Triangle Restaurant News
Triangle restaurant news…that not everyone knows. Impress your co-workers at the water cooler.
Featured Restaurant News
- Locals Seafood has purchased a building in east Raleigh, off New Bern Ave just outside the beltline, to establish a new headquarters. The retail market will be the highlight of the location, featuring a large selection of fresh seafood, value-added goods, kitchen tools, and more. Eventually, Locals will open a deli-style market counter with a dry-aged fish section, raw bar, and fry shack that will allow customers to experience NC seafood in a variety of ways. The move will not impact Locals’ existing farmers market locations or its restaurant at Durham Food Hall. However, they will close their restaurant at Transfer Company Food Hall at the end of July (the restaurant will run specials and feature fan favorites throughout the month). Locals expects to open the new retail market later this fall. Keep up with the transition/growth on their social media and their site here.
Wake County Restaurant News
- Another iconic Raleigh eating establishment could fall to progress and growth. Following up on the closure of the Snoopy’s location at the corner of Hillsborough Street and Glenwood Avenue, the Triangle Business Journal shared this week that a planned 20-story building would result in the tearing down of the original Char-Grill on Hillsborough Street that opened in 1959. That said, the development plans would allow for the Char-Grill to be “incorporated” into the new building. So, get by now to the original location. But don’t forget, they have nine locations in the Triangle. Visit Char-Grill here.
- Up in North Raleigh, John Huisman, aka Triangle Explorer, saw a sign up at the former Mi Cancun location at 6675 Falls of Neuse Road for Mariscos Altamar, Mexican Seafood Bar & Grill. According to one of John’s followers, they are already open. We will dig further into this and see what we can find (so far, we have been unable to find an online presence). Stay tuned.
- Also in North Raleigh, just a quick reminder that Sola Coffee will be closed from Monday, July 4 through Monday, July 11 for their “summer break” to repave the parking lot and to refinish the floors inside. They will also be closed Thursday, July 14 as the staff will be building a playset for Roc Solid Foundation to celebrate Sola’s 10 year anniversary. Visit Sola here.
- In Morrisville, reader Sean Haugh shared that the old Dharani location (1000 Lower Shiloh Way, near the 54/540 interchange) has reopened under new management as Naga’s South Indian Cuisine. They opened on June 10. Beginning today, July 1, they are now serving a buffet! Get to know them here.
- And finally, WRAL shared the great news that when you visit a participating Krispy Kreme shop through July 4th wearing red, white and blue you’ll receive a FREE Original Glazed doughnut! You can also receive an Original Glazed dozen FREE with the purchase of any dozen through July 4 at participating shops. Visit Krispy Kreme here.
Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News
- Down in Sanford (yes, I know that is Lee County), we got word this week that Fonda Lupita has moved from 129 W. Main Street into their new, larger location at 1952 S. Horner Blvd. You will remember back at the end of 2021 they were named one of the of 11 best new restaurants in the U.S. by food publication Eater. Being “discovered” they were forced to look for a larger space. Plans call for the original space to transition to a slightly different concept, Las Tortas by Fonda Lupita, with a focus on takeout options. Frausto is currently in the process of obtaining permits for the change. Visit them here.
- Ever wanted to own your own your own restaurant? How about one that is well established and profitable? Well, Neal DePersia at DePersia & Associates wanted to share the news that Carrboro Pizza Oven in Carr Mill Mall is for sale. The current owner relocated to the West coast last year and has a well trained, experienced staff running the operation. It is a 10-year-old business that set sales and profit records in 2021, but the owner feels it’s time pass the baton. Contact Neal for more information.
Closings / Cancellations
- None to report. Keep eating local, folks!
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
- The Crushable Craft Beverage Festival returns to the Glass Jug Beer Lab in RTP on Saturday, July 16th from 5:30 until 9:30 p.m. The event highlights 13 different craft beverage makers featuring hard cider, hard seltzer, sour beers and live music – all hosted in the outdoor beer garden at the Glass Jug’s RTP location on Hwy 55 in Durham. Get tickets and all the details here.
- The Bull City BBQ Bash will take place on Saturday, September 3rd from 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 her
- 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
