Featured
National Civics Bee + New Local Ventures. The Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce will host the 2026 National Civics Bee North Florida for middle schoolers, promoting informed and engaged future citizens. On a fun note, teachers at Buck Lake Elementary joined the 6-7 craze. Curious about what’s new in town? Several local restaurants have opened—or are coming soon—proving Tallahassee’s food scene keeps growing and evolving. To top it off, we’re kicking off the month with a tasty spotlight: Roboto Tokyo Grill, our Featured Business of the Month! ✨
Quick Summary
For our motivational Monday + 524th issue, here’s what we’ve got:
Contest: 2026 National Civics Bee North Florida
Local: New Businesses Incoming
Featured: Roboto Tokyo Grill | About the CAO
Networking + Business Events
CONTEST
NORTH FL | CIVICS BEE
Image Source: Tallahassee Reports
💡 Greater Tallahassee Chamber to Host 2026 National Civics Bee for North Florida. | The Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host the 2026 National Civics Bee North Florida for middle school students on April 29, 2026, at Turner Auditorium at Tallahassee State College.
The nonpartisan competition invites 6th–8th graders in Florida to showcase their civics knowledge for recognition and cash prizes. The deadline to apply is February 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM (Hawaii Standard Time). | Apply
Regional finalists will advance to the state competition at FSU, with state winners moving on to the national championship in Washington, D.C.
The Chamber supports the event as a way to foster informed, engaged future citizens. For sponsorships, contact Dana Noles ([email protected]). For general questions, contact Corrie Melton ([email protected]).
LOCAL
NBOTB
Image Sources: Cook Out, Smalls Sliders, 1876 Bar & Grille, & Barrio Burrito Bar
🤩 New Business On the Block
🍔 Smalls Sliders has officially opened in Tallahassee on November 13! Founded by Brandon Landry, it serves fresh, high-quality cheeseburger sliders, seasoned waffle fries, and delicious shakes. Experience sliders on a whole new level. | 📍 2014 W. Pensacola St.
🌭 Cook Out held a soft opening on November 11 and is now fully open. It offers a full menu of burgers, BBQ, hot dogs, and shakes. | 📍 1942 N. Monroe St. (in the former Hardee's building)
🌯 Barrio Burrito Bar, a Tex-Mex chain, is set to open very soon in Tallahassee. The fast-casual spot will offer build-your-own burritos, tacos, and bowls, adding another Mexican dining option to the city. | 📍 1670 W. Tennessee St.
🍸 1876 Bar & Grille celebrated its grand opening on November 13 with crafted cocktails, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and conversations by the fire pit. Located in the Alluxsuites at 1876 Hotel, it offers a relaxed dining experience with an outdoor patio, firepits, and a menu featuring burgers, steaks, seafood, and pasta. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant welcomes both hotel guests and the local community. | 📍 1876 Capital Circle
FEATURED
Image Source: Roboto Tokyo Grill
Roboto Tokyo Grill | About
Roboto Tokyo Grill is an Asian-fusion Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) with 4 locations in Tallahassee, offering a fast and fresh dining experience for lunch, dinner, and takeout. The menu blends Japanese Hibachi, Korean BBQ, pan-Asian favorites, and appetizers.
Phuong Truong, Chief Administrative Officer at Roboto Tokyo Grill, manages daily operations across all locations—overseeing team coordination, operational logistics, and quality control to ensure bold flavors and great customer experiences.
Fun Fact: Phuong was featured on CityClips episode 88 where she shared tips for restaurant owners on improving efficiency, upgrading payroll systems, and leveraging technology to better manage operations.
😍 Craving fresh, flavorful meals fast? Roboto Tokyo Grill has you covered! Lunch, dinner, or takeout—stop by any of their 4 Tallahassee locations and dig in today!
EVENTS
NETWORKING + BUSINESS
Image Source: Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday, Dec. 2
Holiday Coffee & Commerce by Capital City Chamber | Tuesday, Dec. 2 | 7:45 AM | Earley's Kitchen, 1458 S. Monroe St. | Free Learn More
Don’t forget to bring an unwrapped toy to support local children in need this holiday season.
Featured Event: Professional Women's Forum by the Chamber of Commerce | Tuesday, Dec. 2 | 11:30 AM | Dunlap Champions Club, 225 Champions Way, UCB, Doak Campbell Stadium | Register
Individual Registration: $45 for Members, $55 for Non-Members
Corporate Table Registration (Reserved Seating for 8 with Logo): $375 for Members, $475 for Non-Members
Wednesday, Dec. 3
Holiday Potluck at Domi Station | Wednesday, Dec. 3 | 6 PM | Domi Station, 914 Railroad Ave. | Free
Thursday, Dec. 4
📎NEBA Christmas Party | Thursday, Dec. 4 | 5:30 PM | Hotel Duval Ballroom, 415 N. Monroe St. | Register
Friday, Dec. 5
Florida’s Rural Business Resource Tour: Gadsden by Florida SBDC | Friday, Dec. 5 | 3 PM | Gadsden Center - TSC, 223 Pat Thomas Pkwy | Free Register
Tuesday, Dec. 9
Challenger Learning Center’s Annual Awards Night | Tuesday, Dec. 9 | 6 PM | 200 S. Duval St. | $50 Tickets (The event will include food and drinks, and festive casual attire is recommended.)
Beyond the Basics - Taking Flight with DISC by the Chamber of Commerce | Tuesday, Dec. 9 | 8 AM | Courtyard by Marriott North, 1972 Raymond Diehl Rd. | $0 for Members, $15 for Non-Members Register
Future Ready Tallahassee Webinar Series: AI | The Ultimate Marketing & Brand Assistant by TSC and the Chamber of Commerce | Tuesday, Dec. 9 | 11 AM | Free Register
The Economic Club Annual Meeting and Reception | Tuesday, Dec. 9 | 5:30 PM | First Franklin Financial, 2100 Fleischmann Rd. | Register
Thursday, Jan. 15
2026 Chamber Annual Breakfast Meeting by the Chamber of Commerce | Thursday, Jan. 15 | 8 AM | Donald L. Tucker Civic Center | Register
Individual Registration: $60 for Members, $75 for Non-Members
Corporate Table Registration (Reserved Seating for 8 with Logo): $775
Wednesday, Jan. 21
Florida Small Business Day at the Capitol by the Florida SBDC | Wednesday, Jan. 21 | Capitol Courtyard | Become a Vendor
Thursday, Jan. 22
PS27 Entrepreneurship Awards | Thursday, Jan. 22 | 5 PM | St. John Event Center, 12760 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville | From $175 Tickets
📎= Team CityClips will be attending this event
NEXT WEEK
Image Source: JH Creative
There will be no livestream this week, but you can still catch our latest episodes on YouTube, powered by JH Creative. Next week, we will be joined by Mike Campbell, Chief Business and Industry Liaison at FSU. Got questions? We would love to hear from you!
- Team CityClips ([email protected])
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