veto of House Bill 2820, which reauthorized Oklahoma'sPublic Broadcasting Servicemember station as a state entity for at least another three years.

Without the state Senate and House of Representative's overriding Stitt's veto of this session'sSB 1461— authored bySen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, andRep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus — OETA's legal mandate to operate as Oklahoma's public broadcaster could expire on July 1.

However, the House did unanimously override the governor's veto of House Bill 3320, which would extend the sunset date of several agencies, including OETA. Stitt vetoed that bill on May 5. The House voted to override that veto on Thursday, May 7.

In order to keep OETA from sunsetting this year, the Senate must also override Stitt's veto of House Bill 3320.

“Fornearly 70 years, OETAhas been a tremendous public-private partnership that serves all of Oklahoma,” saidOETA Executive Director Shawn Blackin a statement. “OETA’s state funding supports far more than television programming. It helps sustain the infrastructure that delivers emergency alerts and public safety communications to communities statewide, while also ensuring free access to educational and public service content for families, educators, and rural viewers across Oklahoma.”

In a statement, the board of trustees of the nonprofitFriends of OETAsaid they "respectfully call on the Senate and House to override that veto so that OETA may continue operating and fulfilling its public safety and services missions to the people of our state.”

The board also noted that the state Legislature gave its "bipartisan endorsement of OETA's mission through the strongly affirmative reauthorization votes cast."

State recently invested about $3 million in infrastructure upgrades for OETA

The state Legislature establishedOETA as its own agency in 1953, and in 1956, OETA began airing with one transmitting station, little money, limited broadcast hours and a small audience.

Nowadays, it is the eighth most-watched public TV station in the country, reaching more than 3 million households per year and providing in excess of 35,000 hours of noncommercial programming annually, according to an OETA fact sheet.

OETA programming is available to Oklahomans 24/7 via television, cable, streaming, online and app access.

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The dues-payingPBS member stationairs PBS series like"Antiques Roadshow,""Nature" and"Austin City Limits,"along with emergency alerts and local shows like"Outdoor Oklahoma,""OETA Movie Club,""Gallery America,""Back in Time" and"Oklahoma News Report."

Black said that the state recently invested about $3 million in critical infrastructure upgrades to OETA’s broadcast network, helping modernize and strengthen the system of four towers and 14 translators that deliver service across the state. Those upgrades are expected to sustain the network’s broadcast capabilities for the next 20 years and beyond.

Friends of OETA board of trustees called OETA "an integral part of the Sooner State’s public infrastructure on several key fronts:"

• It is the only broadcaster in Oklahoma that covers all 77 counties, with 18 antennas spread across the state, making it the sole statewide provider for emergency communications. Each year, an average of 230-plus alerts are transmitted by OETA, keeping the public informed about tornadoes, flash floods, ice storms, wildfire evacuations and missing, endangered or abducted children and adults.

• OETA bills itself as the "state’s biggest classroom," with 1 in 8 Oklahoma City households and 1 in 12 Tulsa households watching children's shows weekly on the network. OETA's educational children's programming gets more than 60 million streams a year, with 170,000-plus educators, parents and students using the authority's digital learning media annually.

• "OETA is a model successful private/public partnership. The (annual) state appropriation for OETA of less than $3 million unlocks over $7 million in private support — a substantial return on investment for the taxpayers," the Friends of OETA board added in its statement.

For the 2026 fiscal year, the state appropriated $2.95 million to OETA to fund employees' salaries, health insurance and retirement contributions, plus utilities, tower rental costs and other expenses.

With his veto, Stitt points to Trump's targeting of federal funding for PBS, NPR

With his 2023 veto,Stitt said he questionedOETA's value to the state and laterclaimed OETA "overly sexualizes" childrenand indoctrinates them. Asked for proof of the latter, he pointed to news programs that discussed transgender issues and scripted programming acknowledging the existence of LGBTQ people.

In his latest OETA veto message, Stitt pointed to President Donald Trump's May 1, 2025,executive orderaimed at ending federal funding for PBS andNational Public Radio.

Following the president's order, the Republican-led U.S. Congress last summer fulfilledTrump's requestto claw back$1.1 billionthat had been allocated for public broadcasting, eliminating a significant source of financial support for hundreds of public radio and TV stations across the country, including OETA.

"Those platforms have survived and continue to operate," Stitt said in his SB 1461 veto message. "President Trump has shown that ending guaranteed taxpayer subsidies for public broadcasting is not the crisis its defenders claim it to be. Oklahoma should follow his lead by letting viewers and advertisers fund OETA, not Oklahoma taxpayers."

But the Friends of the OETA board pointed out that "OETA, as an instrumentality of the State of Oklahoma, cannot operate without that reauthorization from the Legislature."

If a state entity's sunset legislation isn't adopted before the expiration date,Oklahoma lawallows it to operate for an additional year. At the end of that one-year period, "the entity and its personnel positions shall be abolished," with any leftover funds sent to the state's general revenue fund and assets transferred to the Oklahoma Management and Enterprise Services agency.

In a statement, Cherokee Nation Principal ChiefChuck Hoskin Jr.urged lawmakers to override Stitt's veto of SB 1461 "because the veto would effectively destroy public television in our state."

He added that OETA "has earned the support of state leaders over generations because it provides a valuable public service to all 4 million Oklahomans."

Contributing: Dale Denwalt,The Oklahoman

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman:Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt vetoes OETA extension, putting it at risk

byAnio Baumeister

in

May 09, 2026

Oklahoma governor vetoes OETA extension, putting public TV at risk

Oklahoma's statewide public broadcasting network — responsible for bringing "Sesame Street," "Antiques Roadshow...

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More seafood, custard and dining options open in metro Detroit

A host of new restaurants opened, including and several restaurants and custard spots reopened for the spring. Here's the list.

Balam Coffee and Wine

The siblings behind Ferndale’s Mezcal Mexican Bar and Grill expanded the family business on March 16 with the opening of Balam Coffee and Wine. Located three doors down from Mezcal, Balam sources its coffee from Mexico and South America, and has a rotating selection of red and white wines from Latin America. The menu offers hot and iced coffee, Mexican pastries and food.

207 E. 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale; 248-206-7280 orbalamcoffeeandwine

Chick-fil-A

TheChick-fil-A expansion in Michigancontinued with two new locations:one in Royal Oak– located on Woodward Avenue and 13 Mile Road – and the other inLincoln Parkat the intersection of Southfield Road and Dix Road. The Royal Oak location held its grand opening on March 26 and on April 2 for the Lincoln Park location. As part of the grand opening, both establishments donated $25,000 to local hunger relief charities.Chick-fil-A announced in 2024that it planned to open between 25 and 30 restaurants across the state by the end of 2028 and create more than 2,500 jobs.

30955 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak

2060 Southfield Road, Lincoln Park

More:From Caribou Coffee to Jolly Pumpkin, metro Detroit closures in April

Little Bella's Pizza and Wine

If you’re in the mood for brick-oven pizzas, charcutiers and cocktails, then Little Bella’s Pizza may be on your list of places to check out.

Located at 100 S. Main St., the newest establishment from restaurateur Adam Merkel opened its doors to the public in late March. The restaurant’s pizza menu offers classic pies, including pepperoni and margherita, along with garlic lovers, shrimp scampi and more.

Sean May is the mixologist and beverage director behind Little Bella’s drink menu. His cocktails include a trio of martinis and the lemon drop Italiano, along with a curated wine program.

100 Main St.;littlebellasroyaloak.com

Motz's Burgers

Motz’s Burgers opened a location in Southgate, its third in metro Detroit, with a soft opening March 14, serving its classic hamburger and cheeseburger sliders, plus chicken sandwiches, along with shoestring fries and onion rings as sides. Motz's hails from the former Mott's Hamburgers that opened its first location more than 90 years ago in southwest Detroit on Fort Street at the corner of Green. New owners took the Detroit location over in 1996, changing its name to Motz's. In 2023, Motz opened its second location in Redford on Plymouth Avenue.

8714 Eureka Road., Southgate; 734-288-0587 ormotzs.com

Patty and Press Smash Burger

Goran Dimic and Brandon Gorgies, owners of Naked Burger in Clinton Township, held a grand opening event of their second establishment together, Patty and Press Smash Burgers, on March 21 in Shelby Township.

The restaurant’s burgers are a signature blend from Fairway Packing Co. in Fraser and use beef tallow for all its fried side dishes. The Patty & Press Classic Smash meal includes a burger, hand-cut fries and a pop and costs $12.90.

52300 Van Dyke, Shelby Township;pattyandpress.com

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Rock and Brews

Founded by two members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Kiss,Rock and Brews held a grand opening event on April 9in Royal Oak. Co-founder and Kiss band member Gene Simmons was in attendance for the festivities.

The Royal Oak location is the 20thfranchise in the national chain, which began 14 years ago. It is also the biggest street-side location to date, located inside a 12,000-square-foot, three-level establishment.

Rock and Brews pays homage to some of Detroit’s greats in the form of artwork and installations, including Bob Seger, the White Stripes, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin and Eminem. The menu features American comfort food such as burgers, chicken wings, tacos and salads.

208 W. Fifth St., Royal Oak;rockandbrews.com

Smith & Williams

Popular social media influencer Starex Smith, well known as The Hungry Black Man on his Facebook page, is planning a May 1 grand opening of his new Detroit restaurant, Smith & Williams. Smith, who hails from Miami, and business partner Deavante Williams opened the restaurant Easter weekend at 1428 Gratiot Ave. in the Eastern Market area. Menu highlights include roasted turkey wings on top of cornbread dressing, oxtail lasagna and colossal braised oxtails. These items, all made from scratch, involve days of prep work. Hours are 4-8 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday for happy hour. Dinner hours are 5-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 5-9 p.m. Sunday. Brunch service is noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Call or text 567-970-9059 for reservations.

1428 Gratiot, Detroit.

Restaurant reopenings in metro Detroit

Along with new restaurants there are a host of spots that opened for the spring.

Downtown Street Eats

For those in downtown Detroit, spring signals the return of the Downtown Street Eats food truck season at Cadillac Square. Now in its 14thyear, 80 food trucks and carts are ready to serve more than 2,500 people every weekday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Downtown Street Eats season runs through mid-October. For information and lineup of this season's food trucks, go todowntowndetroit.org.

Cadillac Square, east of Campus Martius, in downtown Detroit

Bob Jo's Frozen Custard

Warm weather and ice cream are synonymous with one another. Bob Jo’s Frozen Custard in Wyandotte reopened on April 10 for its 79thyear and is open daily from noon to 10 p.m. Find current flavors onBob Jo's Frozen Custard Facebook page.

4071 Fort St., Wyandotte.

Gino's Surf

This lakefront restaurant, bar and entertainment spot is now open for the season in Harrison Township under new management, according to its Facebook page. Located on Jefferson Avenue with views of Lake St. Clair, Gino's Surf boasts a new chef and a new menu, plus live bands.

37400 Jefferson Ave., Harrison Township; 586-999-9201 orginossurfmi.com

Mike's on the Water

Located on the Nautical Mile in St. Clair Shores, Mike’s on the Water is now open. Now in its 16thseason,, Mike’s menu offers various seafood dishes, including weekly specials on swordfish, catfish, sockeye salmon, cod and tilapia. The establishment is also known for its lobster rolls, which have served more than 117,000 to date, according to its website.

24530 Jefferson, St. Clair Shores. 586-872-2630 ormikesonthewater.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press:Metro Detroit gets seafood spots, custard shops, new dining options

byAnio Baumeister

in

May 09, 2026

More seafood, custard and dining options open in metro Detroit

A host of new restaurants opened, including and several restaurants and custard spots reopened for the spring. Here's the list. ...

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