TRIANGLE FOOD BLOG

Featured Restaurant News

• And then there were two. The second location of Raleigh favorite, Benchwarmers Bagels, is now open at 1015 S. Saunders Street — a stone’s throw from Dix Park and just off the Rocky Branch Greenway trail. The beloved local eatery known for its artisanal bagels and wood-fired pizzas has been a staple in Raleigh’s food scene since it opened its original location inside downtown Raleigh’s Transfer Co. Food Hall. This is the latest endeavor from the team behind Boulted Bread, Jubala Coffee (which is close to opening a downtown Raleigh location), and Bright Spot Donuts. We can also look forward to a third location of Benchwarmers coming to North Hills in 2026. Keep up with them on Instagram here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• This week saw the debut of the first North Carolina location of Guthrie’s Chicken which started in Auburn, Alabama in 1965. Laying claim to being the pioneer of chicken fingers, they now have a location at 2907 Wake Forest Road (across from Wegman’s). Apparently they feature a “Gut Box” which is a popular combo meal that includes chicken fingers, fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, and sauce. Get to know them here.

• Raleigh Magazine reported this week that Lewis Barbecue, with locations in Charleston, Greenville and soon-to-open Atlanta, will soon open its first NC location at Salvage Yard at Raleigh Iron Works. The Texas-style restaurant’s Charleston location just won a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its award-winning slow-cooked meats, brisket, and classic Southern sides. The space will feature a 1,625-square-foot exterior smokehouse. No word yet on an open date. Start getting familiar with them here.

• Some exciting changes coming out of one of downtown Raleigh’s hottest restaurants – Figulina. Chef David Ellis shared this week that they are adding Monday night dinner service beginning next week (November 1), which means the restaurant will be open seven days a week. Ellis was the former chef de cuisine at Poole’s Diner before opening Figulina in Raleigh’s Warehouse District in 2024. Since then, Figulina was ranked #94 on The Resy 100 billed as “Restaurants Around the Country that Define Dining Today.”; Eater Carolinas named Figulina as one of “18 Essential Restaurants in Raleigh; and chef Ellis was named one of six most influential chefs shaping Raleigh’s dining scene by Eric Barton with The Adventurist. The Italian-inspired pasta-centric restaurant leans into Southern ingredients and has a new fall menu which you can check out here. Visit Figulina here.

• We first told you about this in February of this year, but learned this week that Sixty Vines, a vineyard-inspired restaurant with locations throughout the South, will open next month at 4000 Center at North Hills in a 2-story space. It will be located in One North Hills in the Main District, in the space Limani Grille originally planned to occupy, near RH Gallery and its rooftop restaurant. They will serve brunch, lunch and dinner and feature an extensive selection of wine on tap. Its food menu includes charcuterie boards, appetizers, salads, pizza, pasta, main entrees, sandwiches and more. The space will feature outdoor patios on both the first and second floors, as well as a bar on each floor with operable windows to create indoor or outdoor bar areas. In addition to a location in Charlotte, the concept has 13 locations in Texas, Florida, Washington, D.C., Tennessee and Virginia. Get to know them here.  

• On Saturday, November 8, Little Caesars will celebrate the grand opening of its newest restaurant in Raleigh, located at 6109 Rock Quarry Road. Starting at 10 a.m., the first 100 guests in line will receive free pizza for a year. Then from 10 to 1, guests can enjoy a variety of entertainment and activities, including giveaways from the prize wheel, a balloon twister, photo opportunities with their mascot, live music from an onsite DJ, and more. Ribbon cutting is at 12 noon. Visit Little Caesars here.

• Up in Wake Forest, reader Katie Page shared that two locations of Char-Grill have recently opened:
   145 Crenshaw Corners Dr, Wake Forest (this one has a drive-thru) and 13600 Capital Blvd, Wake Forest. Pro tip: Show your teacher ID and receive 10% off your order. Visit Char-Grill here.

• And more news out of Wake Forest, saw on the Wake Forest Real Community Information page on Facebook, a new coffee house called Summer Moon Coffee has opened their second Wake Forest location at 3600 Rogers Branch Road in the Wheatfield Shopping Plaza out in front of Cape Fear Seafood. They are known for unique Oak Roasted Coffee and signature sweet cream Moon Milk. Check them out here.

• And over in Morrisville, Page also notified us that Shawarma Stop has opened at 10966 Chapel Hill Road. Apparently they have been open since this summer. They are a fast casual concept serving up Mediterranean, Halal, and Middle Eastern cuisine. Check them out here.

• And we will close out this section with a tip of the hat to restaurants throughout the Triangle that this week received Michelin honors. Michelin Travel Guides are expert-curated, food-focused travel guides that highlight the best restaurants, hotels and attractions. WRAL has a complete recap of all those that received this extremely distinguished honor. Check it out here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• In Chapel Hill, sweetgreen restaurant (stylized in lowercase) at 122 East Franklin Street is holding a soft opening for downtown customers on Friday, November 14th and Saturday, November 15th prior to their grand opening on Tuesday, November 18th. During their soft opening the popular salad and health bowl chain is offering a complimentary meal to visitors. sweetgreen is a fast-casual chain restaurant based out of Los Angeles with dozens of locations across the country including one in Raleigh. They have taken over the space formerly occupied by Benny Capella’s which closed in December, 2021. Visit sweet greens here.

• And more good news out of the West end of Franklin Street. This week the beautiful and talented Lori Bowers-Lennard and I dined for the first time at Franklin Street’s newest addition – Rams Corner (at 431 West Franklin Street). Just to clear the air, the concept benefitted from the furniture and upgrades from the previous tenant – Ay Por Dios! – but is not at all affiliated with the prior leadership team. We had a lovely evening and a fantastic meal and drinks. With a diverse menu, flavorful cocktails and large TVs everywhere (a great place to catch a game), the space is energetic and vibrant. Pay them a visit, you won’t be disappointed.

• Drift Coffee & Kitchen will open a location in the Horseshoe at Hub RTP on November 11th. Drift will bring its premium coffee beverages along with a curated selection of breakfast and lunch items. They first opened in Ocean Isle Beach in 2016, and now have added ten more locations in Wilmington, Hamstead, Carolina Beach, Raleigh (soon to be two locations) and Chapel Hill. Visit Drift here.

• Lutra Cafe and Bakery, the popular bakery opening at Durham’s American Tobacco Campus early next year, is marking its last four pop-up Sunday brunches at Cheeni in Durham with a “Brunch with Friends” series, began November 2nd. The series features four Durham chefs who will put their spin on the breakfast sandwich on Lutra’s brunch menu. Lutra got its start last year by selling sweet and savory buns at farmers’ markets and more than 130 pop-up events across the Triangle. Chef-owner Chris McLaurin often worked with local chefs and business owners to create special bun flavors for the pop-ups. Here is the remaining lineup: Nov. 9: Chef Joel Schroeter (Lakewood Social); Nov. 16: Chef Carrie Schleiffer (Alley Twenty Six); and Nov. 23: Preeti Waas (Cheeni). Lutra’s Sunday brunch is offered from 8-11 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis at Cheeni (202 Corcoran St. Suite 100, Durham); guests can also order online for takeout through their website here.

Closings

• Life-long friend Kenan Barnes was the first to share with me that after a fifteen-year run, Chow on Creedmoor Road has closed.

• Katie Page shared the news that CowBar Burgers & Fries at North Hills has closed. They still have a location in downtown Raleigh’s Morgan Street Food Hall.

Food Trucks

• Looking to find your favorite food truck (or stalking them and simply don’t want to have to admit it)? We understand. Find them on Street Food Finder here.

Events

• The tenth-annual WRAL Voters’ Choice Awards are back! Nominate your local favorites in over 100 categories Oct. 16 – Nov 15. Then come back to vote on the top 5 finalists in each category Nov. 16 through Dec. 15. Winners will be announced in January 2026. Get your nominations in here.

• Boatman Spirits Co. is hosting a Water for Life dinner at 5 p.m. next Tuesday, November 11th. This is a four-course dinner with Locals Seafood and four paired hard-to-find bourbon cocktails. Chefs David Mitchell of Longleaf Swine and Eric Montagne of Locals Seafood and Mala Pata are cooking. Tickets are $120-$130. Make your reservations soon!

• Carolina Brewery is thrilled to announce its Eighth Annual Oyster Roast on Saturday, November 15th from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Pittsboro location of Carolina Brewery. The annual event will once again benefit the North Carolina Coastal Federation and Outer Banks Forever. Admission is free, and freshly steamed or raw oysters will be available for purchase by the half-dozen or dozen. The oysters, sourced from North Carolina’s own Ghost Fleet Oyster Co., will be served by the oyster farmers themselves, offering a true farm-to-table experience. Get details here.

• The Durham is hosting a Sunday Supper from 4:30-8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16. The family-friendly event will feature Karaage Fried Chicken with Kewpie mayo, ponzu, and a hint of spice; Miso Soup; Sunomono Cucumber Salad; Miso Ginger Roasted Wild Mushrooms; Murasaki Sweet Potato Salad and house pickled seasonal vegetables. The price is $35 for adults and $15 for children under 12. Reservations are recommended. The Durham is located at 315 E. Chapel Hill St., Durham. Details here.

• Raleigh’s Figulina is hosting a traditional Italian Piedmont feast of Bagna Càuda on the weekends before and after Thanksgiving. Join around the communal table for a feast featuring a bubbling “hot bath” of anchovy, garlic and olive oil paired with curated charcuterie, crudités and lots of wine. The dates are November 21, 22, 28 and 29. There are two seatings; 5 and 7 p.m. Seats are limited; tickets cost $95 each. A portion of each ticket will be donated to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. Reservations available via Resy. Figulina is located at 317 S. Harrington St., Raleigh.

• Paul Chirico of Ideal’s Sandwich and Grocery has organized a pop-up dinner at The Durham featuring chefs Alfonso Ranno and Zaki Phelan at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 30. “The Little Drummer Boy” dinner is a three-course family-style meal that shares the story of the pair’s identities as chefs and people. They are excited to bring you food that blends their respective Mexican and Afghan cultures, a so called “beat of their own drum.” The menu includes such dishes as Birria Mantu (dumplings), Afghan Naan, Cochinita Pibil, Shor Nakhod and more. The price is $90 per person. The Durham is located at 315 E. Chapel Hill St., Durham. See full menu and make a reservation here.

Food Bank Corner

• A note from Jason Kanawati Stephany, Vice President, Public Policy & Communications at the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina:
  
  Late last week, federal courts ruled that the US Department of Agriculture must use its emergency fund to keep SNAP going in November. Unfortunately, the fund only contains half the amount needed for full benefits, and USDA has stated they will not transfer additional funds to cover the balance. This means that North Carolina families will only receive half the support they need to pay for groceries this month — and we’re doing all we can to fill the gap. There are two actions you can take to help the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina: If you’re able, please donate to our food purchase fund. Our pantries and meal sites are seeing more people today than the peak of the pandemic. And we’re ramping up the amount of fresh produce, meat, and dairy products available in hard-hit communities – and – Take two minutes to urge elected leaders to fully fund SNAP. There’s bipartisan legislation pending in Congress right now to make this happen, and it only takes a few clicks to send a message (only one if you’ve saved your info!). Thanks for all you’re doing to help local families keep food on the table!

Featured Restaurant News

• It was announced this week that Sunflower’s Café, a longtime Raleigh favorite, will reopen at Rockway, the new mixed-use destination on the southern edge of downtown Raleigh. The restaurant is expected to open its doors in 2026. Originally serving the community for 37 years, Sunflower’s was a downtown staple (originally on Glenwood where Hibernian is before moving to Seaboard Station) known for its gourmet sandwiches, fresh soups, crisp salads, and house-made desserts. After closing in 2020, the restaurant’s return marks a highly anticipated revival of one of Raleigh’s most cherished dining spots—this time with a fresh new look and a few exciting additions. Quinn Ferebee is the owner of Sunflower’s and son of the original Sunflower’s owners Deborah and Clay Ferebee.

Wake County Restaurant News

• Got word this week that Smash Social Club, a new upscale social playground and restaurant from Raleigh’s own LM Restaurants, will open next month in the former Carolina Ale House space on the third floor of 500 Glenwood Avenue in Glenwood South. The concept combines interactive games like table tennis, shuffleboard and electric darts with craft cocktails, elevated bar bites and a vibrant nightlife atmosphere. The Raleigh-based, family-owned hospitality company operates more than 30 restaurants across the Southeast, including more than two dozen Carolina Ale Houses; Taverna Agora, Vidrio and Birdie’s Barroom and Kitchen in Raleigh; and a’Verde Cocina and Tequila Library in Cary. No membership is required. Guests will be able to reserve gameplay ahead of time or make same-day bookings. Best to follow along on Instagram.

• Back to Rockway, we are getting very, very (I mean real very) close to the opening of the second location of Raleigh favorite, Benchwarmers Bagels — a beloved local eatery renowned for its artisanal bagels and wood-fired pizzas which has been a staple in Raleigh’s food scene (the original location is inside downtown Raleigh’s Transfer Co. Food Hall). The new location is at 1015 S. Saunders Street (a stone’s throw from Dix Park and just off the Rocky Branch Greenway trail), this is the latest endeavor from the team behind Boulted Bread, Jubala Coffee, and Bright Spot Donuts. We can also look forward to a third location coming to North Hills sometime in 2026. Stay tuned via Instagram.

• And just a few doors down, Triangle Business Journal shared the news that Drift Coffee & Kitchen will open a second Raleigh location, marking their fourth Triangle-area location (see note below about another location to open soon in RTP) and bringing the total locations to thirteen, most on the coast where they began in 2016. According to TBJ, they signed a lease at The Holston, a 20-story apartment building at 1020 Hammell Drive that’s part of the mixed-used development called The Weld near Dix Park. Look for them to open next summer. Visit Drift here.

• Also in downtown Raleigh, Triangle Business Journal reported that Ole Sports Bar & Lounge is opening in early November at 502 S. West St. in a former mechanic shop near Boylan Heights. The venue is massive (9,200 sq. ft.) and features tons of indoor and outdoor space. The wraparound bar will serve cocktails, wine and beer from 20+ taps and guests will be able to order food from up to six multiple food trucks right outside. The bar will also feature 14 TVs and arcade games. Follow along on Instagram here.

• One final note out of downtown Raleigh thanks to our friends over at RALtoday. The Merchant’s new location, in the former London Bridge Pub on Hargett Street, is now open. Expect the same sultry vibes, top notch drinks, and neighborhood connection. Plus, next door, another bar called Grog Alley is coming soon. Visit The Merchant here.

• We have an open date thanks to our friends over at Raleigh Downtown. Started in Auburn, Alabama in 1965 and claiming to be the pioneer of chicken fingers, Guthrie’s Chicken will make its North Carolina debut on November 4th in Midtown Raleigh at 2907 Wake Forest Road (across from Wegman’s). Apparently they feature a “Gut Box” which is a popular combo meal that includes chicken fingers, fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, and sauce. Get to know them here.

• And not far down the road on Six Forks, the News & Observer reported this week that Andy’s Frozen Custard has opened at 340 E. Six Forks Road. This is the chain’s second Raleigh location and joins one also in Morrisville. Enjoy their concretes, sundaes, custards and Jackhammers. Visit Andy’s here.

• Over in Cary, Triangle Business Journal was the first to announce that K38 Baja Grill is following up on their soon-to-open Raleigh location (December) with plans to open next spring or early summer at 139 E. Chatham St. in downtown Cary. The beach concept’s menu features fish tacos, fajitas, burritos, quesadillas and more. K38 has six locations in the greater Wilmington area and one in Morehead City. And don’t expect these two locations to be the only ones in the Triangle. Stay tuned and follow along here.

• Also in Cary, the News & Observer shared that Mezcalito has opened in the former On The Border space at 1102 Walnut Street, offering a “blend of both authentic and fresh dishes” inspired by Mexican cuisine. The space looks absolutely amazing making it difficult to remember what it looked like before. They have additional locations in Apex, Beaufort, Clayton, Durham, Goldsboro and Henderson, with additional locations coming to Raleigh and Rolesville. Enjoy a wide variety of fajitas, burritos, tacos, seafood dishes as well as a robust list of tequila, mezcal and rum cocktails. Visit Mexcalito’s location in Cary here.

• Out in Wendell, we saw on Instagram that Lauren and Chris Gass, both with deep culinary backgrounds, opened their much anticipated Bellow Butcher Co. this week at 8 N. Main St. in downtown Wendell (word has it they completely sold out of sandwiches in 2 hours on their first day!). In addition to pork and beef cuts, they sell deli sandwiches, build-your-own charcuterie board items and a number of retail items, including locally-made jams, honey and crackers. Locals will recognize Chris from his time as the former chef de cuisine at Brodeto and before that at Mandolin. Visit them on Instagram here.

• Down in Holly Springs, David McCreary updated me that Grain & Berry, a superfood joint specializing in acai bowls, yogurt parfaits, smoothies, specialty toasts, and more, is now open at 101 Oakview Commons Drive, Suite 102. This is their first location in North Carolina. Visit them here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• And making their second entry in this week’s blog post, Drift Coffee & Kitchen also announced that they will open a location in the Horseshoe at Hub RTP on November 11th. Drift will bring its premium coffee beverages along with a curated selection of breakfast and lunch items. They first opened in Ocean Isle Beach in 2016, and now have added ten more locations in Wilmington, Hamstead, Carolina Beach, Raleigh (soon to be two locations) and Chapel Hill. Visit Drift here.

• Lutra Cafe and Bakery, the popular bakery opening at Durham’s American Tobacco Campus early next year, is marking its last four pop-up Sunday brunches at Cheeni in Durham with a “Brunch with Friends” series, starting November 2nd. The series will feature four Durham chefs who will put their spin on the breakfast sandwich on Lutra’s brunch menu. Lutra got its start last year by selling sweet and savory buns at farmers’ markets and more than 130 pop-up events across the Triangle. Chef-owner Chris McLaurin often worked with local chefs and business owners to create special bun flavors for the pop-ups. Here is the lineup: Nov. 2: Chef Saca Monk (Littler); Nov. 9: Chef Joel Schroeter (Lakewood Social); Nov. 16: Chef Carrie Schleiffer (Alley Twenty Six); and Nov. 23: Preeti Waas (Cheeni). Lutra’s Sunday brunch is offered from 8-11 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis at Cheeni (202 Corcoran St. Suite 100, Durham); guests can also order online for takeout through their website here.

Closings

• None to report. Keep eating local, folks!

Food Trucks

• The final Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo of 2025 will held THIS Sunday, November 2. It will run from 12 noon until 4 p.m. featuring over 50+ food trucks with cuisine from all over the world making it the ultimate Sunday Funday in Durham Central Park (501 Foster Street)! Get all the details here.

• My favorite Catholic priest, Fr. Scott McCue (sorry Fr. Dan, he made me say that), told me about a new food truck rolling around the Triangle…with a cause. Savor Food Truck is a social enterprise of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh serving healthy, flavorful meals while raising critical funds to expand mobile food pantries across Eastern and Central North Carolina. With too many families facing food insecurity, Catholic Charities developed this innovative solution to reach more communities in need. When you order from Savor, you’re part of the solution! Find the truck, volunteer, or book them for your next event, here.

• Looking to find your favorite food truck (or stalking them and simply don’t want to have to admit it)? We understand. Find them on Street Food Finder here.

Events

• The tenth-annual WRAL Voters’ Choice Awards are back! Nominate your local favorites in over 100 categories Oct. 16 – Nov 15. Then come back to vote on the top 5 finalists in each category Nov. 16 through Dec. 15. Winners will be announced in January 2026. Get your nominations in here.

• Celebrate the best of North Carolina’s craft scene at Whiskey Kitchen’s Fall Festival on November 1st from 4-9 p.m. This spirited event brings together top local breweries and distilleries, including Oak & Grist, Highland Brewing, Steel String Brewery, Weldon Mills, Outer Banks Distilling, and Broomtail Brewing, for an afternoon of tastings and regional flavors. Guests can savor curated bites inspired by each area, perfectly paired with its featured beer or spirit. In true community spirit, the festival also supports Beloved Asheville, Triangle Mutual Aid, and the Outer Banks Community Foundation. Did I mention free whisky samples? Get all the details on Instagram here.

• Tickets are now on sale for 2025 Chefs for Change Gala & Live Auction, the annual fundraiser for Families Moving Forward, Durham’s primary emergency shelter for families with children. The event will take place next Thursday, November 6th at The Cookery in Durham. This unparalleled culinary event will feature a multi-course culinary experience prepared by some of North Carolina’s most acclaimed chefs, including Matt Kelly of Nanas Rockwood, Vin Rouge, Mateo, Mothers & Sons and Dino’s Pizza; Gray Brooks of Pizzeria Toro; Aaron Benjamin of Gocciolina; and Michael Lee of M Sushi, M Tempura, M Kokko, M Pocha and M Izakaya. Chef Chris McLaurin of Lutra Cafe and Bakery will be providing dessert. Secure your tickets now.

• Carolina Brewery is thrilled to announce its Eighth Annual Oyster Roast on Saturday, November 15th from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Pittsboro location of Carolina Brewery. The annual event will once again benefit the North Carolina Coastal Federation and Outer Banks Forever. Admission is free, and freshly steamed or raw oysters will be available for purchase by the half-dozen or dozen. The oysters, sourced from North Carolina’s own Ghost Fleet Oyster Co., will be served by the oyster farmers themselves, offering a true farm-to-table experience. Get details here.

Food Bank Corner

• Amy Berros, President & CEO of the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina released the following statement: Across the country, SNAP benefits, the main source of grocery assistance for millions of families, have stopped. For the more than 1.4 million parents trying to feed their children, seniors living on fixed incomes, and veterans already struggling here in North Carolina, this loss is devastating. Overnight, families who were barely getting by are now wondering how they’ll put food on the table. When SNAP stops, the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina steps in. We are already seeing more neighbors turning to us for help, and we need your support to meet the growing demand. Your urgent gift today will help provide meals, comfort, and hope to families right here in our community. Every dollar donated provides five meals.