Last week's opening of the new Sobelman's in Waukesha and the new Panera in the Shoppes at Fox River in mid-December is another step in a mini-dining boom in the city.

"It means we're growing and that's a positive for the residents, it's a positive tax payers." said Alderman Aaron Perry. "It makes us a draw for the surrounding area as far as dining is concerned."

Perry listed 15 restaurants that have either opened, expanded or relocated in Waukesha in the last 18 months or so.

• Meli
• Clarke
• Tofte's
• Panera
• Sobelman's
• Daylee Public House
• Mainstream
• Cafe de Arts
• Roots
• 225 South
• The Crest
• The Spot
• Mad Rooster
• Mama D's
• Papa Murphys

There have been some restaurant closures as well.

"That's part of the restaurant business." Alderman Perry said. "Every city, regardless of size sees ones that open and ones that close. Fortunately, the ones that have closed have had new owners."