TRIANGLE FOOD BLOG

Featured Restaurant News

• Collaboration seems to be the new trend in the Triangle food scene. And nothing could be more collaborative than the news Raleigh Magazine shared this week that after recent high turnover, the “curse” on the Falafel & Co., then Brookside Bodega, turned Otomi Comida y Cocteles space may finally be lifted, as five local food and beverage veterans will open a new concept at the corner of Brookside and Glascock. The ownership team features: Cheetie Kumar and Paul Siler of Ajja; Angela Salamanca and Marshall Davis of Mala Pata, Peyote Mini-Bar, Centro and more; and Justin Pasfield, a partner in Locals Seafood, Person Street Bar and Natural Science Neighborhood Bar. They haven’t released the concept’s name, but suggested it is going to be “casual and approachable with really good food, and it’ll turn into a Person Street Bar vibe late-night.” Renovations are in progress and more details will be available in the coming months. Tip of the hat again to Raleigh Magazine.

Wake County Restaurant News

• Big changes are coming to 327 S. Wilmington Street in downtown Raleigh. Downtown staple Clyde Cooper BBQ has sold their building but will remain open through the end of the year, before moving to a new location very close by. The News & Observer reported that Hibachi 88, a Raleigh Japanese grill with six Triangle locations, is taking over the space. Look for them to open after the first of the year. Visit Hibachi 88 here.

• Over on Hillsborough Street, we got word that after nearly a month, Mitch’s Tavern reopened this week after completing repairs that often come with an aging building. They are located in the heart of Hillsborough Street at 2426 Hillsborough Street. Visit Mitch’s here.

• Over in Apex, David McCreary shared with me that Aqui Mero!, a new Mexican restaurant, is now open at 101 Ashville Avenue in Cary in the former O’Charley’s space near WakeMed Cary Hospital. Discover more about them here.

• Also in Apex, Mayor Jacques Gilbert shared that Sora Sushi Ramen, your neighborhood ramen and sushi eatery, is now in soft-opening mode at their location at 930 Broadstone Way, Suite 100. And he noted that they have a drive-thru! Check them out here.

• Chris Creighton sent a note pointing out that they are building a brand new Bojangles on Benson Road and New Rand Road, across from Carolina Fish Fry Company. Did Creighton see a sign? Nope, he noticed they spray painted “It’s Bo Time” on the steel beam. Great eyes Creighton!

• Up in Wake Forest, Raleigh Foodie News shared that Mamacita Modern Mexican and Cocktails is now open at 13654 Capital Boulevard, Suite 108. They also have locations in Raleigh, Morrisville and Apex. Visit them on Instagram here.

• Looking for something a little different for your weekend brunch rotation? You’ve had brunch… but have you had it with labneh, za’atar, and arak? Sitti Authentic Lebanese (137 S Wilmington Street) is reimagining what brunch looks like in downtown Raleigh—something slower, warmer, and rooted in tradition. They are serving it up every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring specials like — Brioche French Toast with lavender strawberry compote and local Oakwood honey whipped cream; Basted Eggs Maghmour with braised tomato, eggplant, chickpeas & house labneh; Brunch Pita Wrap—falafel or shawarma, scrambled eggs, pickled cucumber, herbed tomatoes & warm pita with melted feta and Manchego. Pair it with a Za’atar Bloody Mary, a pomegranate mimosa, or a Lebanese Spritz (yes, it has arak). Check out their menu here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• We first told you about this back in March, but this week the Downtown Chapel Hill shared the news that downtown’s newest flavor destination, Kolapasi Indian Canteen, opens today, June 6 at 200 W Franklin St, Suite 130 (former BulBox, and before that, Lime & Basil)! Be sure to stop by for free tastings of their South Indian dishes and grab some sweet opening-day deals at their all-day soft opening today (June 6) from 11 a.m. through 9 p.m. This will be their second North Carolina location as they already have a location in Charlotte. Get all their details here.

• Over in Durham, Raleigh Magazine shared the news that the Red Phone Booth, an exclusive Prohibition-esque cocktail and cigar lounge, is coming to downtown Durham by the end of 2025. They will deliver their renowned 400+ premium spirits, a curated selection of 200+ cigars, and Italian-inspired small plates and pizzas—plus a sophisticated intimate atmosphere and speakeasy-style entry through a restored London red phone booth. It will be the seventh location in the country and first in North Carolina. And at this point, we simply know it will be in downtown Durham. Stay tuned, but check out the other locations here.

• Glenn Gillen pointed out that although Primrose Bar & Lounge in Durham has been open for a few weeks, they are having their official grand opening on June 14. Pro tip: they are also having Friday Skip Day today (June 6th) so be sure to “call in sick” and head on over at noon. Get details on both here.

Closings

• The News & Observer shared this week that Las Ramblas, built as a lively Spanish tapas bar by Giorgios Bakatsias, announced on June 2 it had permanently closed.

• WUNC reported earlier this week that after 35 years, Neo-China, one of Durham’s oldest Chinese restaurants, has closed its doors. Thanks to Glenn Gillen for bringing this to our attention.

• Reader Daniel Marriott (and confirmed by Yelp) shared that ACME Pizza in Morrisville has closed. They still have a location in Holly Springs.

Food Trucks

• Great news as the Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo returns to downtown Raleigh on Saturday, June 28th from noon until 6 p.m. 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.

• 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

• Starting June 1st, and running the entire month of June, Little Rey’s charity guest chef series features a creation by Cheetie Kumar of Ajja. Her taco creation, a Honey Harissa Fried Chicken Taco with sumac onion, lime crema, her just launched Spicewalla rose harissa, pomegranate molasses, radish and cilantro, hits Little Rey’s menu this past weekend and will be available throughout the month of June. All proceeds benefit Southern Smoke Foundation. Visit Little Rey’s on Instagram here. And visit Southern Smoke here.

• The 10th Annual Raleigh International Food Festival will take place THIS 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. 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.

• And thanks to a note from my buddy Kitty Kinnin, she reminded me of the upcoming Angus Barn 65th Anniversary Celebration out at the Pavilion at the Angus Barn – it’s going to be huge! Join them Friday, June 27th as The Angus Barn celebrates 65 incredible years of unforgettable meals, memories, and milestones. Enjoy fabulous food stations featuring AB classics—past and present—plus live entertainment featuring music over the decades from “Mid-Life Crisis” and DJ Joe Bunn. The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m and is $175. It’s a night you won’t want to miss! Get all the details and tickets 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

• Let kids be kids this summer. The carefree days of summer should be filled with play and growth, not hunger. Yet, for vulnerable children across central and eastern North Carolina, the end of the school year triggers a stark reality: the loss of consistent, reliable meals. Consider this: 173,710 children in our region are currently facing food insecurity. Parents must come up with at least 10 additional meals per child for every week that school is out. Without immediate intervention, their well-being and development are at serious risk. We cannot allow these young lives to be defined by hunger! Until July 31, generous corporate and individual donors are matching every gift made to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina up to $100,000. Every $1 you donate provides 10 meals – nourishing one child for a full week.

Featured Restaurant News

• Over in Carrboro, this past Wednesday saw the opening of the much-anticipated Wedgewood Cheese Bar at 100B Brewer Lane. Inside you’ll find an intimate, European-inspired neighborhood spot where cheese, wine, and attention to detail is their obsession. Get ready for an immersive cheese experience at their chef-led wine and cheese bar with a full menu of cheese plates, snacks, salads, sandwiches, and cheese stuffs. Additionally, you can shop their expanded cheese counter and superette, with curated small batch and artisanal selections from here locally and around the world. Congrats to owner and founders Michelle and Stevie Webb. Visit them here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• Raleigh Downtown shared the news that La Mala in Raleigh has opened at 126 N. West Street. If you are not familiar, they are known for their Mexican inspired cocktails and authentic street food, made fresh every day. Their unique and flavorful drinks are made to order from freshly squeezed fruits and their large collection of high quality tequilas and Mezcal. They have a second location in Durham (110 Cocoran Street) and are also the folks behind La Santa Modern Mexican Food in downtown Raleigh’s Glenwood South District at 222 Glenwood Avenue. Get familiar with all their concepts here.

• Got word this week that Velvet Taco, the nationally acclaimed taco restaurant known for its imaginative, globally inspired tacos, will be opening its first Raleigh location at North Hills. The restaurant will occupy the former World of Beer space at the base of Captrust Tower in the Park District. With quite an eclectic menu, look for everything from Korean Fried Rice and Nashville Hot Tofu to Spicy Tikka Chicken and Fish N’ Chips. And don’t miss their signature Red Velvet Cake for dessert! They are set to open later this year. Get familiar with them here.

• This past Wednesday the second Triangle-area location of Simply Crepes opened in 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. 

• On Raleigh’s Hillsborough Street, Chris Creighton shared that Grill & Go has opened at 3212 Hillsborough Street. They are a New York style bodega deli, serving up sandwiches and other goodies like chopped cheese, grilled chicken over rice and other favorites. Take a peek on their Instagram page here.

• Out in Brier Creek, reader Jennifer Buchholz shared with us that locally-owned Sushi SUYU has opened a second location in the Corners of Brier Creek at 4233 Corners Pkwy., Suite 250. The original location is in Apex on Salem Street. Visit them on Instagram here.

• Also in Brier Creek, Triangle Business Journal reported this week that Kim Morris will open her second location of Everbowl, a San Diego-based acai brand with 100 locations nationwide. Located in the Alexander Place retail center in Brier Creek, it is expected to open by the end of the year. The first Raleigh location opened two years ago off Falls of the Neuse Road in Sutton Square. Visit Everbowl here.

• Looks like Wake Forest will be the next location for Teriyaki Madness, a national chain which currently has 65 locations across the United States (this will be the first in the Triangle-area). They focus on authentic teriyaki, using fresh ingredients for a variety of Japanese-inspired dishes, including teriyaki bowls with different protein options, appetizers, and handmade sauces. Locally owned and operated by Sandeep Janjua, look for them to open in June at 12536 Capital Boulevard in Wake Forest. Start getting familiar with them here. Thanks to reader Mark Cleveland for bringing this to my attention.

• Down in Fuquay-Varina, Famous Toastery opened this past Tuesday marking their second Triangle-area location (the other is in Cary). This is their 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.

• And don’t miss an opportunity to congratulate Bates and Anthony Battaglia on their 4th anniversary of their bar, Teets, located in the heart of the Glenwood South District. They will have a 4th Anniversary Party this Saturday, 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

• A couple of updates along Chapel Hill’s Franklin Street. Got word that the empty storefront at 122 E. Franklin St. is completely papered over with Sweetgreens logos. They are self-described as a locavore-friendly counter-serve chain specializing in organic salads and bowls. This will mark their second Triangle-area location with one already in Raleigh’s North Hills. Look for them to open before year’s end. Get familiar with them here.

• And just down from that I noticed that signage is up for Brunches at 133 W Franklin Street, Suite 120. The menu will feature classic breakfast, lunch and brunch options until 3pm, 7 days a week. You can expect everything from breakfast combos to chicken and waffles, certified Angus beef burgers and mac and cheese bowls. All of which can be paired with mimosa flights, mimosa pouches and specialty brunch cocktails. And as they say, “Mimosas made me do it!” They already have a location in Cary (Crossroads area) and will soon have a location in Raleigh. Check them out here.

• Popular Durham food truck Soul Forking Good will soon be transitioning to its first brick-and-mortar location. Owners Dominique and James Turner recently signed a seven-year lease for the approximately 1,500 square foot space at 2500 Meridian Parkway, Suite 135, which was previously home to Chef Chiks Bakery. Look for their traditional Southern soul food including cornbread, mac and cheese, collard greens, chicken wings with mumbo sauce, turkey wings, and meatloaf. The restaurant is expected to open in mid-summer and they will continue to operate the truck. Visit them here.

• 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 this Sunday, 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: this coming Sunday, 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

• Starting June 1st, and running the entire month of June, Little Rey’s charity guest chef series features a creation by Cheetie Kumar of Ajja. Her taco creation, a Honey Harissa Fried Chicken Taco with sumac onion, lime crema, her just launched Spicewalla rose harissa, pomegranate molasses, radish and cilantro, hits Little Rey’s menu this weekend on Sunday, June 1 and will be available throughout the month of June. All proceeds benefit Southern Smoke Foundation. Visit Little Rey’s on Instagram here. And visit Southern Smoke 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. 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.

• And thanks to a note from my buddy Kitty Kinnin, she reminded me of the upcoming Angus Barn 65th Anniversary Celebration out at the Pavilion at the Angus Barn – it’s going to be huge! Join them Friday, June 27th as The Angus Barn celebrates 65 incredible years of unforgettable meals, memories, and milestones. Enjoy fabulous food stations featuring AB classics—past and present—plus live entertainment featuring music over the decades from “Mid-Life Crisis” and DJ Joe Bunn. The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m and is $175. It’s a night you won’t want to miss! Get all the details and tickets 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.