Friday Fun Food Facts – January 7, 2022

On the catering front, big news happened over the holiday. Michael DePersia of DePersia & Associates shared the news that David Leach of Spice Cubed Catering purchased Chef Mario’s Catering Co. The blending of these two catering companies will result in the new name of Equinox Catering and will fall under the umbrella of the Spice Cubed Group which also includes an equipment rental business, a spice and tea line as well as the Wycliff Cafe. Get all the details on their site here. Congrats to David and all our best to Chef Mario and Holly!

Wake County Restaurant News

Out in Brier Creek, reader Katie Page brought it to our attention that V Pizza is open on Skyland Ridge Parkway (think Carolina Ale House). V originated in Florida where they have 7 locations, and they now have locations in Georgia as well as the other location here in the Triangle in Cary (High House Road). Katie also noted that they have a cocktail bar, Flask, that serves the full menu starting at 3 p.m. as well as a great patio for outdoor seating. Get familiar with them here.

And heading out of Raleigh down towards Garner, reader Chris Creighton shared the news of another opening. San Blas Seafood & Bar has opened in the former Grandson’s Buffet spot at 4205 Fayetteville Road. Check them out on Instagram here or on Facebook here.

And one more opening announcement from Chris Creighton as he shared that the new Panera in the old TGIFriday’s/Cary Towne Kitchen & Bar building in Crescent Commons on the corner of Tryon and Kildaire Farm roads has opened. Visit Panera here.

And over the holidays, the folks over at The Produce Box were busy creating new concepts for their clients. They created a new prepared foods brand, Carolina Flavors, headed by Beth Littlejohn (formerly of PR and Coquette), featuring prepared, ready to heat sides, soups and meals prepared in-house. They also spent the holidays adding Triangle-area artisan vendors, including Locals Seafood, Ran-Lew Dairy (cream-top milk), OMG Lemonade and Bees and Boards Charcuterie. Check out all the new options at The Produce Box here.

This is fun to look over. Visit Raleigh put out their “Best Openings in 2021” – take a trip down memory lane and see if you agree with their list of spots that opened (in Raleigh….and Wake County) in 2021. See their list here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

In Chapel Hill, Coco Bistro & Bar continued their “evolution” announcing that their full bar, and zero-proof bar, is now up and running. It features a variety of selected wines, beers on draft and bottled, and a number of craft cocktails, including some wonderful herbaceous cocktails created just for Coco Bistro & Bar. Their new hours extend until 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. They are located at the new Gwendolyn Building in Glen Lennox. Visit them here.

And not to be outdone, the good folks over at Bites of Bull City have put together their list of the best openings and expansions of 2021. Check out their list for Durham here.

Closings / Cancellations

There is no doubt we saw more closings in 2021 than anyone wanted. We wanted to take a moment to let our restaurants that pivoted, shifted and re-invented themselves that this past week North Carolina launched a $500 million program to help restaurants and other small businesses recover from pandemic-related losses. The North Carolina Business Recovery Grant Program allows business owners who have seen at least a 20 percent decline in revenue to apply for grants equal to 10 percent of their losses, up to $500,000. Because the hospitality industry was hit so hard by closures and other restrictions, $300 million of the fund is earmarked for restaurants, hotels, bars and other entertainment businesses. Get all the details and apply here.

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

Mark your calendars for February 3 through February 5th for the Triangle Wine & Food Experience. It is North Carolina’s premier wine and food event with all proceeds benefiting the Frankie Lemmon School & Developmental Center. The event features acclaimed winemakers and celebrity chefs from all over the world, as well as thousands of donors and supporters, participating in this truly amazing event. This three-day affair includes winery dinners at the Triangle’s top restaurants, wine tastings at area wine shops, and trade events. TWFE weekend culminates in the Grand Auction, which features a dazzling selection of wine and food, and an exciting auction that features rare and incredible lots. Tickets are on sale now. Get all the details here.

Guys, you have been warned. Please note that the Super Bowl AND Valentine’s fall on the same weekend in 2022. The Super Bowl is on Sunday, February 13th, the day before Valentine’s. And we know everyone typically books their Valentine’s date nights on that weekend. You have been warned.

Food Bank Corner

New year, new ways to give back to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina! You can come volunteer in a safe environment (MASKS ARE REQUIRED) or even host your own virtual food drive! Find out how on their website here. #NoOneGoesHungry

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