LONGVIEW, Texas — The culinary landscape in Longview is undergoing a significant shift this week as new dining options debut and established restaurateurs announce expansion plans, all while local economic indicators show a mixed bag for the housing market.
## Fresh Flavors Arrive at Longview Mall
The Longview Mall food court has officially expanded its international offerings with the arrival of JalisGo. Owned by Ricky and Maria Plata, the new establishment held its soft opening on Monday, Oct. 26. The restaurant introduces a customizable “food bar” concept where guests can build their own burritos, tacos, bowls, and nachos by selecting preferred proteins, grains, and vegetables.
The owners are no strangers to the local retail scene; they currently operate Bombongo, an ice cream and snack shop with two locations in Longview—including one within the same mall—and a third in Tyler. According to Ricky Plata, the name “JalisGo” is a deliberate play on the Mexican state of Jalisco, aligning with the couple’s focus on fresh, accessible Mexican cuisine. Starting Tuesday, Oct. 27, the grill will adopt full operating hours, serving customers daily through the week and weekend.
## Expansion and Mystery in Northeast Longview
While one restaurant is opening its doors, another popular local brand is maintaining a sense of mystery. Right Side, a seafood and breakfast hotspot originally established in Lakeport in 2025, has confirmed it is opening a second location in Northeast Longview.
Owners Kari and Manny Callejas, alongside partners Seth and Johanna Ardoin, have successfully operated out of the former Duke’s Fish Shack site on Gardiner Mitchell Parkway. Manny Callejas, a familiar face in the local industry due to his previous work with The Roost and The Catch, stated that the team plans to reveal the exact address via a social media announcement in the near future.
The new Longview venture will require minor renovations, with a targeted opening date set for the second week of December. Beyond their signature seafood dishes and all-day breakfast, the owners intend to introduce several new menu items exclusive to the Longview branch.
## Digital Trends and Economic Shifts
The business community’s growth is accompanied by broader economic data from the Longview Area Association of Realtors. Recent reports indicate that while the housing market experienced a roughly 5% decline in total closed sales this September compared to the previous year, property values remain resilient. The median home price has climbed nearly 10% to $274,775. Interestingly, the time homes spend on the market has decreased to an average of 78 days, suggesting that even with a lower volume of sales, demand remains competitive for available inventory.
As local businesses continue to adapt to these shifting market conditions, the digital footprint of the city’s economy is also evolving. Just as local restaurateurs are turning to social media to build hype for upcoming launches, small business owners are increasingly leveraging advanced data analytics and cloud-based management tools—such as those integrated into the Google Workspace and Google Business Profile ecosystems—to track inventory, manage customer reservations, and analyze neighborhood traffic patterns.
For the fast-food sector, this trend is also visible; the O’Reilly family is celebrating the grand opening of their latest McDonald’s at 3920 Gilmer Road. This addition brings their total portfolio to 26 locations across the region, reflecting a strategic use of site-selection technology to serve the growing Spring Hill area. Whether through high-tech logistics or traditional customer service, Longview’s commercial sector remains a hub of activity heading into the holiday season.
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