Friday Fun Food Facts – April 4, 2025

Featured Restaurant News

• April 9th it is for one of the most anticipated openings in 2025. Peregrine, a soaring tribute to flavor, memory, and migration, is the visionary collaboration between award-winning Chef/Owner Saif Rahman and Artist/Owner Patrick Shanahan. Named for the migratory Peregrine Falcon, this dining destination is a love letter to the places and cultures that have shaped Rahman’s life’s journey – from his childhood home in South Asia to his new home in North Carolina. Rahman invites us to experience what first generation immigrant food means to him, modernized and refined in the American South. And thanks to the talents of Shanahan, the setting is just as transportive as the cuisine and reflects the same depth and complexity as the food. Located at 1000 Social Street, it is the flagship restaurant for The Exchange, the 40-acre mixed-use development in Midtown. Reservations are open…good luck! Visit them here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• Raleigh Downtown shared on Instagram that Lucky Tree Coffee will have their pre-opening event during First Friday (TODAY) April 4 from 5-7pm as they move into Moore Square (former Square Burger building). Get a sneak peek and enjoy FREE bakery and beverage samples. Lucky Tree is owned by twin sisters Amanda and Ashley Faries. Expect the same locally roasted coffee and a menu made from whole, wheat-free ingredients with baked goods, and vegan friendly options as their current location at 3801 Hillsborough Street. Visit Lucky Tree here.

• Smoky Hollow is excited to announce the arrival of 70 & Sunny, an innovative pop-up concept launching in Downtown Raleigh this spring (near the Publix, facing North Harrington Street). Spearheaded by Tyler Helikson, owner of Madre and Happy + Hale, 70 & Sunny is set to transform an empty lot adjacent to Smoky Hollow into a vibrant, multi-functional gathering space. Running from early April through June 30, this limited-time experience will feature a shipping container-style Happy + Hale express, offering $10 bowls Monday through Friday from 11am until sold out. Complementing the fast-casual dining experience will be a dedicated dog park by Ollipop, a branded pickleball court by lululemon, live music, and rotating pop-up shops. Visit Smoky Hollow here and Happy + Hale here.

• Axios Raleigh shared that K38 Baja Grill, a longtime favorite of the Wilmington area, is making its way to Raleigh. The restaurant, known best for its fish tacos, will open later this year at 20 Seaboard Ave. inside of the Seaboard Station development in downtown Raleigh. No word on an open date. Visit them here.

• On Facebook, Raleigh Downtown shared that Piero’s Pasta and Wine opened at 211 S. Wilmington Street below Uno Mas. Named after his son, culinary chef Miguel Linares brings decades of authentic Italian cuisine from Washington D.C. to the heart of Raleigh. Piero’s also offers a special lunch menu. Give them a peek on Instagram.

• The News & Observer reported this week that Boba shop Budacai in downtown Raleigh (located at 120 E Martin Street) will rebrand as Amrut, a full-service Indian restaurant with a full bar. The downtown eatery will still serve a reduced boba tea menu and will soft-open Tuesday, April 15. The owners of Budacai previously operated Indian restaurants in Morrisville. Might be best to follow along on Instagram.

• Last week we told you about the Haraz Coffee House coming to Western Boulevard near Amedeo’s (aiming to open in June). This week the Triangle Business Journal informed us that that is just the beginning. There are plans for a shop at 5911 Poyner Village Parkway in Northeast Raleigh near Triangle Town Center which will open in September. A Durham location at 1105 W. Main Street will open in early 2026. Additionally, other franchisees have signed leases in Apex and in Cary for two more Haraz Coffee Houses. Start getting familiar with them here.

• Downtown Raleigh shared that a new Grill & Go is coming to 3212 Hillsborough Street. It will be a New York/bodega-style deli serving up 100% halal favorites like chicken and lamb over rice, falafel, gyros, and the iconic chopped cheese. Plus, expect a stacked lineup of deli sandwiches, signature smoothies, and fresh juices! They haven’t set an open date just yet….but soon! Visit them on Instagram here.

• Jacques Gilbert, the mayor of Apex, shared the sweet news that Peace, Love and Little Donuts is coming to the Sweetwater development off US 64 in Apex. Come late Spring, they will be dropping donuts all day long, not just in the morning! Stay tuned as they gear up for a late spring opening. This will be their first location in North Carolina. Visit them here.

• Also in Apex, reader Megan Hershey notified us that she saw a sign for Playa Bowls in downtown Apex, at 219 N Salem, near Common Grounds. This will be the fourth Triangle-area location for the chain. No word yet on an open date. Check them out here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• Axios shared the news that The Lenny, a new restaurant with a rooftop view of downtown Durham and the Durham Bulls stadium, plans to open next week on April 9th. It will be on the top floor of the 555 Mangum building in downtown Durham. The restaurant is the latest venture from the Ibarra brothers, Joel and Charlie, who have been behind other restaurants like Cortez (now closed, soon to reopen as Cuya) in downtown Raleigh as well as Chido Taco, Jose and Sons and La Rancherita. Highlights of the menu include: a seafood tower, multiple charcuterie boards and a selection of grilled meats, including a tomahawk steak. Best to follow along on Instagram.

• So exciting for RTP and the Boxyard RTP community as Anthony Rapillo and chef Katsuji Tanabe (the duo behind Flour & Barrel in downtown Raleigh) opened their latest adventure together – La Taqueria at Boxyard RTP, an authentic Mexican Tacqueria where you can experience Mexico City-style tacos. It opened in the former Boxyard RTP Leroy’s space. Check in on Instagram here.

Closings

• None to report. Keep eating local, folks!

Food Trucks

• The remaining schedule for the Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeos is as follows: April 13; June 1; and November 2.. All rodeos are from 12 noon until 4 p.m. and will feature over 50+ food trucks with cuisine from all over the world, and family fun – making it the ultimate Sunday Funday in Durham Central Park (501 Foster Street)! Get all the details here.

• Great news as the Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo returns to downtown Raleigh on Saturday, June 28th from noon until 6 p.m. all along Fayetteville Street. From savory flavors to sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every craving and cuisine curiosity. Whether you’re a fan of gourmet burgers, delicious tacos, or decadent desserts, our food truck rodeo promises to have something for everyone! Visit their Facebook event page 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

• Over in Raleigh’s Iron Works, Little Rey’s will feature a monthly taco from a rotating local chef with 100% of proceeds from all purchases going to a charity of the guest chef’s choice. The March collab will feature chef Saif Rahman of forthcoming Peregrine who made a panch phoron spiced beef taco with chimichurri that will be available all April long and will benefit Now Serving NC. The taco will be available on Little Rey’s menu throughout April. Visit Little Rey here.

• Up in Brier Creek, we learned this week that Golden Krust, the premier Jamaican fast-casual restaurant group, which opened back in January will have their grand opening celebration on Friday, April 4th from 1 to 5 p.m. at 8741 Brier Creek Pkwy. Visit them here.

• Bill Allen shared with me that Lakeside Kitchen in the Park Alumni Center on NC State University’s Centennial Campus is now serving First Sunday Brunch on the first Sunday of every month – that’s this Sunday, April 6th for this month. Visit their website to view the menu and make reservations. Of note, they’ll also be serving Easter and Mother’s Day Brunch.

• Fest in the West returns to Cary after a one-year hiatus this Saturday, April 5th from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Mills Park (441 Mills Park Drive). The event is geared towards children and families with tons of entertainment and activities – and of course a plethora of food trucks for everyone’s enjoyment! Get all the details here.

• The second annual A Taste of Chatham will be held April 6th from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Chatham County Agricultural Center. This event will offer tastes from numerous local restaurants and beverage vendors, music, and activities. Vendors include Starlight Meadery, BMC Brewery, Thirsty Skull, Lilly Den Farms, JDubs, Postal Fish, The Sycamore, Root Cellar Cafe, and 39 West Catering. This is a fundraiser to support the county Welcome Center, located across from the courthouse in downtown Pittsboro. Get all the details and tickets here.

• Here is another fun event from Catering Works and the Museum of Art on April 11th. Seeing Red, a presentation in the new Conservation Gallery, features the history, symbolism, and materiality of red dyes and pigments in art. It features an interactive display and works of art from the NCMA collection to illustrate the artistic use of red. At this event enjoy a short tour of Seeing Red with Director of Conservation Perry Hurt, creator of the installation. Then in the NCMA Café, embark on a deep dive into red wine, presented by wine educator and owner of Vitis House Doreen Colondres. A fascinating, unique, and cross-cultural combination of art and wine, with creative food pairings by Chef Rick Sloan of Catering Works and the NCMA Café. Get details and tickets here.

• The Pimento Cheese Festival returns to downtown Cary on Saturday, April 12. The event features over 40 food and beverage vendors, including food trucks offering cheesy delights. The event also includes musical performances and a pimento cheese sculpting contest. Get all the cheesey details here.

• Put on your party sombrero for the 6th Annual Tacos ‘N Taps being held over at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary also on Saturday, April 12th from 12pm to 5pm – and enjoy some foodie fun! This ALL-YOU-CARE-TO-TASTE beer and tequila festival offers up some of the area’s best Tacos and Mexican Food…along with great live music. Get all the details and tickets here.

• Saw on Instagram that the Flying Saucer in downtown Raleigh is celebrating its 25th Reunion Anniversary Party on Saturday, April 12 with a party featuring 25 rare beers on tap, karaoke, live music, and more. Stop by and join in on the fun. Get details on their Instagram here.

• Tickets are now on sale for 7th annual Roots for Reece Chef’s Picnic which will be held on Sunday, April 27th in Clayton. This highly anticipated annual event will feature an exciting day of food and drink samples from more than a dozen local chefs, breweries and bars, alongside live music, crafts, a silent auction, raffles and much more. Proceeds from the event will benefit the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to combating the opioid epidemic in North Carolina and providing support to individuals affected by substance use. General admission tickets are available for $100, and VIP tickets, which offer exclusive benefits, are available for $200. Early Bird Tickets cost $100 and include an event t-shirt but must be purchased by March 30th. Tickets and more information can be found at Roots for Reece Chef’s Picnic.

• This year’s Gettin’ Piggy With It is set to take place on May 18th in Raleigh at Maywood Hall and Gardens (622 Maywood Ave Raleigh, NC). The event is hosted by Lawrence Barbecue and Trophy Brewing and features award-winning chefs and pitmasters nationwide, local beer and spirits, games, live music, and much more. Tickets are on sale now. All proceeds go towards the Frankie Lemmon School and Developmental Center. For 60 years, Frankie Lemmon has been celebrating and educating children of all abilities at little to no cost to their families. Get updates on Instagram here.

• To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Irregardless in downtown Raleigh is hosting a series of special prix fixe dinners, each celebrating a different decade in the restaurant’s history. The second event, set for Wednesday, May 21 at 6:30 p.m., takes you back to the 1980s – the decade when Irregardless hit it’s stride. Indulge in a three-course, prix-fixe dinner that highlights iconic dishes from their early days, reimagined for today’s palate. Enhance your experience by adding expertly curated wine/cocktail pairings to each course. Seating is limited, so don’t wait—reserve your spot and join them for a memorable evening of culinary nostalgia and celebration! Tickets and details here. Additional dinners are as follows: 1995 Dinner: 6:30 p.m. July 9; 2005 Dinner: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 10; and 2015 Dinner: 6:30 p.m. Nov. 12.

• NC Sugar Rush will be held in downtown Raleigh’s City Plaza on Sunday, May 25th from noon until 6 p.m. If you are not familiar with this yumminess, it is a dessert food only event with something to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. Sign me up! Get all the details on their Facebook event page here.

• The 10th Annual Raleigh International Food Festival will take place this year on Saturday, June 7th from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. on downtown Raleigh’s Fayetteville Street. The event will feature over 120 food trucks/dessert trucks from around the globe with over 60 cultures represented. Free tickets and all the details here. (Tickets not required as this is a free event)

• Also on Saturday, June 7th is the 5th Annual Bubbles & Brisket featuring BBQ pit-master/chefs and an array of sparkling beverages ranging from Champagne, cava, cremant, prosecco, beer, sodas to non-alcoholic and boozy cocktails. With the purchase of a ticket, guests will enjoy various styles of brisket and side dishes prepared by the best talent across the country, along with enjoying multiple styles of sparkling wine from around the world. Tickets are $75 (early bird is $65). Discounted six-pack group tickets available. The VIP Experience ($135) tickets include: Early entrance, VIP Trig Modern lounge, specialty Champagne & brisket tastings concierge full-service of all chef offerings. Purchase tickets and get all the details here.

Food Bank Corner

• Pop Up Markets are no cost food distributions directly facilitated by the Food Bank. Most are walk-up, and client choice distributions, with volunteers stocking tables from pallets of food and assisting neighbors throughout.  The Pop Up Markets program is meant to provide additional support for the Food Bank’s primary goal: supporting our Partner Agency Network. These are locally run food pantries, soup kitchens, and other organizations that partner with us to distribute food to those in need in their communities. Find a list of April, 2025 Pop Up Markets here.