As the local dining scene continues to evolve in the Sunshine State, we are inevitably thrilled to say hello to new restaurants and disheartened to say goodbye to old favorites.

Throughout the month, while some restaurants closed their doors, others serving new and unique offerings from deep-fried favorites and sauce-smothered bites to sweet treats and so much more have opened here in the Daytona Beach area, keeping our stomachs full, spirits high and community thriving.

While we sadly say our goodbyes to some, we also welcome a plethora of quickly growing, go-to spots. So, if you’re looking to stop in somewhere new for breakfast, lunch or dinner, check out the latest restaurants and cafés that have opened in Volusia-Flagler during the month of February.

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Volusia-Flagler restaurants that opened in February

Cavatelli Pasta Kitchen

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Cavatelli Pasta Kitchen opened its doors at the start of February in Ormond Beach and puts a refreshing fast-casual spin on classic Italian American cuisine. The eatery’s casual counter service and carefully curated menu invites customers to indulge in a range of house-made pasta plates made from 100% Italian imported semolina flour, like the cavatelli pasta — perfectly cooked al dente with a good chew, layered with a rich and hearty beef Bolognese sauce (my choice) and Italian sausage — among other homemade sauce and pasta combos. The restaurant also offers an assortment of paninis, salads and desserts including cheesecake, gelato and the crowd-pleasing Chocolate Earthquake Cake.

Cavatelli Pasta Kitchen is located at 175 S. Nova Road, Suite 1, in Ormond Beach and is open 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday – Saturday. For information, call 386-236-9164 or visit cavatellipastakitchen.com.

Far East Fusion

Far East Fusion celebrated its grand opening during its ribbon-cutting ceremony last month. The Palm Coast restaurant, quickly growing in popularity for its scratch-made selections, captivates customers with a generous menu of authentic Southeast Asian cuisine. The eatery offers takeout and delivery and showcases an assorted menu ranging from the egg, bean sprouts and green onion-layered pat Thai; to the Pho Vietnamese noodle soup; chive dumplings; fried rice; and a plethora of curry dishes.

Far East Fusion is located at 1030 Palm Coast Parkway NW, Suite 4, in Palm Coast and is open 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday - Saturday and 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday with plans to close on Sundays, beginning March 17. For information, call 386-264-6028 or visit Facebook.com.

HT’s Sand Bar and Bistro

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HT’s Sand Bar and Bistro opened for business last month in Ponce Inlet, inviting guests to satisfy their morning cravings with a variety of indulgent, gourmet breakfast and lunch selections and soothing waterfront views. The new pet-friendly brunch spot is home to a plethora of morning-beverage favorites, including espressos, lattes and cappuccinos, as well as grab-and-go goodies like Danishes, muffins and more, while its day-to-day menu includes homemade, sweet and savory stuffed waffles, breakfast sandwiches, flatbreads, soups and salads, among other items.

HT’s Bistro & Sand Bar is located at 4950 S. Peninsula Drive in Ponce Inlet and is open 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Wednesday – Sunday and closed Monday and Tuesday. For information, call 386-767-7676 or visit hiddentreasurerestaurants.com.

Bartlett’s Restaurant

Bartlett’s Restaurant re-opened its doors in February following several months of renovations. After temporarily closing over the summer, the eatery noted in a Facebook post, “please be patient with us as we work diligently to bring you everything you've asked for!! Covered seating — indoor dining — delicious meals — a venue to the Hammock has been needing and wanting.” The “fine dining with a Southern flair” eatery features a diverse menu, with options including the baked brie; tuna tartare; double-cut pork chop; roasted Chilean sea bass; and southern fruit cobbler.

Bartlett's Restaurant is located at 5368 N. Ocean Shore Blvd. in Palm Coast and is open 4 - 9 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday and closed Sunday - Monday. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling, messaging or emailing the restaurant. For information, call 904-439-6759 or visit facebook.com/bartlettsFL.

Mongoose

Mongoose Restaurant opened its doors in downtown DeLand several weeks ago. The charming new West Howry Avenue eatery offers a creative menu of Asian-inspired street food dishes, praised for their tasteful presentation, reasonable pricing and authentic flavors. Several menu items posted to the eatery’s Facebook page have included the sesame lemongrass Asada tacos with Thai chili salsa verde; the classic Dan Dan noodles with pork, spinach, mushrooms, peanuts and cilantro; and the house eggroll with cabbage, mushroom and kimchi yogurt dipping sauce.

Mongoose Restaurant is located at 208 W. Howry Ave. in DeLand and is open 3 - 10 p.m. Thursday - Monday and closed Tuesday - Wednesday. For information, call 386-873-2128 or visit Facebook.com.

Tijuana Flats

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Tijuana Flats opened the doors to its first Palm Coast restaurant last month, a long-awaited opening that had been in the works for over a year. The popular Tex-Mex chain, with more than 130 locations nationwide, promises the use of fresh ingredients, scratch-made-daily queso, guacamole and salsa, as well as made-to-order meals for those dining in or taking it to-go. The restaurant’s menu ranges from classic entrees like the double-stack cheesy tacos, the chimichanga and quesadillas to Flats’ favorites like the garlic lime shrimp bowl and Smokin’ Chipotle chicken burrito.

Tijuana Flats is located at 5890 State Road E. in Palm Coast and is open 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday - Saturday and 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday. For information, call 386-263-3580 or visit tijuanaflats.com.

Bagel Barn Café and Deli

Bagel Barn Café and Deli opened its second location in New Smyrna Beach last month. In alignment with its original Edgewater location, the anticipated new beachside shop features fresh, in-house baked bagels and an assortment of breakfast and lunch offerings, including 12-inch subs priced at $14.99; specialty sandwiches and hoagies — like the grilled Reuben and three-cheese grilled cheese; fresh salads from $8.99; burgers beginning at $10.99; and pancake or French toast breakfast platters. Beer and wine is currently only available at the Edgewater location. Bagel Barn Café and Deli offers catering services with 48 hours advanced notice, as well as takeout and delivery.

Bagel Barn Café and Deli is located at 636 E. 3rd Ave., Unit 9, in New Smyrna Beach and is open 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday - Saturday and 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday. For information, call 386-284-2995 or visit bagelbarncafedeli.com.

Volusia-Flagler restaurants that closed in February

Flapjack Johnny’s

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Flapjack Johnny’s, a beloved local breakfast joint known for its eggs and bacon, corn beef hash and other homemade, Southern staples, closed the doors to its last Volusia County location earlier last month after six years in business. While staff from Orlando’s Flapjack Johnny’s restaurant confirmed the closure over the phone, the same location declined to comment further.

The Ormond restaurant was located at 165 N. Yonge St. and first opened its doors in March 2018, following the opening of Port Orange’s South Williamson Boulevard Flapjack Johnny’s location — one that also later closed after its 2017 opening.

The Chicken Pantry

In a recent email to The News-Journal, we received word that The Chicken Pantry at 602 E. Moody Blvd. in Bunnell has temporarily closed. A photo of a note taped to the eatery's doors was provided, stating "We are in the early stages of reopening under new management. We will do our best to keep everyone updated! Hope to see everyone soon."

The News-Journal was met with a message stating, "I'm sorry, your call did not go through" after several attempts to call the restaurant during business hours.

Did we miss any? Email [email protected] to be added to the list.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: 2 Daytona-area restaurants close 7 new open in Volusia, Flagler