TRIANGLE FOOD BLOG

Featured Restaurant News

• With national conversation surrounding Standard Time, we are more interested here in the Triangle-area about the opening of Standard Beer + Food. The independently owned restaurant group behind the longtime Person Street spot, opened a second location this week, Standard NHID, at 560 St Albans Drive in North Hills. A shift from Person Street’s QR-service, no-reservations model, the North Hills location is full service and reservation-friendly. The menu, developed by Executive Chef Andrea Cardella, builds on Standard’s fan favorites while introducing wood-fired cooking and a raw bar. The smash burger carries over from Person Street, alongside new NHID dishes including the Standard Tavern Burger, Swordfish Schnitzel, and Bar Steak. The kitchen works with local partners including Raleigh City Farms, Joyce Farms, and Fox Farm & Forage. The bar program at Standard NHID features six slushies on tap (including an Espresso Martini, Strawberry Daiquiri, and Painkiller), along with house and guest beer, a low-intervention wine list, and a craft cocktail menu. Get by today!

Wake County Restaurant News

• We first told you about this back in June, but learned this week that Clouds Brewing has now opened in the former location of Tobacco Road Sports Café located at 505 Jones St. They are celebrating their first weekend (Friday and Saturday) and you are invited to join them from 4-10 p.m. both days for great drinks, tasty bites, and good vibes. They are starting with a limited menu as the team perfects the Clouds way, but everything on offer is crafted to impress. Swing by the main bar, grab a beer, and be among the first to experience Clouds in their newest location! Visit Clouds here.

• On a recent drive down Hillsborough Street in Raleigh, I noticed that Beignets & Brew has opened on the ground floor of the Stanhope building (3001 Hillsborough Street). They serve hot, fresh-made beignets with various toppings (like strawberry cheesecake and caramel) along with specialty coffees, teas, and breakfast croissants. With locations all over the Eastern United States, this is their first venture into North Carolina. Visit them here.

• Over on Western Boulevard, buddy Hugh Autry reached out to me to let me know that we will soon have a new Pizza Hut location, nestled between Wendy’s and Dunkin’. No word yet on an open date. Visit Pizza Hut here.

• And just a few months after opening their first Triangle-area location in Durham, Bubbakoo’s Burritos, a Mexican-fusion concept, opened its newest location in Cary according to Triangle Business Journal. Located at 337 Sembler Lane in the Ambery Place Shopping center, they serve up more than 12 varieties, including Papi Hibachi steak and shrimp burrito, the crispy buffalo chicken quesadilla, Nashville hot crispy chicken burrito and the California steakhouse burrito. They have locations across 14 states. Pick your burrito here.

• Got word this week that the folks behind Shinmai Shokudo and Shinmai Kumo in Cary are getting ready to open their third concept, Shinmai Moku, in the new section of Quail Corners shopping center later this July (corner of Millbrook and Falls of the Neuse roads). Moku is an intimate Japanese yakitori and izakaya inspired by the evenings found throughout Japan, where people gather around charcoal grills to share skewers, small plates, and drinks with friends. Their goal isn’t just to open another restaurant, but to bring a more authentic yakitori experience to North Carolina through craftsmanship, atmosphere, and hospitality. Best to follow along on Instagram here.

• And we learned this week that Sully’s Misfits Kitchen at 213 Fayetteville Street in Fuquay-Varina is now open and serving up good eats and drinks. Self-described as a Massachusetts-inspired dive bar kitchen serving North Shore roast beef, South Shore bar pies, wings, and comfort food from everywhere. Best to get to know them on their Facebook page here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• Thanks to a tip from Glenn Gillen, we learned that Kristine Suh and her partner Andrew Mehring have officially opened Dosirak Outpost, a Korean-style convenience store at 307 W Main Street in the heart of downtown Durham. The store is stocked with Korean snacks, shelves of noodles, Asian stationery, beverages, kimchi from local vendor Spicy Hermit, gochujang, and a variety of other items. Grab-and-go options stocked with kimbap, rice bowls, soups, and other delicious eats are coming soon, just waiting on city permitting. Get by and see for yourself.

• Also in Durham, the News & Observer reported that Ideal’s Sandwich & Grocery, one of the Triangle’s best restaurants, has been open only three hours a day, Thursday thru Monday. It sometimes sells out far earlier than that. That has all changed, as the Durham restaurant has doubled its hours and is now open from noon to 6 p.m. And according to the N&O reporting, breakfast is on the way. Visit them here.

• At the end of last month over in Durham, Woody’s Bar-B-Q opened their 10th location and their first in North Carolina at 3500 N Roxboro Street. Founded in Jacksonville, Florida in 1980, they are most well-known for their slow-smoked baby back ribs, pulled pork, and signature burgers. Thanks to reader Ian Fetterolf for bringing this to our attention. Visit them here.

• Also in Durham, reader Tim Decker tipped us off to the fact that we will soon have our fourth Triangle-area location of LongHorn Steakhouse. It is moving into the former Chili’s location at the Renaissance Center shopping mall near The Streets at Southpoint (6917 Fayetteville Rd.). Visit LongHorn here.

• Just across the county line from Chapel Hill in Chatham County, coffee gem SaBean’s Coffee has moved to a new location, just a couple of miles from their former location adjacent to Captain John’s Dockside. She is now located along 15-501 at the former gas station on the corner with Andrews Store Road. Please check in on Instagram here before going because at last check Sabine was still waiting on power to be hooked up.

, Closings

• David McCreary shared the sad news that La Grassa Pastificio, an Italian bistro located at 908 Northeast Maynard Road in Cary’s Reedy Creek Square shopping center, has closed due to “overwhelming health issues.” Chef/Owner Robert Reynaud has battled serious kidney disease for many months. Please keep him and the staff affected by the closure in your thoughts and prayers.

• In Raleigh, reader Rebekka Mastin saw a sign on the door of Stromboli’s Express on Spring Forest Road indicating they had closed after 21+ years.

• My “everything Durham” guy Glenn Gillen, shared with me that Afters Dessert Bar in Brightleaf Square is closing at the end of this week.

• Also in Durham, we learned that after 10 years, Durty Bull Brewing Co. will be closing their doors in Durham at the end of September.

• And the Herald-Sun reported that Annexe, subterranean lounge and cocktail bar, would close at the end of the week after a 6-year run.

Food Trucks

• The final Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on September 27. You’ll find food and drink at over 30 food trucks as well as inflatables and family fun for all ages. It will be hosted at Durham Central Park (500 Foster Street, Durham). Go ahead and mark your calendar. 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

• This is kind of fun! Wednesday, aka hump day, is called that for a reason. You need a little extra to get to the second half of the week – and so Eastcut Sandwich Bar, with locations in Durham (3211 Old Chapel Hill Road) and Raleigh (1101 E. Whitaker Mill Road, Suite 126), is throwing you a little help. Stop by any Wednesday morning for Wired Wednesday where you can get a free hot or iced Black & White Roasters coffee with a breakfast food purchase. Consider this a sign to spend Hump Days at The Cut, trying out our new-ish egg sammies and zeppole. Visit them on Instagram here.

• Yesterday kicked off Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week – July 16th through July 26th. From skyline cocktails to neighborhood favorites and exciting new discoveries, you’ll find exclusive prix fixe menus, chef-crafted specials, and limited-time offers throughout Downtown Raleigh during this celebration. Next week, they’ll start unveiling participating restaurants, including The Willard Rooftop Lounge, with many more to come. Stay tuned to see who’s joining this year’s list!

• Join the folks at Figulina in downtown Raleigh on Wednesday, July 22 for an evening celebrating the launch of “On the Road in Piemonte”, a two-volume labor of love written by our very own Wine Director, Jeff Bramwell, with Jay Murrie. Inspired by the food, wine, landscapes, and people of one of Italy’s most fascinating and diverse regions, the evening’s à la carte menu will feature a mix of dishes featured in the book alongside classic Piemontese preparations and a few playful interpretations from Chef David Ellis and Guest Chef Nate Garyantes. There are still a handful of reservations available for dinner from 6 to 10 p.m. Come raise a glass, celebrate an incredible accomplishment, and spend an evening exploring the flavors of Piemonte. Get all the details on Instagram here.

• On Sunday, July 26 at 7 p.m. at the Southern Village Green in Chapel Hill, Porch will be jamming out and collecting food donations to support the more than 800 families they serve. This summer they’re providing extra food in the market to help families make ends meet until kids are back in schools receiving free and reduced meals in the fall. If you can, please help kids have all the nourishment they need to have a happy summer? Here are our most-needed items: Hearty snacks; Pasta sauce (plastic jars please); Maseca; Condiments (ketchup, mayo, salad dressing); Cooking oil, and Nutella. Reach Porch here.

• The Left Hook Coffee shop is holding their grand opening at its Hargett Street cafe with a circus on Saturday, August 1. Located at 912 E Hargett Street, at the corner of Hargett and State, you’ll enjoy local vendors/artists/makers, live music, local food vendors, live screen printing, “circus” activities, wrestling, and more. A huge congratulations to Kristin and Nick! Follow along on Instagram here.

• Tickets are on sale now for the 2026 Dinner in the Meadow event on September 13th for a fundraiser that supports the Leonard-Mobley Small Farm Fund, a non-profit organization that helps small farms in North Carolina. Get tickets and all the details here.

Food Bank Corner

• Stop Summer Hunger when your gift doubles! The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina currently has a $100,000 match until July 31! For kids, summer should be a time of play and rest. But for too many local families, it’s a time of worry instead. When school breakfasts and lunches stop for the summer, parents on an already-stretched budget are challenged to fill the gap. Thanks to some generous friends, every dollar of your gift today will double, up to $100,000, to fund our summer meal programs so that kids can be kids. Because of our buying power and relationships with local food providers, every gift, of any size, will go a long way. Every $30 can feed one child two children for a month! Every $90 can feed one child two children all summer! Consider a donation today!

Featured Restaurant News

• Next month will bring us the opening of one of the most anticipated additions to downtown Cary, Lloyd’s Full Service. The neighborhood eatery is set inside a restored 1950s service station at downtown Cary’s most vibrant corner: Chatham and Academy streets. It is being brought to us by the local hospitality group Early Bird Night Owl, the operating team behind The Durham and The Mayton boutique hotels as well as upcoming The Gables. Lloyd’s kitchen will be helmed by chef Dennis Bernard and will offer a menu featuring linguine with clams, a hot dog in honor of the now-closed Ashworth Drugs, a fried fish plate and an all-day breakfast plate. The restaurant will initially open with limited dinner service. The plan is to expand to lunch and weekend brunch this fall. The restaurant will have space to seat 75 guests in its dining room and up to 100 on its covered outdoor patio. The patio will also have a vintage-style van that has been retrofitted to serve food and drinks. Start getting familiar with Lloyd’s here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• Next door in Apex, things just got a lot more groovy in the “Peak of Good Living.” The heart of downtown Apex is now home to the newest location of Groovy Duck Bakery which opened this week to a long line of customers at 101 North Salem Street. While they’re famous for their muffins, their skilled bakers also create delicious cakes, chunky cookies, cupcakes, bars, pies, and pastries—all made in small batches throughout the day. Stop by for a delicious pastry and coffee. They also have a location in Raleigh on Edwards Mill Road. Get Groovy today.

• In Downtown Raleigh, the Downtown Raleigh Alliance informed us that Kokoro Ramen & Izakaya is now open in City Market at the corner of corner of Blount and Martin streets. The Japanese restaurant and pub is now serving up unique shareable plates and ramen bowls. Follow along on Instagram.

• We first told you about this back in May, but Michael Longo posted on his social media that his newest venture – Mikey’s Pizza – will hold their grand opening this Saturday, July 11th. Longo of Vic’s fame is opening the shop in the former Pizza & Pints spot next to Chido Taco and near Mami Nora’s at 2320 Bale Street at the intersection with Wake Forest Road. Expect this to be the first one, but certainly not the last. The focus will be very kid friendly where kids (and adults too) can make their own pizza and eat it right there. Visit Mikey’s here.

• Over at North Hills, we got word this week that South Block, the fast-growing acai bowl, smoothie, and juice concept, will open a new location in the Main District of North Hills. The new location will be located next door to bartaco and is expected to open in the first quarter of next year. Founded in Arlington, V.A., South Block has built a loyal following for its handcrafted acai bowls, fresh smoothies, and cold-pressed juices made from real, high-quality ingredients. Since its founding in 2011, the brand has expanded across the Mid-Atlantic and into North Carolina. With two locations in Charlotte and a third on the way, this is their first venture into the Triangle. Get to know them here.

• Up in North Raleigh, reader Kathy Powell noticed signage up for Koi Sushi & Hibachi in the Celebration at Six Forks shopping center. Looks like their original location is over in Durham and no word yet on an open date for the Raleigh location. Visit their Durham location here.

• With the World Cup capturing everyone’s attention, and following up on France’s convincing win over Morocco yesterday, The Cary Report shared more good news this week for fans of all things French. They reported that La Pause Parisienne is setting up shop at 160 NE Maynard Road, bringing an authentic French bakery and café to town. The bakery says its croissants and pastries are made on site by French-trained artisans! No word on an open date. Get to know them here.

• Got word this week that the folks behind Shinmai Shokudo and Shinmai Kumo in Cary are getting ready to open their third concept, Shinmai Moku, in the new section of Quail Corners shopping center later this July (corner of Millbrook and Falls of the Neuse roads). Moku is an intimate Japanese yakitori and izakaya inspired by the evenings found throughout Japan, where people gather around charcoal grills to share skewers, small plates, and drinks with friends. Their goal isn’t just to open another restaurant, but to bring a more authentic yakitori experience to North Carolina through craftsmanship, atmosphere, and hospitality. Best to follow along on Instagram here.

• We first told you about this last week, but I learned from my buddy Sachin Patel that Super Chix is now open in Morrisville at 1125 Hatches Pond Lane (right next to Wegmans). Based out of Texas, they have a couple other locations in North Carolina, but this is the first in the Triangle. Go in and ask for Anesh and tell him that Coach Sean sent you. Go ahead and get familiar with them here.

• Up in Wake Forest, reader Jan Delory informed us that Bruma Brunch & Social Taco, featuring modern Mexican flavor, is now open at 1898 S Franklin Street in the heart of downtown. Visit them here.

• Down at 213 Fayetteville Street in Fuquay-Varina, signage is now up on the building for Sully’s Misfits Kitchen which will soon (any day now) be serving up good eats and drinks. Self-described as a Massachusetts-inspired dive bar kitchen serving North Shore roast beef, South Shore bar pies, wings, and comfort food from everywhere. Best to keep up with their progress and the pending announcement on their Facebook page here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• We first told you about this back in January, but they just announced on Instagram that they will open next month! Winston-Salem-based restaurant East of Texas, celebrated for its Tex-Mex house-smoked BBQ and outdoor dining experience, will open at American Tobacco Campus  in the historic Reed Building, it will feature a private event area, garage doors opening to outdoor seating near the Lucky Strike water tower, and a market with grab-and-go meals and retail offerings. Get familiar with them here. Congrats and welcome to the Triangle to founder Claire Calvin.

• Staying at American Tobacco campus, very exciting news coming out of the folks at Fullsteam (which will open sometime in 2026, perhaps around Labor Day). They shared that Phoebe Lawless will be their new director of hospitality. Many of you know Phoebe from her beloved Durham ventures over the years: Scratch, Baby Scratch, The Lakewood, and Snack Service. She will help build and execute what they are calling an “American South Public House” and its event space, Stoker Club. Menu-wise, expect a blend of tavern classics (including the return of some Rigsbee favorites) and a ton of Southern sides and plenty of vegan options. Keep up on Instagram here.

• Little Bull will open in their new location on Monday, August 3 completing a year-long renovation of a historic building dating to the 1910s in downtown Durham’s National Register historic district (301 East Chapel Hill Street). The work preserves a lot of the building’s history with wood from the original interior walls and repurposed the salvaged beams into a staircase that now connects the main dining room to the upstairs bar. Little Bull will serve dinner nightly beginning at 5 pm, with weekend brunch continuing on Saturdays and Sundays. The team plans to introduce weekday lunch service this fall, marking the restaurant’s first lunch offering. Congrats to Oscar Diaz and Juan Camilo Espada and the entire Mezcalito Group. Follow along on Instagram here.

• On a recent visit to Chapel Hill’s Franklin Street, I noticed new signage on the former Ay Pro Dios and then Ram’s Corner spot – it will soon by the newest home of Kahlovera Mexican Bar & Grill, which in addition to its Chapel Hill locations, has locations in Durham and Cary. No word yet on an open date. Visit Kahlovera here.

• A little further down on Franklin Street, Chapelboro reported that a combination Jimmy John’s and Baskin-Robbins store will soon open at 143 West Franklin Street, in the same building which houses Target. Both restaurants are owned by Inspire Brands LLC. who also own Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, and Sonic Drive-In. No open date has been released just yet, but work is underway. Visit Jimmy John’s here and Baskin-Robbins here.

• Chapelboro also shared more Franklin Street news – Hibachi & Company at 153 East Franklin Street has closed at its current location and has moved down the street to 163 East Franklin Street. Both The Daily Tar Heel and Business Debut report the restaurant’s old storefront will soon be occupied by Yeti Bowl and Shakes. Business Debut notes the Franklin Street location will be the first for the “bowl-focused concept.” Visit Hibachi & Company here.

• We learned this week that Raleigh-based restaurateur Anthony Rapillo and Katsuji Tanabe will soon open KatSushi at Boxyard RTP, introducing a vibrant new hand-rolled sushi restaurant to the beloved Durham outdoor food hall. Born of the creativity of Tanabe and rooted in his Japanese lineage, it will feature a menu focused on made-to-order hand rolls and rice bowls. They will have walk-up ordering, an outdoor bar with seating, and a handful of high top seating options near the restaurant, which will be on the second level of Boxyard. Visit Boxyard here.

• Absence makes the heart grow fonder. And so it is as we remind you that Fiesta Grill in Chapel Hill (5 miles west of Carrboro) will be closed for their annual vacation through July 14. reopening on July 15. Please plan accordingly. Hang in there! Visit them here.

, Closings

• None to report. Keep eating local, folks!

Food Trucks

• The final Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on September 27. You’ll find food and drink at over 30 food trucks as well as inflatables and family fun for all ages. It will be hosted at Durham Central Park (500 Foster Street, Durham). Go ahead and mark your calendar. 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

• July 16th through July 26th is Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week. From skyline cocktails to neighborhood favorites and exciting new discoveries, you’ll find exclusive prix fixe menus, chef-crafted specials, and limited-time offers throughout Downtown Raleigh during this celebration. Next week, they’ll start unveiling participating restaurants, including The Willard Rooftop Lounge, with many more to come. Stay tuned to see who’s joining this year’s list!

• On Sunday, July 26 at 7 p.m. at the Southern Village Green in Chapel Hill, Porch will be jamming out and collecting food donations to support the more than 800 families they serve. This summer they’re providing extra food in the market to help families make ends meet until kids are back in schools receiving free and reduced meals in the fall. If you can, please help kids have all the nourishment they need to have a happy summer? Here are our most-needed items: Hearty snacks; Pasta sauce (plastic jars please); Maseca; Condiments (ketchup, mayo, salad dressing); Cooking oil, and Nutella. Reach Porch here.

• The Left Hook Coffee shop is holding their grand opening at its Hargett Street cafe with a circus on Saturday, August 1. Located at 912 E Hargett Street, at the corner of Hargett and State, you’ll enjoy local vendors/artists/makers, live music, local food vendors, live screen printing, “circus” activities, wrestling, and more. A huge congratulations to Kristin and Nick! Follow along on Instagram here.

• Tickets are on sale now for the 2026 Dinner in the Meadow event on September 13th for a fundraiser that supports the Leonard-Mobley Small Farm Fund, a non-profit organization that helps small farms in North Carolina. Get tickets and all the details here.

Food Bank Corner

• Stop Summer Hunger when your gift doubles! The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina currently has a $100,000 match until July 31! For kids, summer should be a time of play and rest. But for too many local families, it’s a time of worry instead. When school breakfasts and lunches stop for the summer, parents on an already-stretched budget are challenged to fill the gap. Thanks to some generous friends, every dollar of your gift today will double, up to $100,000, to fund our summer meal programs so that kids can be kids. Because of our buying power and relationships with local food providers, every gift, of any size, will go a long way. Every $30 can feed one child two children for a month! Every $90 can feed one child two children all summer! Consider a donation today!