Shun Thomas and Colleen Aguilar-Epstein have filed to run for Plano City Council Place 7 following the close of the filing period Dec. 1, according to City Secretary Lisa McAlister. The council seat will be filled through a special election scheduled for Jan. 31.

What you need to know: The seat opened after Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Julie Holmer announced she would resign to run for Collin County Commissioners Court Precinct 4 in the 2026 election. The winning candidate will serve the remainder of Holmer’s term, which expires in May 2027.

Looking ahead: Early voting starts Jan. 14 and will run through Jan. 27. The last day to register to vote in the election is Dec. 31.

A new sports bar and grill is open in Plano.

What you need to know: Big Mike’s Bar and Grill, owned by Michael and Jennie Cancelmi, opened in late November. The menu features American pub fare with a western New York twist, drawing on the pair’s roots in the region. Michael Cancelmi said they will offer their take on “garbage plates,” a dish native to Rochester, New York, by blending his favorite elements from several Rochester classics to create a unique version.

• 3200 Alma Drive, Plano

Khashoka Middle Eastern Cuisine opened in Richarson in November, serving up recipes from Jordan and the Middle East.

The details: The menu includes Jordanian mansaf, a rice and lamb dish considered the national dish of Jordan, other traditional dishes like fatteh and kofta, as well as hummuses and dips, salads and skillets.

• Opened November

Check out 9 business updates in south Frisco.

Now open
Pizza O' Pizza
The restaurant serves classic pizzas such as Margherita, vegetarian, four cheese and pepperoni. Its menu also features fusion pizza including tandoori, tikka, butter chicken, palak corn and more, according to its website. Other menu items include jalapeno poppers, fettuccine alfredo, wings, chicken tenders and various boba teas. 

Coming soon 
Black Sheep Coffee
The coffee company, which was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in London, serves hot and iced coffee, Red Bull infused drinks, matcha lattes, matcha lemonades, frappes and more, according to the company website.