TRIANGLE FOOD BLOG

Featured Restaurant News

• Next Wednesday, May 28th marks the opening of the second Triangle-area location of Simply Crepes. They have moved into the former Zoës Kitchen, then Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ, space in the Shoppes at Oberlin Court at 1028 Oberlin Road. They are a full-service, casual restaurant, offering a progressively traditional French country house experience. The location has received a complete remodel and definitely has a ‘French feel’ complete with fireplace settings and a private event space! This is the concept’s fifth location, and second outside of New York. Their other local spot is in North Raleigh’s Lafayette Village. Visit their Oberlin Road location here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• Cape Fear Seafood Company officially opened its Cary location last Monday at 1885 Lake Pine Drive in the MacGregor Square Center (former Brewster’s Pub spot). This is their fourth Triangle-area location, joining the established Village District, Wake Forest and North Raleigh locations. The space is absolutely gorgeous and features a large outdoor dining area complete with a fire-pit. Definitely work it into your Memorial Day weekend rotation. Check out their newest location here.

• And another opening. Napa Bistro & Wine Bar opened this past Wednesday bringing cool, crisp vibes from California’s Napa Valley to Glenwood Place (think Ladyfingers, just inside the belt line off Glenwood). Hailing from Charlotte, this concept from Conway Restaurant Group is Napa’s fourth restaurant in North Carolina and its first in the Triangle. Guests can expect an elevated atmosphere with wine country cuisine, cocktails, and of course, a carefully-selected wine list – perfect for brunches, happy hours, and date nights all spring and summer long. Get to know them here.

• RALtoday shared the news that Escazu Chocolates is hosting a Farewell Party this Sunday, May 25th at its current Blount Street location before moving to their new location in Gateway Plaza. Important to note, this is NOT their last day at the Blount Street location. They will soon snnounce when they will complete the transition to the new location. At the party, expect pottery by Liz Kelly, matcha and tea from Feature Flora, and, of course, sweets from the artisan chocolatier. Best to follow along on Instagram for details on the party as well as their pending announcement about the move.

• Got word from Chris Creighton that The Peak on Salem in Apex has temporarily closed. The Tramonto Food Group, which also operates MacGregor Ale House and Chef’s Palette, will open Serafina, an upscale Italian concept, in that space in June. Visit The Tramonto Food Group for the latest.

• Up in North Raleigh in Lafayette Village, got word this week that the former Zanyu Asian Noodles is under new ownership and will now operate as Lotus Noodle House. While signage is up on the building, this is still a little early in the transition as I was unable to find an online presence for the new concept. Stay tuned.

• The Triangle Business Journal reported this week that students at NC State will be able to enjoy a little local dining beginning in the fall with the announcement this week that Cary’s La Farm Bakery will open an outpost in the former Port City Java at 101 Current Drive in Park Shops. Joining them on campus this fall will be Chapel Hill’s Mediterranean Deli, Bakery and Catering coming to the Atrium Food Court on campus replacing the eateries Delirious and Union 51.  

• Down in Fuquay-Varina, got word this week that the new Famous Toastery is opening next Tuesday, May 27th. This is the second Triangle-area location (the other is in Cary) and the first location to showcase their brand’s refreshed design and updated menu, all focused on fresh, made-from-scratch breakfast, lunch, and brunch in a warm, community-centered space. They are located at 620 Lakestone Commons Avenue. Check them out here.

• Up in Rolesville, Dominick Rodriguez shared on the Rolesville NC Real Community Information Facebook page that Salty Shores II is now open in the former Off the Hook Seafood space at 308 Southtown Circle. This is the second location for Salty Shores, with the original location in Wilson. And more good news, Off the Hook Seafood will continue to operate their food truck. Visit Off the Hook on Instagram here. Get to know Salty Shores here on their Facebook page.

• And finally, a congratulations to Bates and Anthony Battaglia on the 4th anniversary of their bar, Teets located in the heart of the Glenwood South district. They will have a 4th Anniversary Party on May 31st at 425 Glenwood Avenue featuring a free cookout, raffles and giveaways along with live music, DJs and drink specials all night. Follow along on Instagram here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• Fresh off the announcement that Lutra Cafe and Bakery will open their own brick-and-mortar, they announced this week that they will start Sunday brunch residency at Durham’s Cheeni (202 Corcoran St. Suite 100, Durham) starting June 1. The brunch residency at Cheeni will give diners a chance to taste Lutra’s expanded cafe menu months before chef-owner Chris McLaurin opens Lutra’s counter-service restaurant at American Tobacco Campus by the end of 2025. The Sunday brunch will be offered from 8-11 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis featuring a menu that includes the sweet and savory buns as well as a breakfast sandwich, biscuits and gravy, bread pudding, granola bowl, 100-layer hash browns, fruit salad and more. The menu will evolve seasonally and Saturday brunch will be added later. For updates, follow them 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: 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

• NC Sugar Rush will be held in downtown Raleigh’s City Plaza THIS 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.

• Grab your family, friends, and your appetite, and get ready for the local food event of the summer! The 2025 Farm to Fork Picnic is on June 8th from 4 to 7 p.m.! Many of the area’s best farmers and chefs will team up to create delectable bite-size dishes, throughout the grounds of the beautiful Donovan Manor in Fuquay-Varina. The event will also feature local food artisans and beverage producers, with live music, fun activities for children, and surprises for the whole family. Get tickets and all the details here.

• The NC Hops Festival is Saturday, June 14th at Midtown Park in North Hills. Enjoy North Carolina breweries, food trucks, local vendors, live music and more. Get tickets and all the details here.

Food Bank Corner

• In a few weeks, thousands of children in central and eastern North Carolina will lose access to free and reduced-price school meals — a vital source of daily nutrition. The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina has a plan to ensure kids continue to get the food they need while school is out. You can help support this effort by providing critical meals to children facing food insecurity today. Thanks in advance for helping to keep kids nourished and fueled during the summer months.

Featured Restaurant News

• Cape Fear Seafood Company will open its Cary location next Monday, May 19th at 1885 Lake Pine Drive in the MacGregor Square Center (former Brewster’s Pub spot). This restaurant will be the fourth Triangle-area location for the growing Wilmington seafood brand, joining the established Village District, Wake Forest and North Raleigh locations. The opening to the public will be preceded by “reservation-only” charity events to benefit community partners The First Tee of the Triangle, The Pretty in Pink Foundation and The Trawick Pediatric Cardiology Fund at Duke Children’s Hospital. Fifty percent of all sales from these events will be donated to the organizations. Please note that the reservation-only events will take place Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Call 919.378.0060 to book your table for these pre-opening events. Check out their newest location here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• Tomorrow marks the opening of the second location of Hillsborough Street’s Lucky Tree Bakery & Coffee Roastery. On Saturday, May 17th from 4 – 8 p.m. they will host an “art party” to officially open their new location in Moore Square Park (former Square Burger spot). 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. Follow along on Instagram for details on their opening.

• Also in Raleigh, got word this week that Napa Bistro & Wine Bar will open next Wednesday, May 21st bringing cool, crisp vibes from California’s Napa Valley to Glenwood Place (think Ladyfingers, just inside the belt line off Glenwood). Hailing from Charlotte, this concept from Conway Restaurant Group will be Napa’s fourth restaurant in North Carolina and its first in the Triangle. Guests can expect an elevated atmosphere with wine country cuisine, cocktails, and of course, a carefully-selected wine list – perfect for brunches, happy hours, and date nights all spring and summer long. Get to know them here.

• It was announced this week that Campo Taco Co., a new family-owned restaurant offering authentic Mexican cuisine, will open later this year at Rockway, the vibrant new mixed-use destination adjacent to Dix Park in downtown Raleigh. Campo will open on the street level of The Row, just steps away from Raleigh’s beloved Greenway and the soon-to-open Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park. They will soon be joined by the second location of Benchwarmers Bagels and Willow House Coffee is already open across the street. This is part of the same family that brought us Lobera Tacos & Tequila on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh. Follow along on Instagram here.

• Also in Raleigh, Triangle Business Journal reported that husband-and-wife team Yousef and Sereen Said will open Purple Spoon Acai in July at 3801 Hillsborough Street by the Brickhouse Sports Bar and Grille in the former Ben & Jerry’s ice cream spot. And don’t expect this to be the last location, as they have a vision of opening three more locations in the area – possibly Village District, North Hills and Wake Forest. Watch for announcements on their Instagram page.

• Cuya Cocina Latina (which recently opened in the former Cortez spot on Glenwood South) announced via their social media this week that aside from nightly dinner service Tuesday through Sunday, they are beginning Weekend Brunch! They will begin this Sunday, before going full launch every weekend! Reservations now available. Visit Cuya here.

• One more note in Raleigh from Triangle Business Journal. They reported this week that Andy’s Frozen Custard, a dessert chain headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, is under construction at 340 E. Six Forks Road near Costco and Wegmans. They also noted that instead of indoor dining space, the custard spot will have an outdoor patio with an order and pickup window area. No word yet on an open date. Visit Andy’s here.

• We have a quick update for you. Buddy Chris Creighton shared that Baker’s Dozen Donuts, which is moving into the spot where Bonafide Bakeshop & Cafe used to be in Beaver Commons (1232 W. Williams Street) in Apex is looking to open on Monday, May 19th (assuming all final inspections go well). Stay tuned.

• Over in Wendell, thanks to the keen eyes of reader Tim Decker we have learned that a new Chick-fil-A location is about to undergo construction near the City BBQ at 2100 Treelight Way. No word on an open date. Wendell is popping!

• Down in Holly Springs, the Triangle Business Journal reported that Fable Books and Cafe will open in June at 219 Raleigh Street. The concept is owned by Nirmaliz Colón and DeAnna Kalk. The cafe portion will serve specialty coffee beverages and tea with house-made syrups in addition to pastries from La Farm Bakery. Counter Culture Coffee in Durham is the shop’s wholesale coffee partner. Look for opening announcements soon on their Instagram page.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• We learned this week that Lutra Cafe and Bakery, known for its sweet and savory buns, will open by the end of 2025 at American Tobacco Campus. The popular bakery, which was founded in January 2024 by chef-owner Chris McLaurin, has built a loyal following through its presence at farmers markets, pop-ups and local coffee shops across the Triangle. Keep up with their progress on Instagram here.

• Over in Chapel Hill, Chapel Chill’s Grand Opening Weekend kicks off today (Friday, May 16th) with an official ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m. and then the festivities will continue all weekend! They will be giving away free stuff every hour – and one lucky winner will win their grand prize: free ice cream for a year! They’ll have samples of some of the new flavors they are working on and a coloring activity for kids. They are located at 630 Weaver Dairy Road. Visit them on Instagram here.

• On a recent drive down 15-501 in Southwest Durham, I noticed signs up at the former PDQ location (in front of Freddy’s) that indicate it will soon be home to a new Panera Bread location complete with a drive-thru. Stay tuned.

Closings

• Sad to share the news that Littler, a New American restaurant at 110 E. Parrish Street in downtown Durham, will serve its final guests on June 21 after nine years of service.

Food Trucks

• The remaining schedule for the Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeos is as follows: 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

• The Got To Be NC Festival is this weekend (May 16-18) at the NC State Fairgrounds. Described as the next best thing to the NC State Fair, this fest boasts rides, fried food and shows. It runs from noon until 10 p.m. today, 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking is free. Get all the details here (including a list of food vendors and the Carolina Pig Jig BBQ Cook-off!)

• Celebrate The Raleigh Wine Shop’s 14th Anniversary Sale and Fundraiser! Wines will be on sale all week May 12-18th. A portion of bar proceeds will benefit The Women’s Center of Wake County. On Saturday, May 17th, come celebrate with free tastings all day! Alimentari will be serving lunch from 1-4pm. Plus lots of fun with Jell-O shots and exclusive anniversary merch! 12pm-8pm. Get all the details on their Facebook event page here.

• Wolfe & Porter is celebrating its annual Tiki Fest from 4-10 p.m. Saturday, May 17. The event includes live music, giveaways and food trucks, including a pop-up by Marc Russell, formerly of Longleaf Swine who has launched a new life fire cooking experience called Bucan. Russell will be cooking skewers, oysters and other tasty treats during Tiki Fest. The band lineup includes Coconut Cake, Zachery Reader, Cinematheque, Kenny Wavinson and Nicole Tester. Wolfe & Porter is located at 905 W. Morgan Street in Raleigh. Get details on Tiki Fest here.

• This year’s Gettin’ Piggy With It is set to take place this Sunday, 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.

• Ekhaya’s next Southern African Wine Dinner Series is happening on May 22nd starting at 6 p.m. This exploratory wine journey will feature some of Southern Africa’s most unique and rare wines and their dinners (5-course patio dinner) are never overcrowded and are always full of delicious surprises. Book your seat here now.

• Families Moving Forward kicks off its ninth annual Chefs for Change series with Cirque du Support on May 22nd at The Lincoln on Geer. A carnival-inspired mixer, Cirque will feature four local chefs/chef teams—Billy and Kelli Cotter (Toast), Aaron Louv (NanaSteak), Seth Gross (Bull City Burger and Brewery), and BJ Patel (Viceroy)— crafting delicious small plates. There will be fun games and activities to help guests learn how FMF helps families in Durham move from homelessness to safe housing and self-sufficiency. There will also be a silent auction full of small and great wonders you won’t find anywhere else and a grand prize drawing at the end. Tickets are on sale but going fast.

• 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.

• Grab your family, friends, and your appetite, and get ready for the local food event of the summer! The 2025 Farm to Fork Picnic is on June 8th from 4 to 7 p.m.! Many of the area’s best farmers and chefs will team up to create delectable bite-size dishes, throughout the grounds of the beautiful Donovan Manor in Fuquay-Varina. The event will also feature local food artisans and beverage producers, with live music, fun activities for children, and surprises for the whole family. Get tickets and all the details here.

• The NC Hops Festival is Saturday, June 14th at Midtown Park in North Hills. Enjoy North Carolina breweries, food trucks, local vendors, live music and more. Get tickets and all the details here.

Food Bank Corner

• Every day at the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, we hear stories about how food is sparking joy and enriching the lives of our friends and neighbors. With higher living costs, many families are finding it harder to put food on the table. In fact, financial challenges are affecting more lives than ever before. Your support today will help ensure everyone in our community has the food and support they need to lead healthy, balanced lives. Every $10 you donate helps provide enough food for 50 meals.