TRIANGLE FOOD BLOG

Featured Restaurant News

• We first told you about this last month, but learned this week from the News & Observer that Toastique will open THIS Saturday, October 18th (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) in Midtown Raleigh in The Exchange. If you are not familiar with Toastique, they offer a fresh, modern dining experience with gourmet toast (topped with fresh ingredients), smoothies, cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, coffee, and espresso — all made from fresh, responsibly sourced ingredients. The café is located inside The Exchange at North Hills with nearby parking garages and surface lots throughout North Hills, making it simple to stop in before shopping, after a workout, or during a day out in Midtown Raleigh. With a location already in Charlotte, this will be the chain’s second location in North Carolina. Get to know them here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• Raleigh Magazine shared the news that a permit has been filed for Jaggers drive-thru restaurant at the long-closed Mami’s Latin Style Rotisserie Chicken on Glenwood Avenue. The building will be demolished to construct the new location of the Louisville-based chain, known for its burgers, chicken sandwiches and tenders, salads, shakes, and more. ⁠Keep up with their progress on the Instagram site.

• The Dry Cleaners, Raleigh’s newest speakeasy — a hidden gem in North Raleigh where timeless style meets modern mixology — is now open. Located at 8015 Falls of the Neuse Road near the Hibernian Pub, it is part of the Hibernian Hospitality Group and as its name might indicate, it is located in a former dry cleaner’s space, offering a dark, moody vibe and classic cocktails. Visit them here.

• Speaking of cool, new places to hang out, Super Rad Retro Lounge is officially opening its doors October 25th on Glenwood Avenue near The Cupcake Shoppe. The new retro-inspired spot has 30 classic arcade games, nine pinball machines, and a fully stocked bar. Plus, they’re hosting a soft opening THIS Friday, October 17th. Visit them on Instagram here.

• And staying on the topic of cool places, Raleigh Magazine shared that a vacant space at Bloc[83] will soon be home to 83 SOUTH, a brand-new “night on the town” experience from locals G. Brooks Splawn, Banks Sinclair and Luke Hanson. A bona fide day-to-night destination, the hot spot will feature lunch, a vibey DJ weekend brunch, and an upscale dinner menu dishing American-inspired small plates—plus craft cocktails, beer and wine. Come 10:30/11pm , tables and chairs will give way to a sophisticated adults-centric lit (literally) late-night lounge till 2am. The location will also boast event space. Get to know them 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.

• The Downtown Raleigh Alliance let us know that Raleigh is getting a little piece of Italy right in the heart of downtown, with the opening of Vino Wine Bar at 606 Gaston Street. It is described as an Italian-inspired lounge featuring artisanal cheeses, charcuterie and specialty coffee. Give them a peek here.

• Staying in Raleigh, Downtown Raleigh shared that Andy’s Frozen Custard is about to open in Midtown Raleigh at 340 E. Six Forks Road. Expect the usual concrete freezes, Jackhammers (concretes with filled centers), shakes, and malts along with seasonal specialties like Pumpkin Pie concretes, S’mores Jackhammer, and Hand-Dipped Caramel Apples through Fall. Dive into Andy’s here.

• Out near Brier Creek, reader Tim Decker shared with us that Nero Pizza, serving up genuine homemade NY pizza, has opened inside the Triangle Shooting Academy at 6501 Mt Herman Road. Visit Nero here.

• Over in Cary, reader Chris Allen that at the end of August, Tasu Asian Bistro in Waverly Place in Cary closed but reopened as a ramen restaurant called Matsumoto Craft Ramen. It appears that the owners are the same but there’s a new head chef making the ramen. The website is the same URL.

• Garner will be home to the Triangle-area’s first location of Hummus Republic. They are opening next Tuesday at 53 Cabela Drive in the White Oak Crossing shopping complex between Alpaca and Wing Stop. If you are not familiar with them, they are a fast-casual restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired food, offering build-your-own bowls, wraps, and pitas with a variety of bases, proteins, dips, and toppings. Locally, they have a second location on the way which will be located at 100-B Wrenn Drive in Cary in the former Firehouse Subs spot. Start getting familiar with them here.

• Also in (near) Garner, reader Hugh Autry let us know that there is a 123 Burger sign up in the former Zaxbys at 4150 Fayetteville Road (actually in Raleigh) near Garner. You can keep up with their progress on their Facebook page here.

• And speaking of Zaxbys, there is a new Zaxbys under construction in Raleigh on Lake Boone Trail beside City BBQ. Thanks to reader Tyler Glover for tipping us off to that fact. Visit Zaxbys here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• Bob Zurek shared with the Chapel Hill Carrboro Facebook Foodies group shared the news that there is a new concept opening at Southpoint in Durham (near Tomato Jake’s) called Bubbakoo’s Burritos, a Mexican-fusion fast-casual restaurant. The concept was born in New Jersey in 2008 and now has over 100 locations. Start getting familiar with them here.

• Over on Durham’s Ninth Street, Jahova Rayford shared in the Durham Downtown Community that the old Burger Bach on Ninth Street near the Harris Teeter and Panera Bread will become a Chipotle. No word on the time line. Visit Chipotle here.

• And over on Chapel Hill’s West Franklin Street, a bar named Rams Corner has opened in the former Ay Por Dios spot at 431 W. Franklin Street. While it certainly has the same feel and vibe as Ay Por Dios, we weren’t able to determine if it is the same owners. Self-labeled as a sports bar, it features a full menu of such things as ribs, tacos and wings. You’ll have to head over and find out for yourself. Check them out on Instagram here.

Closings

• Out in Knightdale, learned this week that Tikila Tacos & Mezcal Knightdale will close at the end of this month and will be turning the keys over to the new owners next month – apparently a Mexican concept. Their Wake Forest location remains open. Stay tuned.

Food Trucks

• The final Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo of 2025 will be on 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.

• 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

• For the month of October, Little Rey’s latest taco collaboration is with Colleen Speaks from Hummingbird. Available just in October, stop by to try her blackened flounder taco with slaw, avocado crema, radish and cilantro on grilled corn tortillas. All proceeds benefit Southern Smoke Foundation. Visit Little Rey’s here.

• Two of my favorite words – Fair Food! Line your stomach with Pepto-Bismol and get your taste buds ready to try 87 brand-new foods celebrating the N.C. State Fair’s 157th Anniversary. Now in full swing through the October 26th, you’ll be able to indulge in such ‘delicacies’ as BBQ Doughnuts, Chicken Caesar Mac Stack, Double-decker Korean Donkatsu Burger, Fried Frozen Watermelon, Pickle Fries, Flaming Hot Cheetos Pickle Pizza, The Salted Caramel Crunch Dough-Licious Special and Granny’s Sticky B to name a few. See the complete list of new foods here (with pictures and descriptions!)

• Bold Batch Creamery is celebrating five years with an Ice Cream Social from 4 p.m. – midnight TODAY (October 17th) at Raleigh’s Wolfe & Porter. The event also will launch the company’s kickstarter campaign to open its own scoop shop. Enjoy food and drink, raffles, ice cream and a dog costume contest. Wolfe & Porter is located at 905 W. Morgan Street in Raleigh. Check out Wolfe & Porter’s site here. Pro tip: It is also Frozen Friday at Wolfe & Porter where all frozen cocktails are $8 all day and night!

• The inaugural Salt & Smoke & Sound Festival will be held this Saturday, October 18th at Blackwood Farm Park between Chapel Hill and Hillsborough. The exciting new community event merges together two beloved festivals–Acme’s Salt & Smoke and Sonark Media’s Harvest Festival–into a celebration of food, culture, and music in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Food will be provided by Acme’s Kevin Callaghan and a team of local chefs and food trucks offering a wide variety of dishes and dining options. The festival will feature craft beers, curated beverages, and other interesting spirit-free options. All food and drink will be available for purchase and is not included in the price of festival entry. Tickets are on sale now.

• 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 on Nov. 6, 2025 at The Cookery in Durham. This unparallelled 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.

Food Bank Corner

• Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day at the NC State Fair this year will take place next Thursday, October 23. Fairgoers can donate six non-perishable food items in exchange free admission to the fair. The following products are in highest demand as hunger relief organizations face significant cuts to federal funding and food supplies. We strongly suggest bringing these products as they are the most helpful right now: Peanut Butter & Jams (larger plastic jars); Chicken, Tuna, or Salmon (in pouches or pop-top cans); Ravioli and other ready-to-heat meals (in pop-top cans); Crackers (boxes or sealed containers); Dried or Canned Fruit (sealed containers or pop-top cans); Granola or protein bars (boxes with individually-wrapped contents). The food collected on Hunger Relief Day will go a long way in providing much needed relief for our friends and neighbors. Get all the details here.

Featured Restaurant News

• Crofton’s Pretzels, home of the stuffed pretzel, has brought their sinfully-good concept from Wilmington to Raleigh. Hand crafted, hand rolled and made from all natural ingredients (no preservatives nor chemicals), these Philly-style pretzels are now available just south of downtown at 1400 S. Saunders Street. Please note that they are closed in Raleigh on Monday and Tuesday and online ordering is currently unavailable in Raleigh (mainly due to the level of walk-in business). Get by and check them out soon!.

Wake County Restaurant News

• 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.

• We first told you about this last month, but learned this week from the News & Observer that Toastique, coming to Midtown Raleigh in The Exchange, will open on October 18th. They’ll bring their fresh pressed juices, açaí bowls, gourmet toasts and more to 1000 Social Street, Suite 130. With a location already in Charlotte, this will be the chain’s second location in North Carolina. Get to know them here.

• Dutch Bros’ first North Carolina drive-thru coffee spot is expected to open in Morrisville (near Trader Joe’s) in Park West Village (971 Morrisville Parkway) by the end of the year. They offer customizable specialty coffee, teas, lemonades, sodas, and Dutch Bros’ signature energy drinks and nitrogen-infused cold brew. With over 1,000 locations across the United States, this will mark their first location in North Carolina. Get to know them here.

• And speaking of coffee, this one has a little bit of mystery hanging around it, along with a lot of excitement. Apparently somewhere in North Raleigh, we are getting the newest edition of the Yemeni coffee craze that is hitting our area in the form of Rimal Coffee House. That’s all we know right now. You can see a couple of beautiful pictures of what it will look like. But at this point, we simply don’t have additional information or its actual location nor opening date. Stay tuned and follow along on their Instagram page here.

• Garner will be home to the Triangle-area’s first location of Hummus Republic. They are opening this week at 53 Cabela Drive in the White Oak Crossing shopping complex between Alpaca and Wing Stop. If you are not familiar with them, they are a fast-casual restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired food, offering build-your-own bowls, wraps, and pitas with a variety of bases, proteins, dips, and toppings. Locally, they have a second location on the way which will be located at 100-B Wrenn Drive in Cary in the former Firehouse Subs spot. Start getting familiar with them here.

• Also in Garner, we learned this week from the Triangle Business Journal that the Torreses (who own a handful of El Tapatio restaurants in the area, as well as the soon to open Cabo in Brier Creek) are gearing up to open a Japanese and Latin fusion restaurant in the former Ragazzi’s Italian restaurant in Garner called Satori. They will begin construction this month with an eye on opening in the next six to eight months.

• Down in Holly Springs, David McCreary shared that Arita Ramen & Sushi is now open at 101 Oakview Commons Drive, Suite 108 at the new Oakview Commons development. The full-service Japanese eatery offers handcrafted ramen, sushi, izakaya-style small plates and craft cocktails. Check them out on Instagram.

• Also in Holly Springs, we received word this week that the popular Flying Biscuit Café is on the way. Astra Ventures LLC, led by franchise owners Harish Kanneganti and Varun Ayanala, recently signed a lease for a 3,753 square foot space in Oakview Commons Shopping Center. The restaurant is expected to open by next summer, bringing the brand’s signature all-day breakfast, brunch, and lunch concept to the Holly Springs community. This will mark the 6th Triangle-area location for the chain. Visit Flying Biscuit here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• In Pittsboro we have a little sad news mixed with some good news. After eight years in business, Pittsboro’s Postal Fish Company is shutting down as they “change gears” to open JDub’s Food Truck (keep an eye out for the big, purple trailer). Their final service will be on Saturday, October 11th.

• With this closure announcement, they also shared the news that The Quiltmaker Cafe, a pay-what-you-can café, will take over the space, marking this their first brick-and-mortar location. This nonprofit eatery doesn’t post prices for meals, but instead, guests are asked to volunteer their time, donate money, produce or eggs. Look for them to open before year’s end. Keep up with their progress and donate to their effort here.

• Lots of news this week in Durham thanks to my ‘Durham correspondent’ and friend Glenn Gillen. First up is the news that popup favorite Hatch Burritos is close to opening their brick and mortar location at Old Five Points on Mangum (721 N. Mangum Street). They are in the final push of a kickstarter campaign to make their dream a reality. Follow them on Instagram here.

• Next up from Gillen, he shared that Montwood Coffee (a popular mobile cart and online purveyor) will be opening up in the former Brunello Wine Bar location at 123 Market Street, Suite A, near the CCB Plaza. Follow along on Instagram here.

• And one final update from Gillen, he shared that soul food fave Kale’s Kitchen has opened up a brick and mortar location in Old East Durham at 2100 Angier Ave., just down the block from Ideals. Take a peek on their Instagram here.

Closings

• On a sad note, David McCreary shared that after a three-year run in downtown Holly Springs, gluten-free cafe Lovegrass Kitchen will close its doors for good today, October 10.

• As noted above, Pittsboro’s Postal Fish Company will close their doors on October 11th. But
  look for new things in their new venture as well as what is coming to that space (see above).

Food Trucks

• The final Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo of 2025 will be on 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.

• 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

• For the month of October, Little Rey’s latest taco collaboration is with Colleen Speaks from Hummingbird. Available just in October, stop by to try her blackened flounder taco with slaw, avocado crema, radish and cilantro on grilled corn tortillas. All proceeds benefit Southern Smoke Foundation. Visit Little Rey’s here.

• The Crunkleton Raleigh in Smoky Hollow will begin serving weekend brunch on Saturday, October 11th. Included on the menu are brunch favorites such as Shrimp and Grits and Biscuits and Gravy, along with indulgent dishes like the Raleigh Hot Brown and a BBQ Brisket Breakfast, as well as elevated starters like their signature oysters, served both charred and raw. You’ll also be able to enjoy a curated lineup of craft cocktails, wines, and local beers, selected to complement the menu. Visit them here.

• Kitty Kinnin reminded me that we all need to join 4,000 of our best friends to support The Foundation of Hope this Sunday, October 12 at the annual Walk for Hope at The Angus Barn. This year both lanes of Glenwood will be closed for this special event as attendees stroll down the highway through Umstead. Kitty also reminded us to try some of her tasty @Bad Kitty blend coffee from Larry’s Coffee. A portion of the proceeds go to Foundation of Hope to fight mental illness. Details and register here.

• Also on October 12th, Birdie’s Barroom & Kitchen in downtown Raleigh celebrates one year with Birthday Bash from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Birdie’s patio will feature live music, specialty burgers and classic picnic sides, a new signature Birdie’s cocktail, lawn games and plenty of family-friendly fun. Guests can enjoy the festive outdoor atmosphere and either order off the special event menu or the Birdie’s regular menu while dining either inside or outside. The celebration also will include birthday sweets, giveaways and special surprises. Visit Birdie’s here.

• Two of my favorite words – Fair Food! Line your stomach with Pepto-Bismol and get your taste buds ready to try 87 brand-new foods celebrating the N.C. State Fair’s 157th Anniversary. Starting next week, October 16th through the 26th, you’ll be able to indulge in such ‘delicacies’ as BBQ Doughnuts, Chicken Caesar Mac Stack, Double-decker Korean Donkatsu Burger, Fried Frozen Watermelon, Pickle Fries, Flaming Hot Cheetos Pickle Pizza, The Salted Caramel Crunch Dough-Licious Special and Granny’s Sticky B to name a few. See the complete list of new foods here (with pictures and descriptions!)

• The inaugural Salt & Smoke & Sound Festival will be held Saturday, October 18th at Blackwood Farm Park between Chapel Hill and Hillsborough. The exciting new community event merges together two beloved festivals–Acme’s Salt & Smoke and Sonark Media’s Harvest Festival–into a celebration of food, culture, and music in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Food will be provided by Acme’s Kevin Callaghan and a team of local chefs and food trucks offering a wide variety of dishes and dining options. The festival will feature craft beers, curated beverages, and other interesting spirit-free options. All food and drink will be available for purchase and is not included in the price of festival entry. Tickets are on sale now.

• 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 on Nov. 6, 2025 at The Cookery in Durham. This unparallelled 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.

Food Bank Corner

• Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day at the NC State Fair this year will take place on Thursday, October 23. Fairgoers can donate six non-perishable food items in exchange free admission to the fair. The following products are in highest demand as hunger relief organizations face significant cuts to federal funding and food supplies. We strongly suggest bringing these products as they are the most helpful right now: Peanut Butter & Jams (larger plastic jars); Chicken, Tuna, or Salmon (in pouches or pop-top cans); Ravioli and other ready-to-heat meals (in pop-top cans); Crackers (boxes or sealed containers); Dried or Canned Fruit (sealed containers or pop-top cans); Granola or protein bars (boxes with individually-wrapped contents). The food collected on Hunger Relief Day will go a long way in providing much needed relief for our friends and neighbors. Get all the details here.