TRIANGLE FOOD BLOG

Featured Restaurant News

• The News & Observer shared the news that Dino’s Pizza in Durham opened this past week in the University Hill shopping center (in the former BB’s Crispy Chicken space). The pizzeria is the latest from Matt Kelly (think Mateo, Mothers & Sons and Nanas). Joining Kelly is chef and partner Tom Cuomo, formerly of St. James Seafood. The wood panel walls, red and white check table cloths and stacks of red plastic cups will help you recapture the pizza vibes of your childhood. Dino’s will be open 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday to start, with lunch service to come. Check them out on Instagram here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• Triangle Business Journal reported this week that Roots Natural Kitchen, a Virginia-based eatery that caters to college students, has picked its first Raleigh location at 2712 Hillsborough Street near N.C. State University. They will begin serving salads and grain bowls in the former Gumby’s Pizza space during next year’s spring semester. This will be their second Triangle-area location as they opened their Chapel Hill location in 2021. Get familiar with them here.

• Raleigh Magazine shared that Barrio Tacos, Tequila & Whiskey is coming to the downtown Raleigh Smoky Hollow development at 421 North Harrington Street. This will be the chain’s first venture into North Carolina. They were voted one of the top 10 taco stands in the United States, but also known for their vast selection of tequila, whiskey, and beer. No word on an open date. Start getting familiar with them now.

• Over in downtown Raleigh’s Seaboard Station, got word that Boatman Spirits Co. has expanded their hours to include weekend lunch. So they are now open from 11 a.m. until midnight Saturday and Sunday. They will be offering a lunch version of their regular menu and adding new menu items in the coming weeks. They are also planning a Departure Party on Aug. 2nd. Visit them here.

• And speaking of new lunch service, chef David Ellis and his team at James Beard semifinalist Figulina (317 S Harrington Street) started offering grab-and-go lunch options this week (Wednesday–Friday from 11am–2pm), including hot focaccia sandwiches, pasta salad and takeaway bites. Visit Figulina here.

• In Cary, Triangle Business Journal noted that Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant is planning an expansion into the Triangle with its first location. This will be their second location in North Carolina, with a location in Greensboro planning to open soon. Plans have been submitted for Parkside Town Commons (7119 O’Kelly Chapel Rd.), and the restaurant boasts an impressive menu of steaks, seafood, pasta, and its own wine collection. No word on an open date (they even haven’t made it onto the site’s “Coming Soon” listing). Check them out here.

• Downtown Apex is just days away from getting an upscale Italian option in Serafina Ristorante. They begin their soft launch on July 28th. At this time, they are not accepting reservations, but will soon (mid-August). They are located at 126 N. Salem Street in the former home of The Peak on Salem and Peak City Grill & Bar. Follow along on Instagram here.

• David McCreary shared with us that Sticks & Stones Coffee Coalition is now open at 620 Lakestone Commons Avenue in Fuquay-Varina. It’s tucked away around the corner from Big Lots and near Famous Toastery, but it’s worth seeking out. Currently open just mornings, the shop sells locally made pastries and build-your-own flower bouquets. Gotta love this tagline: “We serve coffee and flowers … because therapy is expensive!” They will have their grand opening on Saturday, August 2nd from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Follow them here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• TaTaco, the latest from chef and two-time James Beard semifinalist Oscar Diaz (along with his long-time business partners, Mezcalito Group Inc.) will have their Grand Opening celebration this Saturday, July 26th from 6 p.m. until midnight. They are located at 620 Foster Street. Get all the details on their Instagram page here.

• The Southpoint Access e-newsletter shared that the space in Southpoint Crossing that once held a Melting Pot (202 W. NC Hwy. 54, Ste. 506) will soon be home to Kinya Ramen, serving ramen and sushi. They have locations in Florida, New York, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The Durham location will be the first in North Carolina. Menus at other locations include poke bowl, kani salad, several types of ramen (including tonkotsu and veggie), sushi rolls, and yakitori meat skewers. Thanks to Glenn Gillen for bringing this to our attention. Visit them here.

• Over in Hillsborough, the News & Observer reported that Serratore’s, the second full-service restaurant from Mothers & Sons chef and owner Josh DeCarolis, will soon open in the former Radius Pizza space. While Serratore’s will specialize in pasta, they will also serve up 12-inch Neapolitan-style pizzas. Look for them to open next month. Might be best to follow along on Instagram.

Closings

• After nearly 50 years, Chapel Hill’s legendary Mama Dip’s has officially closed. A year ago, the classic Southern cooking spot closed its dining room and operated as take-out only. There was a hint, however, that left the door open for something new. Stay tuned.

• And in Raleigh, the News & Observer shared the news that Cornerstone Tavern in Glenwood South will close after 13 years.

Food Trucks

• Chapel Hill Carrboro Foodies Facebook founder Carrie Brogren shared that the former Pizza Factory in Carrboro has evolved into a food truck at Sidetrack Bar & Lounge (5906 Millhouse Road in Chapel Hill). Danny’s Rolling Kitchen will be there after 4pm Tuesday-Friday and noon on the weekends (hours may change as needs change). Closed on Mondays. Check them out on Facebook here.

• 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

• Head downtown! The Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week has returned…now through August 3rd. This beloved tradition is your invitation to discover the unique, locally-owned restaurants and bars that make downtown Raleigh a true dining destination. Savor exclusive deals, prix fixe menus, and chef-driven specials at your favorite spots across our community. Now in its 17th year, the celebration has a fresh new look. Get all the details here.

• Get tickets now! The Grand Finale of NCRLA’s Chef Showdown will take place on Monday, August 4th at Bay 7 in Durham. Presented by Got To Be NC, this one-of-a-kind event showcases the state’s top chefs, pastry chefs, mixologists, and distilleries as they compete for the coveted titles of Chef of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year, Mixologist & Distillery of the Year, and Best Mocktail of the Year. Guests will savor sweet and savory bites, sip creative cocktails and mocktails, and cast their vote in The People’s Choice Awards—all while celebrating North Carolina’s rich culinary culture. Plus, for the first time ever, the Grand Finale will feature a North Carolina Wine Bar, highlighting some of the state’s top vineyards. Tickets are $150 per person and include all food and beverage tastings. Attendance is limited—don’t miss this unforgettable night of flavor, competition, and local pride. Get tickets and all the details 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.

Food Bank Corner

• Recently, Congress voted for devastating cuts to SNAP and Medicaid. Amy Beros, President & CEO of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, shared what this will mean for North Carolina. “No one should go hungry—no matter where we live, where we’re from, who we love, or the color of our skin. Yet with this vote by Congress and a stroke of the President’s pen, millions more people will soon face hunger here in North Carolina and across the country.” The Food Bank is moving mountains to make food available to all who need it. They’re still here, no matter what. They need your help now more than ever. Read their full statement here and get involved in the fight to end hunger.

Featured Restaurant News

• Over in Durham, the Triangle Business Journal shared the exciting news that downtown Durham will soon have a new option for watching the big game from two of the biggest “players” in the hospitality scene in the Bull City. Michelle Vanderwalker and Sean Umstead, owners of a handful of restaurants and bars in Durham (think Kingfisher, QueenBurger, Queeny’s, Killer Queen and Roadrunner), are opening E.O’s Athletic Club this fall at 341 W. Main St. in the former Beyu Caffe location. E.O’s menu centers around chicken wings, New Jersey/Massachusetts-style bar pizza and loaded baked potatoes – a classic Americana sports bar. It will also serve salads, sandwiches and other scratch items. Look for them to open this fall in time for basketball season. Check them out here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• Rumors circulated earlier this week that legendary Stanbury Restaurant would expand into the space next door at 936 N. Blount St. once occupied by Escazu Chocolates (who just recently moved to Gateway Plaza earlier this month). Not true as learned in an interview with Raleigh Magazine. But what is true, they will take over the new space with a brand new concept – new name, new menu – but helmed by Stanbury chef Drew Maykuth.⁠ Now that is just as, if not more, exciting! Look for them to open sometime next year. In the meantime, follow Stanbury here.

• We are getting closer to Jake Wood’s move to downtown Cary as was announced recently that his last day at Boxyard RTP would be August 9th. Lawrence Barbecue will be moving from their Boxyard RTP spot to a new brick and mortar location in downtown Cary at 150 E. Cedar Street (near Scratch Kitchen & Taproom and Zest Sushi and Small Plates). The new spot will bring together all three of Jake Wood’s concepts – Lawrence Barbecue, Lagoon Bar and Leroy’s Taco Shop – and will also feature a patio, smokehouse, full bar and merchandise. Congrats to Jake on all his success and hard work (and his team)! No word yet on an actual opening day. Follow along on Instagram here.

• We first told you about it last week, but Inka Grill is now open in downtown Raleigh in the former Capital Club 16 space on West Martin Street. They are serving up the vibrant flavors of Peru with dishes like lomo saltado (a steak-based dish typically served with fries or rice), ceviche, Peruvian-style paella and other authentic eats. This is their first venture outside of Virginia, with what looks like a possible second North Carolina location opening soon in Greensboro. Visit them here.

• RALtoday shared this week that the highly anticipated market, bar, and eatery concept, Good Graces, is opening in August in the North Hills Innovation District (540 St. Albans Drive). Look for a menu featuring Southern favorites, refreshing drinks as well as grab-and-go meals. Follow along on Instagram here.

• On a recent stroll down Wilmington Street in downtown Raleigh I noticed that Thirsty Buffalo Wings & Brews has opened in the former Una Mas Burritos and Tequila space (which opened in December, 2024) and before that Tonbo Ramen. Not much up on their Facebook page yet.

• Also in Raleigh, we learned this week that Peri Brothers, a two-in-one dining experience, has opened in the Celebration at Six Forks shopping center (7321 Six Forks Rd.). On one side, enjoy classic New York-style pizzeria for takeout and delivery and on the other, step into their full-service modern Italian restaurant and bar, offering handmade pastas, and curated wines. Check them out on Instagram here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• In Durham, Axios shared the news this week that Narrative Coffee, which has served coffee in recent years across the Triangle via a truck, has opened its first brick-and-mortar location at 300 Morris St. in downtown Durham on the first floor of the Durham Innovation District office building. They are open 7am-3pm weekdays, 8am-3pm on Saturdays and closed on Sundays. Check them out here.  

• Over in Carrboro I learned from my friends over at The Splinter Group shared that Autostrada (modeled after an auto grill one would find along an Italian highway) is now serving up pizza and paninis in Carr Mill in the former Pizza Factory space. They will soon have a gelato and coffee shop (Autostrada Gelato & Coffee) right across the hall. Both are brought to us by chef Drew Moore from Venable and B-Side Lounge. Check out both of them, and their menus, here.

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

• Mark your calendars. The Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week returns July 24th – August 3rd. This beloved tradition is your invitation to discover the unique, locally-owned restaurants and bars that make downtown Raleigh a true dining destination. Savor exclusive deals, prix fixe menus, and chef-driven specials at your favorite spots across our community. Now in its 17th year, the celebration returns with a fresh new look. Get all the details here.

• Get tickets now! The Grand Finale of NCRLA’s Chef Showdown will take place on Monday, August 4th at Bay 7 in Durham. Presented by Got To Be NC, this one-of-a-kind event showcases the state’s top chefs, pastry chefs, mixologists, and distilleries as they compete for the coveted titles of Chef of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year, Mixologist & Distillery of the Year, and Best Mocktail of the Year. Guests will savor sweet and savory bites, sip creative cocktails and mocktails, and cast their vote in The People’s Choice Awards—all while celebrating North Carolina’s rich culinary culture. Plus, for the first time ever, the Grand Finale will feature a North Carolina Wine Bar, highlighting some of the state’s top vineyards. Tickets are $150 per person and include all food and beverage tastings. Attendance is limited—don’t miss this unforgettable night of flavor, competition, and local pride. Get tickets and all the details 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.

Food Bank Corner

• Yesterday, Congress voted for devastating cuts to SNAP and Medicaid. Amy Beros, President & CEO of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, shared what this will mean for North Carolina. “No one should go hungry—no matter where we live, where we’re from, who we love, or the color of our skin. Yet with this vote by Congress and a stroke of the President’s pen, millions more people will soon face hunger here in North Carolina and across the country.” The Food Bank is moving mountains to make food available to all who need it. They’re still here, no matter what. They need your help now more than ever. Read their full statement here and get involved in the fight to end hunger.