Featured Restaurant News
- Big news out of North Raleigh this week thanks to our friends at Raleigh Magazine. They shared that downtown Raleigh’s Longleaf Swine will open a second location in the former Sawmill Tap Room spot next to Sola Coffee in the Greystone Village shopping center (corner of Lead Mine and Sawmill). The building will receive significant renovations, which means we likely won’t see it open before next fall. Might want to follow along on their Instagram here for updates and progress. In the meantime, they said they will be announcing weekly pick ups from Greystone soon, or you can swing by their downtown location.
Wake County Restaurant News
- Raleigh Magazine shared the news that downtown Raleigh’s newest social and sip spot, Bitter Social, will open in the former Gallo Pelón space above Centro (104 S Wilmington St.) next week on October 2nd. The concept by Kim Hammer and Lewis Norton, of Bittersweet and Johnson Street Yacht Club fame, will host a bevy of regular monthly events—with drinks to pair, naturally. Their website is here.
- One of our readers shared with us that signage is up for Anchor Bar which was founded in Buffalo, New York in 1964 and known as home of the original “Buffalo Wing.” They will be located at 6615 Falls of the Neuse Road in the Falls Village shopping center in North Raleigh. This will mark their first location in North Carolina. No word yet on an open date. You can start getting familiar with them here.
- Downtown Raleigh favorite Whiskey Kitchen has brought back a familiar face. Chef Kyle Teears has rejoined the team as executive chef, bringing his signature style, Appalachian culinary roots, and deep love for Southern cuisine back to the heart of downtown Raleigh. Guests can expect to see new seasonal dishes roll out under Chef Kyle’s direction this fall, alongside Whiskey Kitchen favorites. Best to keep up with Whiskey on their Instagram.
- Saw on Instagram that Midtown Raleigh’s The Exchange has announced a new option coming this fall. Toastique is bringing 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.
- We first told you about this in April, 2024, but learned this week that Johnny’s Pizza will open their newest location next week in the former Papa’s Pizza spot in Greystone Village in between Gonzas and Bottle Rev. Visit Johnny’s on Instagram here.
- Over in Olde Raleigh, we learned this week that the newest location of Chipotle will open on Tuesday, September 30th at 3101 Edwards Mill Road. Visit Chipotle here.
- Over in Apex, reader Megan Hershey shared with us that Groovy Duck Bakery has signs up at the old The Cranky Yankee Bakery/A Taste of Brooklyn spot on Salem Street (101 N. Salem Street) in Downtown Apex. Their original location is at 3434 Edwards Mill Rd. in Raleigh. Follow along on Instagram here.
- Up in Rolesville, got word from reader Hans Kerekes that at Jersey Mike’s is opening in the Wallbrook shopping center on Main Street In the same spot as Publix and Five Guys. Visit Jersey Mike’s here.
- Down in Knightdale, the News & Observer tipped us off to the fact that Unhinged Coffee Co. is opening a brick and mortar location after “rolling through life in our mobile cart.” They will be located at the corner of First & Main (315 N. First St.) in Knightdale. They will have their grand opening on October 2nd. Keep up with them on Instagram here.
Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News
- Preeti Waas is at it again. The News & Observer shared the news this week that she is opening a second location of her “boutique bodega” concept – Nanny Goat – this one in downtown Durham in the Geerhouse development near the Durham Food Hall. Looking to open next month, the Durham shop will have convenience foods prepared by local chefs along with all the goods and brands you usually see at the original Nanny Goat in RTP, featuring produce, snacks, household items and more. Visit Nanny Goat here.
- In the category of the “long and winding road” — a concept that we first reported on in April, 2021, is finally nearing an opening, but in a different location and with a newly structured ownership team. Tipsy Bull, a sports bar and grill, will now open this month at 800 Taylor St. in the Golden Belt campus according to the Triangle Business Journal. The venue promises food, craft beer, big screens and a high-energy atmosphere. Look for them to open this month. Check them out here.
- Timber Pizza Co., the D.C. based pizza concept which opened its first Triangle-area location in Raleigh about a year ago, announced this week that they will open their second location in the state in Durham. Look for them to open before year’s end in the preserved historic City Garage at The Shops at Wye Junction (701 Washington St.). The space will feature 45 seats including bar seating, a Durham-inspired mural from a local artist, bench tables, reclaimed wood finishes, and both indoor and outdoor seating. Visit Timber here.
- Blogger Raleating shared on Instagram that Durham is getting its first Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. next month off NC-55. Get ready to enjoy their Yemeni coffee, lattes and signature Tres Leches and Honeycomb Bread. No word yet on an exact opening date. Keep up with them and the announcement of their opening date on Instagram here.
- And more great news coming out of Chapel Hill as it was shared this week that both The Catering Company of Chapel Hill and Mariakakis Fine Foods & Wine, located in Mariakakis Plaza near Eastgate shopping center, have reopened after being closed for about 70 days following the flooding. (Side note: The Shoe Repair has also reopened in the same plaza).
Closings
- None to report. Keep eating local, folks!
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 September, Little Rey’s latest taco collaboration is with Dave Ellis from Figulina. Available just in September, stop by to try a braised chuck taco with onion sugo, ramp salsa verde and crispy shallots. All proceeds benefit Now Serving NC. Visit Little Rey’s here.
- East End Bistrot begins their brunch service this Sunday, September 28. Expect to see all your French favorites alongside some surprises in William’s signature California-Asian style — like freshly baked croissants and Hazelnut-Brûléed Pain Perdu with his fluffy Hawaiian bread to omelets, quiche, and a Tonkatsu Benedict. Sounds delicious! Take a peek at the menu and make your reservation here.
- Kitty Kinnin reminded me that we all need to join 4,000 of our best friends to support The Foundation of Hope on 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.
- 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
- It’s a critical moment for many families, veterans, and seniors in central and eastern North Carolina. Many people don’t realize that hunger is at a 15-year high in our state, even higher than during the pandemic. Inflation, rising housing costs, and other challenges are making it harder and harder to put meals on the table. Now, federal budget cuts are making it more difficult for the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina to purchase the food so many of our neighbors have been turning to. For example, a program helping food banks and school districts purchase food from local growers and producers has been cut. This means a loss of nearly $30 million in revenue for small farms in North Carolina and millions of meals for kids and families. Every $10 is enough for 50 meals, so your gift quickly adds up to a big impact!
