Triangle Restaurant News
Triangle restaurant news…that not everyone knows. Impress your co-workers at the water cooler.
Featured Restaurant News
- The Triangle Business Journal reported this week that a Wake County brewpub is ready to expand with a new concept. Norse Brewing Company, which opened in downtown Wake Forest in 2019 with its Nordic-themed décor and craft beer offerings, has purchased a building in downtown Zebulon at 120 N. Arendell Avenue which will house the first location of Norse Brewing Company Longhouse. They envision growing that concept to 10 locations throughout the Triangle. In addition, the Wake Forest location will enjoy an expansion of their kitchen and an addition of a traditional beer garden outside as well as more tank capacity. Visit Norse here.
Wake County Restaurant News
- The Downtown Raleigh Alliance shared the news that Tacos El Patron 323 has opened their second Raleigh location. It is located in the Seaboard & Person Street district (111 Seaboard Avenue) where they are now serving up Tijuana-style food including birria tacos, breakfast burritos, mulitas and much more. They also have locations/sister concepts in Smithfield and Clayton. Get to know them here.
- WRAL shared the news that a ghost kitchen opened yesterday at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, making it easier for travelers to get food fast. The Get Reef Virtual Food Hall is located in Terminal 2 near Gate C9. Travelers can order meals on their phones on the way to the airport or while waiting in the TSA line and pick up their food from a cubby once they get past security. They offer selections from nine different restaurants. Customers can place an order at the kiosk or in advance using their phone. Get all the information here.
- RalToday shared that Anthony’s LaPiazza, a North Carolina Italian restaurant, is setting up shop downtown on the ground floor of the AC Hotel at 9 Glenwood Avenue. Construction has begun, but an opening date hasn’t been announced yet. Get to know them here.
- Triangle Business Journal shared the news that on the heels of its grand opening in Durham, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream is coming to the Village District in Raleigh. The scoop shop will be taking over a 1,000-square-foot space at 2012 Cameron St., formerly occupied by The Local Squirrel. The storefront windows display signs announcing the ice cream brand’s arrival. Construction on the space is expected to begin soon, with the spot likely opening later this fall. Get to know them here.
- The folks over at RalToday shared that Miso Ramen Bar opened their second location in the Triangle this week – this one in Raleigh. They opened in Gateway Plaza on Crabtree Boulevard (think Union Special and Mordecai Beverage Company). The original location is on High House Road in the Preston Corners shopping center in Cary. They offer a variety of ramen entrees, rice bowls and smaller plates, including pork belly buns, seaweed salad and takoyaki. Get to know them here.
- RalToday also shared that Jaguar Bolera, an “eatertainment” concept, will open its first location in the Raleigh Iron Works development (2200 Atlantic Ave.) during the second half of 2023. The social hub will feature activities like ten lanes of duckpin bowling (think smaller pins and balls and three rolls per frame), private karaoke rooms and maker spaces where groups can host DIY crafting. It will also feature an extensive cocktail list and a menu inspired by Mexican and Southern cuisine. Visit Raleigh Iron Works here.
- Just a reminder that Raleigh’s Boulted Bread will be closed for their “summer break” from this Monday, July 25th through Tuesday, August 2nd, reopening Wednesday, August 3rd at 7 a.m. Don’t say I didn’t tell you so. Get in there before their break to load up on their yumminess! Visit them here.
Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News
- Carrie Brogren with Chapel Hill Carrboro Foodies Facebook Group shared that Jujube announced that Charlie Deal, original owner and founder of Jujube, had sold the company to Simpaticos. Since the purchase was final, the transfer of ownership has been smooth for both parties. Jujube is known for their Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine and was recently voted as Best Asian Food Restaurant by Chapel Hill Magazine. Jujube is located at 1201 Raleigh Road in Chapel Hill. Visit them here.
- My friends over at Bites of Bull City shared that Barbara “Barb” Nigro, who, after a year of showcasing her creative cakes and pastries out of her home bakery, has become a more fixed part of the Durham community as the newest addition to the Durham Food Hall. Little Barb’s Bakery opened in their new home on July 13. Hours will be Mon.-Thur. 12:30-9pm; Fri. 12:30-10pm; Sat. 10am-10pm, and Sun. 12:30-9pm. Visit them here.
Closing / Cancellations
- Dos Perros, located at 200 N. Mangum Street in Durham, will close August 14 after more than a decade in business.
- In North Raleigh, Gym Tacos has closed its location on Dunn Road just off Falls of Neuse Road. They made the decision to focus on their food trucks and their new location on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh.
- Chapel Hill Magazine confirmed that the Chapel Hill location of Seafood Destiny at 100 W. Franklin St. (corner of Franklin and Columbia streets) closed in April.
Food Trucks
- The final Downtown Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo of 2022 will be on Sunday, September 25th. The rodeo is set up on downtown Raleigh’s Fayetteville Street featuring a half mile of food trucks and restaurants spread out over 10 city blocks. Details here.
- The remaining Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo 2022 schedule is as follows: September 4 and October 30. Mark your calendars. Get all the details 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
- July 22nd and 23rd sees the return of the 10th Annual Bone Suckin’ Sauce Peak City Pig Fest in downtown Apex. The event features the KCBS (Kansas City Barbecue Society) BBQ competition featuring 42 cook teams (competing for $12,000 in prize money) cooking chicken, ribs, beef brisket and pork, BBQ and other food trucks, kids’ area, rib eating contest, beer garden and live music. Get all the details on their site here.
- This Sunday, July 24th is Cary’s Downtown Chowdown food truck rodeo from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Enjoy a food-filled afternoon along Academy Street where you will be able to taste some of the best food in the Triangle, enjoy cool beverages from craft beer and wine vendors, and relax on the lawn to some great music. Get all the details here including a list of participating trucks.
- Also on Sunday, July 24th six vegan trucks will be serving up their offerings at a Vegan Food Truck Rally at Pure Soul at 4125 Durham Chapel Hill Blvd. from noon until 4 p.m. A wide array of sandwiches, burgers, salads, tacos, ice cream, donuts and sides will be available from some of the best trucks in the area. Visit Pure Soul here.
- Raleigh’s Vidrio restaurant is hosting a “Taste Tour of the Mediterranean” monthly dinner series. The destination and menu inspiration will change each month. Next destination: Croatia! The dinner will be from 6:30-9 p.m. July 28th. Tickets are $85, plus tax and gratuity. Get all the details here.
- Cary’s beautiful Koka Booth Amphitheater will once again play host to the 15th Annual Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival on August 5th(6-10 p.m.) and 6th (12 – 6 p.m.). It’s two great days of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’ and barbeque eatin’. Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALL-YOU-CARE-TO-TASTEsampling of beer and bourbon. Get ticket information (including VIP access) and all the details on the event site here.
- On August 8th, the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association will host the NCRLA Chef Showdown Grand Finalefrom 6 to 8:30 p.m. at The Pavilion at the Angus Barn. At the event, they will crown the NCRLA Chef of the Year, NCRLA Pastry Chef of the Year, and NCRLA Bartender of the Year and the NCRLA Distillery of the Year. Attendees will be able to help determine the “people’s choice” award winner from the creations of 20 top North Carolina chefs and pastry chefs and six bartenders from one end of the state to the other. Radio-personality Kitty Kinnin will be your emcee. Tickets and all the details here.
- The Pinehurst Barbecue Festival is taking place September 2-4 in beautiful Pinehurst, North Carolina where they will celebrate “All Things Barbecue” in North Carolina – from Eastern North Carolina vinegar to Western North Carolina tomato. The three-day event features a variety of activities culminating with a impressive list of pitmasters showing off their talents on day three. Get tickets and all the details on their site here.
- The Bull City BBQ Bash will take place on Saturday, September 3rdfrom 12-5 p.m. bringing a high energy BBQ event to Durham to cap the summer holiday season. Attendees will interact with BBQ competitors, taste and vote on delicious food while supporting Helps Education Fund, enjoy live music, shop at a small business marketplace, enjoy local food and beverages and most of all – experience an amazing atmosphere! Get all the details on their website here.
- After a 2-year hiatus, Dinner in the Meadow will return as attendees will be gathering in the meadow again on Sunday, September 11th from 5:30-8:30 in the evening. The dinner sells out each year, so you are encouraged to get your tickets early. Get all the details here.
- The 15th Annual Pepperfest returns this year on Sunday, September 18th at The Plant in Pittsboro. The event is hosted outdoors with live music and pepper-themed food and drink made with locally-grown sweet, hot, and smoky NC peppers. Chefs and craft beverage makers will compete for awards. Guests can taste different dishes made from peppers grown in the Piedmont of North Carolina. Early bird prices are good through July 1st, when prices increase Get your tickets and all the details here. Thanks to Neha Shah with the Pittsboro-Siler City Convention & Visitors Bureau for alerting me about this great event.
- Like beer? Excellent. Visit Raleigh has established a Raleigh Beer Trail that gives you a passport to get stamped at the 30+ breweries in the Raleigh area, from Wake Forest to Raleigh to Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina. Once you’ve filled up your passport with stamps, you send it in to receive prizes. Nothing like being rewarded for drinking! But as always, please drink responsibly. Get the details here.
Food Bank Corner
- With your support over the last year, the Food Bank distributed food to approximately 200,000 youth facing hunger in the 34 counties we serve. Unfortunately, we continue to see a devastating impact from COVID-19 for young people, who are left vulnerable to family and school changes. No child should have to worry when he or she will eat again, and no parent should have to skip a meal, so they can put food on the table for their children. Through agency distributions, targeted nutrition programs, education, and public policy work, the Food Bank is reaching young people with healthy and fun food options. Learn more here. #NoOneGoesHungry
