Winning Lottery Ticket + New Restaurants + Benihana To Open 10 More Bay Area Locations: Saturday Smiles

The first weekend of the year is a great time to get caught up on some of the lighter news you may have missed during the hectic holiday season. Read on to learn about the new restaurants coming to the Bay Area this year and check your Mega Millions ticket to see if you are a winner.

Winning Mega Millions Ticket Sold In East Bay. Are You Holding The Ticket?

• A winning East Bay ticket is ready to claim, but without a jackpot winner Friday’s Mega Millions prize jumps to $157 million.

Walnut Creek Police Chief Readies End Of 30-Year Career

• Walnut Creek police chief readies himself for his last day at the department's helm.

San Ramon Teens Donate Over 50 Pounds Of Candy To Children In Need

• Teens from local nonprofit Busy Buzzy Bots collected over 50 pounds of candy, which was donated at a community event for people in need.

Dublin Spelling Bee Champion Offers Spelling Bee Coaching

• DHS student Kopal Tare, winner of the Alameda County Spelling Bee, is offering coaching to elementary and middle school students.

Benihana Plans To Open 10 New Bay Area Locations

• At least two of the planned locations are expected to open next year.

These 7 Restaurants Are Coming To The Bay Area In 2026: Report

• From Oakland to San Francisco, these restaurants are ready to take on the Bay Area's food scene next year, according to a report by Eater.

Teriyaki Madness Opens Near Livermore Outlets

• The new Asian fast casual restaurant serves customizable teriyaki bowls.

Lines, Laminated Dough, and a Mochicro: The French Spot Has Concord Hooked

• From mochicro to kouign amann, The French Spot is redefining the Concord morning.

Let us know if you have an idea for a nice news story in your town. Email your story tips to autumn.johnson@patch.com.