Pinellia to Open Wednesday in South Bend

The new vegan Asian fusion restaurant will debut in the historic Emporium building along the St. Joseph River.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Openings & Closings

A renovated historic brick building with a modern wooden riverfront deck, overlooking the St. Joseph River in South Bend. — Pinellia, a new vegan Asian fusion restaurant, is set to open Wednesday inside the historic Emporium building in downtown South Bend. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Pinellia, a new 100% vegan Asian fusion restaurant, is scheduled to hold its grand opening in South Bend on October 28, 2026. The eatery will operate out of the renovated Emporium building, which overlooks the St. Joseph River.

Why it matters

The restaurant is expected to diversify downtown dining options and encourage increased foot traffic in the area. By offering plant-based menu alternatives, the owners aim to provide new healthy dining choices to the local community.

Pinellia features a 100% vegan menu that utilizes soy-based substitutes for various proteins like chicken, beef, pork, and shrimp. The opening follows 15 years of continuous downtown development work in the city.

The players

Ping Li

Ping Li is the owner of Pinellia and is leading the effort to bring plant-based dining options to the downtown area.

David Matthews

David Matthews is the owner of the Emporium building and has overseen the renovation of the historic space.

The details

Diners will access the restaurant through a new riverfront patio connected to the city's expanding Riverwalk path. The space replaces the former restaurant in the Emporium building that closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The restaurant will hold its grand opening on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
The previous Emporium restaurant closed during the 2020-2021 pandemic period.
Development of the East Bank neighborhood began in 2011.

Market Landscape

The arrival of Pinellia follows the trajectory set by the city's long-term East Bank neighborhood development plan. This move capitalizes on ongoing revitalization efforts to transform the riverfront into a major hub for retail and hospitality activity.

Local residents will gain access to a new 100% vegan dining option situated directly along the St. Joseph River. Patrons can utilize the new riverfront patio to access the restaurant once the city finalizes the connecting Riverwalk path.

The takeaway

The opening of Pinellia signals a continued push to revitalize the riverfront area through diverse business investment. Residents looking for plant-based alternatives will now have a dedicated venue in the historic downtown core.