{"id":4018,"date":"2025-07-25T07:12:34","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T11:12:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/?p=4018"},"modified":"2025-07-25T07:12:34","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T11:12:34","slug":"friday-fun-food-facts-july-25-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/?p=4018","title":{"rendered":"Friday Fun Food Facts &#8211; July 25, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Featured Restaurant News<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>News &amp; Observer<\/strong> shared the news that <strong>Dino\u2019s Pizza<\/strong> in Durham opened this past week in the <strong>University Hill<\/strong> shopping center (in the former <strong>BB\u2019s Crispy Chicken <\/strong>space). The pizzeria is the latest from <strong>Matt Kelly<\/strong> (think <strong>Mateo<\/strong>, <strong>Mothers &amp; Sons<\/strong> and <strong>Nanas<\/strong>). Joining <strong>Kelly<\/strong> is chef and partner <strong>Tom Cuomo<\/strong>, formerly of <strong>St. James Seafood<\/strong>. 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. <strong>Dino\u2019s<\/strong> will be open 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday to start, with lunch service to come. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/dinospizza_durham\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Check them out on Instagram here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Wake County Restaurant News<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Triangle Business Journal<\/strong> reported this week that <strong>Roots Natural Kitchen<\/strong>, a Virginia-based eatery that caters to college students, has picked its first Raleigh location at 2712 Hillsborough Street near\u00a0N.C. State University. They will begin serving salads and grain bowls in the former <strong>Gumby\u2019s Pizza<\/strong> space during next year\u2019s spring semester. This will be their second Triangle-area location as they opened their Chapel Hill location in 2021. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rootsnaturalkitchen.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Get familiar with them here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Raleigh Magazine<\/strong> shared that <strong>Barrio Tacos, Tequila &amp; Whiskey <\/strong>is coming to the downtown Raleigh <strong>Smoky Hollow<\/strong> development at 421 North Harrington Street. This will be the chain&#8217;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.\u00a0No word on an open date. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/barrio-tacos.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Start getting familiar with them now<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Over in downtown Raleigh&#8217;s <strong>Seaboard Station<\/strong>, got word that <strong>Boatman Spirits Co.<\/strong> 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 <strong>Departure Party<\/strong> on <strong>Aug. 2nd<\/strong>.\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatmanspirits.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Visit them here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>And speaking of new lunch service, chef <strong>David Ellis<\/strong> and his team at James Beard semifinalist <strong>Figulina<\/strong> (317 S Harrington Street) started offering grab-and-go lunch options this week (Wednesday\u2013Friday from 11am\u20132pm), including hot focaccia sandwiches, pasta salad and takeaway bites. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/figulinaraleigh.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Visit Figulina here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In Cary, <strong>Triangle Business Journal<\/strong> noted that <strong>Cooper\u2019s Hawk Winery &amp; Restaurant<\/strong> is planning an expansion into the Triangle with its\u00a0first location. This will be their second location in North Carolina, with a location in Greensboro planning to open soon. Plans have been submitted for <strong>Parkside Town Commons<\/strong> (7119 O&#8217;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&#8217;t made it onto the site&#8217;s &#8220;Coming Soon&#8221; listing). <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/chwinery.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Check them out here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Downtown Apex is just days away from getting an upscale Italian option in <strong>Serafina Ristorante<\/strong>. They begin their soft launch on <strong>July 28th<\/strong>. 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 <strong>The Peak on Salem<\/strong> and <strong>Peak City Grill &amp; Bar<\/strong>. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/serafinaristoranteapex\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Follow along on Instagram here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>David McCreary<\/strong> shared with us that <strong>Sticks &amp; Stones Coffee Coalition<\/strong> is now open at 620 Lakestone Commons Avenue in Fuquay-Varina. It&#8217;s tucked away around the corner from Big Lots and near <strong>Famous Toastery<\/strong>, but it&#8217;s worth seeking out. Currently open just mornings, the shop sells locally made pastries and build-your-own flower bouquets. Gotta love this tagline: &#8220;We serve coffee and flowers &#8230; because therapy is expensive!&#8221; They will have their grand opening on <strong>Saturday, August 2nd<\/strong> from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sticksandstonescoffeeco\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Follow them here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Durham, Orange &amp; Chatham Restaurant News<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>TaTaco<\/strong>, the latest from chef and two-time James Beard semifinalist\u00a0<strong>Oscar Diaz<\/strong> (along with his long-time business partners,\u00a0<strong>Mezcalito Group Inc.<\/strong>) will have their <strong>Grand Opening<\/strong> celebration this <strong>Saturday, July 26th<\/strong> from 6 p.m. until midnight. They are located at 620 Foster Street. Get all the details <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/nctataco\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">on their Instagram page here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Southpoint Access e-newsletter<\/strong> shared that the space in <strong>Southpoint Crossing<\/strong> that once held a <strong>Melting Pot<\/strong> (202 W. NC Hwy. 54, Ste. 506) will soon be home to <strong>Kinya Ramen<\/strong>, 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 <strong>Glenn Gillen<\/strong> for bringing this to our attention. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/kinya.us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Visit them here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Over in Hillsborough, the <strong>News &amp; Observer<\/strong> reported that <strong>Serratore\u2019s<\/strong>, the second full-service restaurant from\u00a0<strong>Mothers &amp; Sons<\/strong>\u00a0chef and owner\u00a0<strong>Josh DeCarolis<\/strong>, will soon open in the former <strong>Radius Pizza<\/strong> space. While <strong>Serratore\u2019s<\/strong> will specialize in pasta, they will also serve up 12-inch Neapolitan-style pizzas. Look for them to open next month. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/serratorespastaandpizza\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Might be best to follow along on Instagram<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Closings<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>After nearly 50 years, Chapel Hill\u2019s legendary\u00a0<strong>Mama Dip\u2019s <\/strong>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. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>And in Raleigh, the <strong>News &amp; Observer <\/strong>shared the news that <strong>Cornerstone Tavern<\/strong> in Glenwood South\u00a0will close after 13 years.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Food Trucks<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Chapel Hill Carrboro Foodies Facebook<\/strong> founder <strong>Carrie Brogren<\/strong> shared that the former <strong>Pizza Factory <\/strong>in Carrboro has evolved into a food truck at\u00a0<strong>Sidetrack Bar &amp; Lounge<\/strong> (5906 Millhouse Road in Chapel Hill). <strong>Danny&#8217;s Rolling Kitchen<\/strong>\u00a0will be there after 4pm Tuesday-Friday and noon on the weekends (hours may change as needs change). Closed on Mondays. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pizzafactory.cc.2025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Check them out on Facebook here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The final <strong>Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo<\/strong> of 2025 will be on <strong>Sunday, November 2<\/strong>. It will run from 12 noon until 4 p.m. featuring over\u00a0<strong>50+ food trucks<\/strong> with cuisine from all over the world making it the ultimate Sunday Funday in <strong>Durham Central Park<\/strong> (501 Foster Street)! <a href=\"https:\/\/eventvesta.com\/events\/97144-food-truck-rodeo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\"><strong>Get all the details here<\/strong><\/mark><\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Looking to find your favorite food truck (or stalking them and simply don\u2019t want to have to admit it)? We understand. Find them on&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/streetfoodfinder.com\/\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Street Food Finder here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Events<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Head downtown! The <strong>Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week<\/strong> has returned&#8230;<strong>now through August 3rd<\/strong>. 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. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/downtownraleigh.org\/restaurant-week\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Get all the details here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Get tickets now! The <strong>Grand Finale of&nbsp;NCRLA\u2019s Chef Showdown <\/strong>will take place on <strong>Monday, August 4th<\/strong> at&nbsp;<strong>Bay 7<\/strong>&nbsp;in Durham. Presented by&nbsp;<strong>Got To Be NC<\/strong>, this one-of-a-kind event showcases the state\u2019s top chefs, pastry chefs, mixologists, and distilleries as they compete for the coveted titles of <strong>Chef of the Year<\/strong>, <strong>Pastry Chef of the Year<\/strong>, <strong>Mixologist &amp; Distillery of the Year<\/strong>, and <strong>Best Mocktail of the Year<\/strong>. Guests will savor sweet and savory bites, sip creative cocktails and mocktails, and cast their vote in <strong>The People\u2019s Choice Awards<\/strong>\u2014all while celebrating North Carolina\u2019s rich culinary culture. Plus, for the first time ever, the <strong>Grand Finale<\/strong> will feature a <strong>North Carolina Wine Bar<\/strong>, highlighting some of the state\u2019s top vineyards. Tickets are $150 per person and include all food and beverage tastings. Attendance is limited\u2014don\u2019t miss this unforgettable night of flavor, competition, and local pride. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncrla.org\/ncrla-events\/2025-ncrla-chef-showdown\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Get tickets and all the details here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The inaugural <strong>Salt &amp; Smoke &amp; Sound Festival <\/strong>will be held <strong>Saturday, October 18th<\/strong> at <strong>Blackwood Farm Park<\/strong> between Chapel Hill and Hillsborough. The exciting new community event merges together two beloved festivals\u2013<strong>Acme\u2019s Salt &amp; Smoke<\/strong> and Sonark Media\u2019s <strong>Harvest Festival<\/strong>\u2013into a celebration of food, culture, and music in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Food will be provided by <strong>Acme\u2019s Kevin Callaghan<\/strong> 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. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/saltsmokesound.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Tickets are on sale now<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Food Bank Corner<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recently, Congress voted for devastating cuts to SNAP and Medicaid. <strong>Amy Beros<\/strong>, President &amp; CEO of the <strong>Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina<\/strong>, shared what this will mean for North Carolina. &#8220;No one should go hungry\u2014no matter where we live, where we\u2019re from, who we love, or the color of our skin. Yet with this vote by Congress and a stroke of the President\u2019s pen, millions more people will soon face hunger here in North Carolina and across the country.&#8221; The <strong>Food Bank<\/strong> is moving mountains to make food available to all who need it. They\u2019re still here, no matter what. They need your help now more than ever. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/foodbankcenc.org\/federal-budget-reconciliation-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Read their full statement here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/secure.foodbankcenc.org\/site\/Donation2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">get involved in the fight to end hunger<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Featured Restaurant News Wake County Restaurant News Durham, Orange &amp; Chatham Restaurant News Closings Food Trucks Events Food Bank Corner<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4018","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4018","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4018"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4018\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4030,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4018\/revisions\/4030"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4018"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4018"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4018"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}