TRIANGLE FOOD BLOG

Featured Restaurant News

• And then there were two. Brewery Bhavana, the downtown Raleigh restaurant known for its unique fusion of dim sum, craft beer and curated ambiance, is expanding for the first time. The second location will officially open TODAY, Friday, April 18 at Fenton in Cary. This new outpost reimagines the Brewery Bhavana experience with a lush beer garden twist. The menu will feature their signature dim sum—including dumplings, egg rolls and steamed buns—alongside guest favorites like Peking Duck, General Tso’s Chicken and soup dumplings. They first opened their doors in Raleigh in 2017 and earned national recognition for their innovative approach to food, beer and design. Patrick Woodson became the sole owner in May 2023. Get the latest on Instagram here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• Raleigh Magazine shared the news this week that downtown Raleigh’s Gallo Pelon Mezcaleria (106 South Wilmington Street) is closing its doors after 10 years. Their last day will be May 5th (Cinco de Mayo). That’s the bad news. The good news is that Kim Hammer and Lewis Norton of Bittersweet, a dessert shop at 16 E Martin St., and Johnson Street Yacht Club, will open Bitter Social in that space. They are shooting for a late summer opening. According to the magazine, the bar/social space will be heavily event-focused, with daily programming like smutty poetry and prose nights cohosted by Blackbird Books and Coffee, a “trashy wine club” pairing vino with everything from potato chips to candy, DJ dance parties, the return of Bittersweet’s gin club, and much more. And, yes, Bittersweet’s beloved espresso martinis will grace the menu as well.⁠ Centro, which occupies the ground floor in the same building, will remain open Keep up with developments on Instagram here.

• Raleating shared on Instagram that Morrisville has a new coffee shop – Fare and Fellow opened this week at 4921 McCrimmon Parkway. This is their third location, with locations in both Durham and RTP. The spot offers great drinks, salads and sandwiches and features conference rooms, an outdoor area, a rec space and more! They will have their grand opening on April 21. Visit them here.

• Triangle Business Journal reported this week that a well-known bakery in Johnston County is coming to Raleigh. JP’s Pastry, which has operated in Benson for more than a decade, has signed a lease for 2310 Bale St. in Raleigh. Located just off Wake Forest Road near Costco Wholesale and Wegmans, the bakery will open between late May and mid-June. Visit JP’s here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• Thanks to a tip from buddy Glenn Gillen we learned that Daughters Coffee & Books opened in South Durham on Saturday, April 12th at 5410 NC Hwy. 55 just around the corner from True Flavors Diner. Stop by today and pay them a visit. Get details here.

• Gillen also shared that Gossip Tea Lounge has opened at 5320 McFarland Drive in Durham near Duck Donuts. Their site indicates that they are a Vietnamese café specializing in traditional Vietnamese food and beverages, including bánh mì, Vietnamese coffee, and bubble tea. Check them out here.

• And if you are not convinced that Glenn Gillen is my go-to source for everything Durham, he also shared this week that he noticed that a coffee and cocktail bar called Baryo has opened at 506 Ramseur Street. They are self-described as your newest option for a morning espresso, an afternoon glass of wine, a late-night cocktail, or a zero-proof THC creation. Learn more about them here.

• Also in Durham, Axios reported this week that Di Fara Pizza Tavern, a pizzeria with origins in Brooklyn, will open a second Triangle-area location in the Horseshoe at Hub RTP later this year. Di Fara’s original Triangle-area location opened in downtown Cary in 2021. Keep up with their progress on Instagram here.

• Got the inside scoop on a few changes over in Carr Mill Mall in Carrboro thanks to Tyler Huntington. Carrboro Pizza Factory and Daisy’s Delights in Carr Mill have been sold to Andrew Moore, owner of Venable. And while they have plans for new concepts in both spaces, they will reopen the existing Pizza Factory concept as quickly as possible giving them time to make a proper transition to the new concept.

• And Tyler also informed us that Sam Suchoff has sold PiggyBack bar (in the Cedar Falls Courtyard at 630 Weaver Dairy Road in Chapel Hill) to the folks at Beau Catering who plan to open with their own new bar concept. Stay tuned. Follow Beau Catering on Instagram here.

Closings

• As noted above, Gallo Pelon Mezcaleria is closing its doors after 10 years. Their last day of service will be May 5th (Cinco de Mayo). Bitter Social will open in the upstairs space. Centro (ground floor) remains open.

• The Triangle Business Journal reported that Garner distillery Aristotle Spirits has closed after falling behind on rent.

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

• Over in Raleigh’s Iron Works, Little Rey’s will feature a monthly taco from a rotating local chef with 100% of proceeds from all purchases going to a charity of the guest chef’s choice. The March collab will feature chef Saif Rahman of forthcoming Peregrine who made a panch phoron spiced beef taco with chimichurri that will be available all April long and will benefit Now Serving NC. The taco will be available on Little Rey’s menu throughout April. Visit Little Rey here.

• The Pit’s 15th Annual North Carolina ‘Cuegrass Festival will be held in Downtown Raleigh THIS Saturday, April 19th from noon to 6 p.m. on Fayetteville Street between Morgan and Martin Streets, including East and West Hargett Street between Salisbury Street and South Wilmington Street. ‘Cuegrass is a celebration of two of North Carolina’s cultural assets: Barbecue and Bluegrass music. Each year, 100% of the proceeds from food and beverage sales, Fast Passes, The Pit merch, and the Silent Auction are donated – this year to SAFEchild, The Occoneechee Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Freedom Ride Rescue, and Western North Carolina Hurricane Relief. Get all the details here.

• Brewgaloo, NC’s largest craft beer festival and the second largest craft beer festival in the country, will take over downtown Raleigh next weekend – April 25th and 26th. Expect tastings for beers, ciders, sours, and more from 110 brewers alongside 60,000 attendees. Expect plenty of live music, local food trucks, and enough beer to fill Fayetteville Street. Purchase tickets and get all the details here.

• Tickets are now on sale for 7th annual Roots for Reece Chef’s Picnic which will be held on Sunday, April 27th in Clayton. This highly anticipated annual event will feature an exciting day of food and drink samples from more than a dozen local chefs, breweries and bars, alongside live music, crafts, a silent auction, raffles and much more. Proceeds from the event will benefit the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to combating the opioid epidemic in North Carolina and providing support to individuals affected by substance use. General admission tickets are available for $100, and VIP tickets, which offer exclusive benefits, are available for $200. Early Bird Tickets cost $100 and include an event t-shirt but must be purchased by March 30th. Tickets and more information can be found at Roots for Reece Chef’s Picnic.

• This year’s Gettin’ Piggy With It is set to take place on 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.

• 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.

Food Bank Corner

• Pop Up Markets are no cost food distributions directly facilitated by the Food Bank. Most are walk-up, and client choice distributions, with volunteers stocking tables from pallets of food and assisting neighbors throughout.  The Pop Up Markets program is meant to provide additional support for the Food Bank’s primary goal: supporting our Partner Agency Network. These are locally run food pantries, soup kitchens, and other organizations that partner with us to distribute food to those in need in their communities. Find a list of April, 2025 Pop Up Markets here.

Featured Restaurant News

• The much-anticipated opening of The Crunkleton Raleigh in downtown’s Smoky Hollow (403 W. Johnson Street) occurred this week. With an original location in Chapel Hill and a second location in Charlotte, the Raleigh location features a full-service restaurant serving classic cocktails, handpicked wines, and craft beers. The menu, curated by Chef Gregory Balch, will include raw and charred oysters, hearth-fired wings, giant tomahawk steaks for the table, a really good burger, fire-roasted vegetables, and more. Most dishes touch live fire in its open-hearth kitchen. For now The Crunkleton Raleigh will only serve dinner, with plans to open for weekend brunch soon. Take a peek on their Instagram page.

Wake County Restaurant News

• Another big opening this week was Peregrine, the collaboration between award-winning Chef/Owner Saif Rahman and Artist/Owner Patrick Shanahan. Named for the migratory Peregrine Falcon, this dining destination is a love letter to the places and cultures that have shaped Rahman’s life’s journey – from his childhood home in South Asia to his new home in North Carolina. Rahman invites us to experience what first generation immigrant food means to him, modernized and refined in the American South. And thanks to the talents of Shanahan, the setting is just as transportive as the cuisine and reflects the same depth and complexity as the food. Located at 1000 Social Street, it is the flagship restaurant for The Exchange, the 40-acre mixed-use development in Midtown. Reservations are open…good luck! Visit them here.

• Want another opening? How about the news that Oakwood Deli opened this week at 331 New Bern Avenue (former Acme Cleaners, directly across from the Federal Building/US Courthouse). Their Instagram notes sandwiches (of course), salads, breakfast, tacos, burgers , coffee and a juice bar. The space looks absolutely amazing. Definitely work it into your rotation! See for yourself on Instagram here.

• And one more opening – over in downtown Raleigh’s Morgan Street Food Hall, Raleigh Rolls just opened Stand 99, a brand new kiosk serving up some seriously drool-worthy ice cream creations — for example, 99 Flake Ice Cream Cone, a creamy Irish-style vanilla soft serve topped with a classic Cadbury Flake. Head down to Morgan Street Food Hall and check it out for yourself. Or if you need more enticement, check out Raleigh Rolls on Instagram.

• And in the “we didn’t see that coming” category, the Glenwood South location of Carolina Ale House closed following the NCAA Men’s Final and before the Carolina Hurricanes post-season play – but only to make way for a new concept called Smash Ping Pong Bar. The new concept will be operated by Raleigh-based LM Restaurants, which operates six other Triangle-area locations of Carolina Ale House, Vidrio, a’Verde, Birdie’s Barroom and Kitchen, and Taverna Agora. While Smash plans to have a kitchen, the focus will be to position it as a bar and club with pingpong tables at the center of it. Look for them to open before NC State students return in the fall.

• And a reminder that Boba shop Budacai in downtown Raleigh (located at 120 E Martin Street) will rebrand as Amrut, a full-service Indian restaurant with a full bar and will open next Tuesday, April 15. The downtown eatery will still serve a reduced boba tea menu. The owners of Budacai previously operated Indian restaurants in Morrisville. Might be best to follow along on Instagram.

• While up in Wake Forest recently, I saw signs for a coming soon for a concept called Taj Mahal. They will be in the same shopping center as Cape Fear Seafood Company at 3612 Rogers Branch Road. Not sure if it is the same as the location on Falls of Neuse. Stay tuned.

• Today in the Quay administrator Jason Wunsch shared the news that Fuquay-Varina will soon be home to Deli on Main, featuring New York traditions with southern hospitality. They will be located in the front of the Front Porch Realty building at 604 N. Main Street. Look for a fall opening.

• And in the “changing things up a little” category, downtown’s A Place At The Table (Raleigh’s first pay-what-you-can café) is launching a brand-new café menu on April 16. A special thanks to Dean Ogan, founder and senior advisor of Rocky Top Catering, for donating his time and expertise. Look for additions like a Breakfast Burrito, Avocado Toast, Beefy Grilled Cheese, Meatloaf Sammy, Hot Chicken Sammy, White Bean Chicken Chili, and a Chef Salad. Visit them here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• And the big opening this week over in Durham was The Lenny, a new restaurant with a rooftop view of downtown Durham and the Durham Bulls stadium. Located on the top floor of the 555 Mangum building, the restaurant is the latest venture from the Ibarra brothers, Joel and Charlie, who have been behind other restaurants like Cortez (now closed, soon to reopen as Cuya) in downtown Raleigh as well as Chido Taco, Jose and Sons and La Rancherita. Highlights of the menu include: a seafood tower, multiple charcuterie boards and a selection of grilled meats, including a tomahawk steak. Best to follow along on Instagram.

• Axios Raleigh reported today that Narrative Coffee, which has served coffee in recent years across the Triangle via a truck, will open its first brick-and-mortar location this summer (aiming for June) at 300 Morris St. in downtown Durham on the first floor of the Durham Innovation District office building. Until then, they will host pop-up events at the building every Friday until then. Visit them here.

Closings

• Just Carolina Ale House which closed to make way for LM Restaurant’s latest concept – Smash Ping Pong Bar (see above). Keep eating local, folks!

Food Trucks

• The remaining schedule for the Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeos is as follows: April 13; 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.

• A Place At The Table will hold their next Pay-What-You-Can Food Truck Rodeo on Sunday, April 13th from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. This food truck rodeo supports A Place at the Table’s mission. Also of note, you can purchase meals ahead of time for those who can’t afford them. 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

• Over in Raleigh’s Iron Works, Little Rey’s will feature a monthly taco from a rotating local chef with 100% of proceeds from all purchases going to a charity of the guest chef’s choice. The March collab will feature chef Saif Rahman of forthcoming Peregrine who made a panch phoron spiced beef taco with chimichurri that will be available all April long and will benefit Now Serving NC. The taco will be available on Little Rey’s menu throughout April. Visit Little Rey here.

• The Pimento Cheese Festival returns to downtown Cary on Saturday, April 12. The event features over 40 food and beverage vendors, including food trucks offering cheesy delights. The event also includes musical performances and a pimento cheese sculpting contest. Get all the cheesey details here.

• Put on your party sombrero for the 6th Annual Tacos ‘N Taps being held over at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary also on Saturday, April 12th from 12pm to 5pm – and enjoy some foodie fun! This ALL-YOU-CARE-TO-TASTE beer and tequila festival offers up some of the area’s best Tacos and Mexican Food…along with great live music. Get all the details and tickets here.

• Saw on Instagram that the Flying Saucer in downtown Raleigh is celebrating its 25th Reunion Anniversary Party on Saturday, April 12 with a party featuring 25 rare beers on tap, karaoke, live music, and more. Stop by and join in on the fun. Get details on their Instagram here.

• The Pit’s 15th Annual North Carolina ‘Cuegrass Festival will be held in Downtown Raleigh on Saturday, April 19th from noon to 6 p.m. on Fayetteville Street between Morgan and Martin Streets, including East and West Hargett Street between Salisbury Street and South Wilmington Street. ‘Cuegrass is a celebration of two of North Carolina’s cultural assets: Barbecue and Bluegrass music. Each year, 100% of the proceeds from food and beverage sales, Fast Passes, The Pit merch, and the Silent Auction are donated – this year to SAFEchild, The Occoneechee Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Freedom Ride Rescue, and Western North Carolina Hurricane Relief. Get all the details here.

• Tickets are now on sale for 7th annual Roots for Reece Chef’s Picnic which will be held on Sunday, April 27th in Clayton. This highly anticipated annual event will feature an exciting day of food and drink samples from more than a dozen local chefs, breweries and bars, alongside live music, crafts, a silent auction, raffles and much more. Proceeds from the event will benefit the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to combating the opioid epidemic in North Carolina and providing support to individuals affected by substance use. General admission tickets are available for $100, and VIP tickets, which offer exclusive benefits, are available for $200. Early Bird Tickets cost $100 and include an event t-shirt but must be purchased by March 30th. Tickets and more information can be found at Roots for Reece Chef’s Picnic.

• This year’s Gettin’ Piggy With It is set to take place on 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.

• 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.

Food Bank Corner

• Pop Up Markets are no cost food distributions directly facilitated by the Food Bank. Most are walk-up, and client choice distributions, with volunteers stocking tables from pallets of food and assisting neighbors throughout.  The Pop Up Markets program is meant to provide additional support for the Food Bank’s primary goal: supporting our Partner Agency Network. These are locally run food pantries, soup kitchens, and other organizations that partner with us to distribute food to those in need in their communities. Find a list of April, 2025 Pop Up Markets here.