Featured Restaurant News
- We learned of an exciting development from Michael Bongiorno owner of Bongiorno & Son and the soon-to-open Pranzo, an Italian aperitivo concept, opening at 1000 Social in Midtown Raleigh in March or April. He shared this week that after five incredible years, he has sold Bongiorno & Son, passing along a successful, thriving business to new owners. After their winter break, they will reopen on January 6th with things continuing to operate as normal during the transition (Michael will be around thru January). One thing that will change will be an eventual name change. Keep up with Bongiorno & Son here and join us in anticipation for the opening of Pranzo!
Wake County Restaurant News
- As they promised with a January 1 announcement, Clyde Cooper’s BBQ shared that they will move into the current Red, Hot & Blue space in Quail Corners shopping center (1326 Millbrook Road) in North Raleigh. The transition will happen quickly, with an anticipated opening in the next week, albeit with a limited menu and take-out options until they can get fully up to speed. With this location, they are also exploring a drive-thru option. A local Japanese restaurant called Hibachi 88 will move into their former space at 327 S. Wilmington St. This will be Hibachi 88’s seventh location in the Triangle, fourth in Raleigh. Visit them here. Keep up with Clyde Cooper’s BBQ here.
- In downtown Raleigh, the News & Observer reported that Patrick Shanahan will open Rosebud in the old Fox Liquor Bar space (corner of Wilmington and Martin streets). This comes on the heels of Shanahan opening Peregrine (with chef Sair Rahman) and Capulet Cocktail Club. Opening on February 14th, the name is a nod to the classic movie “Citizen Kane” and their bar program will be led by Zack Thomas, beverage director at Peregrine. Follow along on Instagram here.
- Up in North Raleigh, got word from reader Kevin Badanes that a concept called TCHE Gaucho is moving into the former (but never opened) 1865 Steak & Seafood spot at Triangle Town Center (3741 Sumner Blvd.). An open date hasn’t been announced yet, but you can follow along here.
- Over in Cary, reader Kristina Shuford shared that the newest location of Paul and Jack Bakery finally opened off Lake Pine Drive (1881 Lake Pine Dr. to be exact). They are in the former spot of The Sweetest Things, just down from Cape Fear Seafood Company. Visit Paul and Jack Bakery here.
- We first told you about this in February of last year, but over in Cary, reader Steven Rubin shared that there is now signage up for Azami Ramen & Sushi in the former place of PDQ at 9025 Winston Hill Drive.
- Got word this week that local restaurateur William Beasley will bring a new concept to MacGregor Village Shopping Center in the Hangout Bar and Grill (former Tony’s Oyster Bar) spot. Inspired by the rich culinary history of that location, Hangout Seafood and Chophouse will offer premium seafood, hand-cut steaks, and a full-service dining experience designed to blend classic favorites with a modern, elevated approach. Additionally, the bar will feature a Prohibition-era aesthetic, complete with period-inspired design and ambiance with plans to transform the existing lounge into an intimate speakeasy-style space. Look for them to begin welcoming guests in early January. Stay tuned.
- Down in Fuquay-Varina, David McCreary shared that Stuf’d Donuts will open TODAY, Friday, January 2, at 400 Broad Street. Bringing a modern twist to the typical donut found elsewhere, the new venture will operate alongside Bolt Drinks & Coffee. Get to know them by following on Instagram here.
Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News
- In Chapel Hill at University Place, we just learned that H&H Bagels’ first North Carolina location will open on January 15th. They have been a New York City institution since 1972 where their dough remains kettle-boiled in New York City water, then baked locally on-site all day, every day. You’d be wise to start getting familiar with them now.
Closings
- Open since 2011, downtown Raleigh’s Beasley’s Chicken + Honey announced this week that they will close their doors on South Wilmington Street on Sunday, Jan. 25.
- And Zest Cafe and Home Art, which opened in 1995, has permanently closed. A closing sale is planned for Jan. 6th.
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
- Chapel Hill’s Bin 54 is hosting an intimate Woodford Reserve Bourbon Pairing Dinner, featuring a five-course, chef-curated menu thoughtfully designed to complement the rich, sweet, and spicy notes of these iconic bourbons. The dinner is on Tuesday, January 6 at 6:30 p.m. Each course will be expertly paired with selections from Woodford Reserve, highlighting the depth, balance, and character that make this bourbon a true classic. Cost is $150 for the five-course experience and can be purchased here.
- Tickets have gone on sale for the 2026 version of the Triangle Food & Wine Experience which will take place February 5-7, 2026. From its humble inception over 30 years ago, the Triangle Wine & Food Experience has grown to become one of the leading charity wine auctions in the nation with all proceeds benefiting the Frankie Lemmon School & Development Center. And let me tell you, the lineup of culinary talent (from all corners of the United States) is absolutely incredible – see the list here. If you call yourself a foodie, these are the not-to-miss events of the year. A weekend of the most incredible food and wine. Get details on the weekend of events here.
Food Bank Corner
- A few months ago, politicians decided to eliminate vital hunger data reporting that’s been available to the public for decades. The hunger relief network relies on this data to target resources where they’re needed most, especially in rural communities where services are more difficult to access. Now, they’ll have to work even harder to ensure food distributions are effective and equitable. And we all know that not reporting the numbers doesn’t make them go away. More of our neighbors are seeking food assistance today than at any point in the past 20 years. Help the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina get off to a great start in 2026! Give today!
