TRIANGLE FOOD BLOG

Featured Restaurant News

• Super exciting news coming out of RTP/Durham. James Beard Award-nominated chef Preeti Waas took to Instagram this week to share that she is reviving her Cheeni Indian Food Emporium with the soon to open location at Horseshoe at HUB RTP. The spot backs up to her recently opened Nanny Goat, a boutique bodega founded by Preeti and her daughter, Amy Waas. This opening will bring back the favorites everyone fell in love with at her former North Raleigh location. Look for her to open in November. Follow along with their progress on Instagram here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• We first told you about this back in December, but Raleigh Magazine shared that we are one step closer to Bongiorno & Son’s owner, Michael Bongiorno, opening an Italian cuisine concept at The Exchange Raleigh in Raleigh’s Midtown (1000 Social Street). Renderings released this week also unveiled the name of the new concept – Pranzo. According to the magazine, we should expect Italian-style sandwiches (i.e. Bongiorno faves like the Italian, prosciutto, and hot soppressata sandos) and salads by day, then shift to an aperitivo-style menu of small plates—paired with wine, beer and spritzes—come 5 p.m. ⁠In addition to his Bongiorno & Son location in Lafayette Village, he recently opened a location at RDU. Keep up with his progress on Instagram here.

• Up in North Raleigh, we have the return of a crowd favorite. Triangle Business Journal reported this week that after more than a five-year hiatus, Anita Khalek is making a restaurant comeback, this time in a much bigger location. Khalek plans to open Levant Bistro at 7400 Six Forks Road in Raleigh in late winter or early spring next year. One of the reasons she had such a large following was her dedication to a gluten-free and soy-free menu that serves breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner. Khalek closed Levant Bistro in Lafayette Village in 2020 because her lease was ending and she wanted to help her kids through the difficulties of online school during the pandemic. Plus, she needed a larger space for the restaurant and bakery. Which she now has! Follow along on Instagram here.

• Over in Cary, the Herald-Sun shared that a fast-casual restaurant known for customizable bowls is opening its second Triangle location this Saturday, October 25th. Described as a restaurant with a “bright, tropical-inspired atmosphere,” the Florida-based Mahana Fresh is located at 1151 Parkside Main St. in the Parkside Town Commons shopping center. The space was once the spot of Mexican restaurant Zambrero. They have additional North Carolina locations in Fuquay-Varina (Bengal Towne Centre) and Charlotte. Get to know them here.

• Speaking of openings, Super Rad Retro Lounge also opens tomorrow, October 25th on Glenwood Avenue near The Cupcake Shoppe (they’ve been in soft-open mode all week). The new retro-inspired spot has 30 classic arcade games, nine pinball machines, and a fully stocked bar. Visit them on Instagram 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.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• It’s official, Durham! Dame’s Chicken & Waffles is back. Their “Almost” World Famous Chicken & Waffle inspirations are now being served up (they opened yesterday, October 23rd) at their new home at 455 S. Driver Street in Durham. They closed up their previous location on Foster Street just three short weeks ago. They have one other location in Greensboro. Check them out on Instagram here.

Closings

• WRAL shared the news that Abbey Road Tavern in Fuquay-Varina is closing after seven years. The locations in Cary and Apex remain open (each are independently owned). Word on the street is that the newest location of Mi Cancun will open in that space.

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

• The tenth-annual WRAL Voters’ Choice Awards are back! Nominate your local favorites in over 100 categories Oct. 16 – Nov 15. Then come back to vote on the top 5 finalists in each category Nov. 16 through Dec. 15. Winners will be announced in January 2026. Get your nominations in here.

• On October 29th at 5 p.m., St. Roch’s in Raleigh (223 S. Wilmington St.) will host a “take-over” Supper Celebration as their Wilmington sister restaurant, Olivero, just turned two (and was recently named by USA Today as “Restaurant of the Year” for 2025). To celebrate, chefs Sunny Gerhart and Lauren Ivey (James Beard Best Chef nominees) will reunite in the kitchen for an Italian-inspired family-style supper with optional wine pairings…think Southern coastal soul meets Italian heart. Reserve your seat now!

• 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.

• 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 unparalleled 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

• Massive federal cuts to food and healthcare programs are fueling the worst hunger crisis in a generation — and our communities can’t afford to let these irresponsible decisions continue. It’s time for leaders in Washington to come together, restore vital funding for SNAP and Medicaid, and end the shutdown before more people lose their livelihoods. Support impacted families here.

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.