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Featured Restaurant News

• Sunflowers Cafe is again open (after closing in 2019) in a new house on the bottom flooring of The Row at Rockway (925 S Saunders St) close to Dix Park. They add to the thriving meals scene on that block, becoming a member of Benchwarmer’s Bagels and Campos Tacos. Led by Quinn Ferebee, son of the unique house owners, the revived spot options their basic from-scratch sandwiches, soups, and salads, plus a full bar, craft cocktails, and tables that convert into pool tables. Check them out on Instagram here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• Raleigh Magazine shared the information that Big Kitchen Hospitality, the group out of Richmond, Virginia behind ideas Conejo and Tazza Kitchen (places in Cary and Raleigh), is opening a brand new location of Granite Grill and Bar this winter in GlenLake, simply up the hill from Crabtree Valley Mall. Joining Crooked Hammock Brewery (which simply opened) and Wong’s Tacos (one other Richmond-based idea), the upscale but informal eatery will characteristic a come-as-you-are neighborhood really feel, with cozy cubicles, a spacious patio and personal eating areas and can characteristic mouthwatering steaks and seafood, contemporary salads, signature burgers, and acquainted appetizers—plus your customary grownup drinks. Start getting familiar with them here.

• RALtoday shared the information that Bright Side Books & Wine will open in Raleigh’s West End on the bottom flooring of Platform Apartments (600 W Cabarrus Street, Suite 107) this Saturday, April 25. There’s an entire weekend of occasions to have fun the place you possibly can count on signings from 4 authors, native distributors, and extra from this distinctive romance-focused e book retailer and wine store. Best to follow along on Instagram here.

• And Chipotle has just lately opened two new places of their fast-casual Mexican idea right here within the Triangle – one at 3905 Capital Blvd. in Raleigh (opened April 20), full with a drive-thru for selecting up on-line orders. And one in Durham at 4730 Guess Road (opened April 15). Visit Chipotle here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• Lutra Cafe & Bakery, the Durham-based bakery identified for its in style candy and savory buns will open its cafe at American Tobacco Campus in June. Founded two years in the past by chef-owner Chris McLaurin, Lutra has constructed a faithful following via farmers markets, pop-ups and collaborations with native companies throughout the Triangle. Located on the north aspect of American Tobacco Campus, the counter-service cafe will characteristic 36 seats indoors and an extra 20 seats on the patio. Guests can count on a rotating choice of baked items—together with buns, breads and delicate pretzels—alongside brunch and breakfast favorites, together with the breakfast sandwich made with one among Lutra’s savory buns, Eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy and the 100-layer hash browns. The lunch choices will embody seasonal sandwiches and salads. Alongside their meals, diners will have the ability to order espresso and espresso drinks, orange juice, lemonade, wine, beer and extra. Visit Lutra here.

, Closings

• None to report. Keep consuming native, of us!

Food Trucks

• The Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo continues in 2026 on these remaining dates from midday to 4 p.m. – May 31 and September 27. At every occasion, you’ll discover food and drinks at over 30 meals vans in addition to inflatables and household enjoyable for all ages. The rodeos are hosted at Durham Central Park (500 Foster Street, Durham). Go forward and mark your calendar for them. Get all the details here.

• Looking to search out your favourite meals truck (or stalking them and easily don’t wish to need to admit it)? We perceive. Find them on Street Food Finder here.

Events

• The Latin American Festival will happen this Sunday, April twenty sixth at Knightdale Station Park in Knightdale. The occasion will run from 1-6 p.m. and can characteristic a vibrant celebration of Latin American tradition, hosted in partnership with La Grande NC. Enjoy a day crammed with full of life music, scrumptious meals, and infinite enjoyable for all! Get all of the details here.

• On April twenty eighth, Boatman Spirits Co. will host a coursed dinner with as many culinary and mixology fireworks as they’ll muster whereas explaining the secrets and techniques and advantages of becoming a member of Raleigh’s most unique spirits society. The base ticket ($110 + tax) covers dinner and drinks. An non-compulsory somm paired wine menu and secret whiskey menu add-on are additionally out there with restricted availability. The whiskeys are all the type you possibly can’t purchase on this nation and aren’t straightforward to search out in others. Should you select to affix, there are totally different ranges with all ranges serving to them scale their distillery’s manufacturing aspect and include totally different ranges of entry, perks and participation within the journey. Secure tickets here.

• Christopher Prieto, founder and pitmaster of Prime Barbecue, in partnership with the Town of Knightdale, introduced the inaugural Pickin’ within the Park on Saturday, May 16, from 4 pm-7 pm at Knightdale Station Park. The occasion is a brand new annual BBQ competition celebrating the wealthy traditions of North Carolina barbecue and stay music, all whereas giving again to the group. Expect good eats from Prime Barbecue, Sam Jones BBQ, Old Colony Smokehouse and Dampf Good BBQ. Proceeds will profit the Raleigh Rescue Mission’s “The Garden,” which gives an immersive, holistic residential group for moms, their youngsters, and single ladies specializing in private progress and job coaching to realize self-sufficient, unbiased dwelling. Get all the details here.

• The fourth annual Gettin’ Piggy With It returns to downtown Raleigh on May 17, bringing award-winning cooks and pitmasters from throughout the nation collectively for a day of barbecue, group and philanthropy benefiting the Frankie Lemmon School. Tickets go on sale at midday Friday, March 20. The family-friendly occasion will happen from midday to five p.m. at Maywood Hall and Gardens (622 Maywood Ave., Raleigh) and can characteristic barbecue and different chef-driven bites, together with native beer and spirits, stay music, video games and extra. The occasion is hosted by the Frankie Lemmon Foundation in partnership with Jake Wood of Lawrence Barbecue and Chris Powers of Trophy Brewing Co. VIP tickets are $200 per grownup and consists of early entry at midday. General admission tickets are $150 per grownup with entry starting at 1 p.m. Children ages 11 and underneath are admitted free of charge. Proceeds profit Raleigh’s Frankie Lemmon School and Developmental Center, which supplies accessible training and therapies to youngsters with and with out disabilities, usually at little to no price to households. Get tickets and all the details here.

• The third annual A Taste of Chatham can be held May seventeenth at 3 p.m. on the Historic Chatham Mills in Forest Hall. This occasion will provide tastes from quite a few native eating places and beverage distributors, music, and actions. This is a fundraiser to assist the county Welcome Center, situated throughout from the courthouse in downtown Pittsboro. It’s an occasion like no different, and also you’ll wish to be there! Get all the main points (together with tickets) on their event Facebook page here.

• Tickets are on sale now for the 2026 Dinner within the Meadow occasion on September thirteenth in Louisburg. The biennial occasion can be held on the lovely and bucolic Meadow Lane Farm and is a fundraiser that helps the Leonard-Mobley Small Farm Fund, a non-profit group that helps small farms in North Carolina. Get tickets and all the details here.

Food Bank Corner

• Did you realize that in North Carolina, 1 in 4 households led by single ladies stay under the poverty line? That’s practically twice as many because the households led by single males with youngsters. Hunger hits totally different for girls. Economic challenges — from pay disparity to the rising price of childcare — make it more durable to continue to grow children fed. Our coronary heart goes out to the mothers of North Carolina who’re questioning what to do as SNAP cuts loom. It’s a terrific probability to stretch each greenback of your assist whereas serving to mother and father, seniors, and veterans stretch their budgets. In reality, if you happen to’re ready, this is a good time to make an especially generous gift, maybe to honor a mother, grandma, auntie, or one other girl who’s stood in a mom’s place in your life. It’s easy to do while you donate.

Featured Restaurant News

• We realized this week that April twentieth is the opening date for Crooked Hammock Brewery situated at GlenLake, simply up from Crabtree Valley Mall. Touted as “living life in full swing,” count on a vibrant eat, drink, lounge, play vacation spot together with, after all, hammocks within the “backyard.” For founder Rich Garrahan, when he envisioned this idea, he needed a giant yard with tons of yard video games, loads of do-it-yourself craft beer, and a endless cookout the place the burgers are pretty much as good because the dialog. With two places in Delaware and one in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, this can be their 4th location. Get to know them here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• Got phrase from Tyler Glover this week that nationwide chain Mission BBQ is now open (opened April 14) within the Stonehenge Market Shopping Center (7400 Creedmoor Rd.) in Raleigh subsequent to Outback Steakhouse. This is their fifth location in North Carolina, and the primary within the Triangle. Get to know them here.

• We first realized of this in October, 2025, however Tyler Glover simply knowledgeable us that the latest location of Zaxby’s has opened in Raleigh at 4112 Lake Boone Trail, proper subsequent to City BBQ. Visit Zaxby’s here.

• Over in Morrisville, reader Manu Bumb notified us that there’s a join what would be the second location of Meat & Bite at 3608 Davis Drive within the former Jersey Mike’s spot. No phrase but on an open date. The unique location is on Hillsborough Street close to NC State’s campus. Get familiar with them here.

• Also in Morrisville, we first advised you about this final November, however Chris Creighton knowledgeable us this week that signage is now up for the Triangle’s first location of Super Chix Chicken & Custard. It is being delivered to us by Saqiba Iqbal and her enterprise companions and can be situated at 1125 Hatches Pond Lane. They are identified for his or her contemporary, high quality components, together with by no means utilizing frozen hen. This would be the restaurant’s third North Carolina spot, becoming a member of two others in Charlotte. Visit them here.

• In Apex, Triangle Business Journal reported that Sudarshan Krishnamurthi is bringing a health-conscious eatery to Apex. Grain & Berry cafe will open later this summer time at 2017 Creekside Landing in Beaver Creek Crossings, situated off Highway 64 close to Highway 540. This would be the second North Carolina location for the chain, with a location already in Holly Springs. Visit Grain & Berry here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• You’ve seen it on TV, but it surely actually is a factor. Capital One Cafe will open on April 21 on the Streets at Southpoint within the former California Pizza Kitchen spot. Everyone is invited to affix them on 4/21 whether or not you financial institution with them or not. In reality, the primary 100 guests will obtain an unique swag bag. And sure, it “pays” to be a Capital One cardholder as you’ll obtain 50% off handcrafted drinks on a regular basis while you use your Capital One card. Still don’t consider me? See for yourself here.

• And talking of espresso, Chapel Hill Carrboro Foodies founder Carrie Brogen shared that Three Waters Cafe, an area, cell espresso trailer, will quickly open a location in Eastgate Shopping Center in Chapel Hill. No opening date but, however we realized that beginning May twelfth, they are going to arrange their cart exterior the brand new location whereas they full the upfit of the brick and mortar location. Visit them here.

, Closings

• After simply over a yr, Fresco Veloce within the Morgan Street Food Hall has ended operations, however hinted it’s simply an finish to this chapter. Stay tuned.

• Learned this week that up in Mebane, Crafted, the Art of The Taco, is closing this location. It seems the Greensboro location will stay open.

• While not a everlasting closure, we realized this week that Kings in North Hills, which encompasses a enjoyable setting of bowling, billiards, arcades, and game-day viewing alongside a chef-driven menu, has quickly closed for renovations. Expect the closure to final a number of months.

Food Trucks

• The Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo continues in 2026 on these remaining dates from midday to 4 p.m. – May 31 and September 27. At every occasion, you’ll discover food and drinks at over 30 meals vans in addition to inflatables and household enjoyable for all ages. The rodeos are hosted at Durham Central Park (500 Foster Street, Durham). Go forward and mark your calendar for them. Get all the details here.

• Looking to search out your favourite meals truck (or stalking them and easily don’t wish to need to admit it)? We perceive. Find them on Street Food Finder here.

Events

• The Pit’s sixteenth Annual ‘Cuegrass Festival takes place tomorrow, April 18th, from noon until 6 p.m. all along Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh. ‘Cuegrass is a celebration of two of North Carolina’s biggest cultural treasures: barbecue and bluegrass. Expect stay music, native brews, and loads of that signature ‘cue from The Pit. 100% of proceeds from food and drinks gross sales, Fast Passes, Pit merch, and Silent Auction go on to their annual nonprofit companions. Since day one, ‘Cuegrass has raised over $250,000 for causes just like the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC, Feed the Farm, W.C. Breeze Family Farm, Animal Welfare Approved, NC 4-H, BackPack Buddies, and SAFEchild. Get all the details here.

• Tomorrow (April 18th) can be the annual Tacos ‘N Taps festival over in Cary at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre from noon until 5 p.m. Be warned, this is “nacho” average taco festival. Both VIP and regular tickets are available. This “all you care to taste” beer and tequila festival offers up some of the Triangle’s finest tacos and Mexican meals, the perfect dancing music from famous DJs, margaritas, contests and different surprises. Get tickets and all the details here.

• Carolina Brewery is welcoming the return of spring with its annual Shrimp Boil on Saturday, April 18th from 12:00 p.m. to eight:00 p.m. at its Pittsboro brewpub location. The occasion will function the official kickoff to the brewery’s seasonal stay music collection. Guests can get pleasure from a basic lowcountry-style shrimp boil that includes royal pink shrimp, alongside chilly pours of Sky Peach Kölsch, a refreshing seasonal launch that indicators the beginning of hotter days. Live music will happen all through the day. For extra particulars or to make reservations, visit their website.

• Boatman Spirits Co., the brand new craft distillery and cocktail bar in Raleigh’s Seaboard Station, has launched weekend distillery excursions. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, get pleasure from a guided tour by the distillery house owners, a tasting flight and extra for $30 per particular person. Tours can be found at 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and midday, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and three p.m. Sundays. Reservations required via Resy.

• Leadership Raleigh and Ripe for Revival are becoming a member of forces for Savor the Flavor, an immersive culinary occasion at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 23. The occasion brings collectively native cooks, stay music and group members to have fun nice meals and lift cash to deal with meals insecurity throughout the area. The night will characteristic a cooking competitors by six wonderful cooks: Jason Smith of Cantina 18; Jake Wood of Lawrence Barbecue; Sera Cuni of Cafe Root Cellar; Rob Miller of Smash; Katie Featherstone of White Clover Catering; and Malik Williams of Lou Reda’s American Table. Each chef will create tacos utilizing components off the Ripe for Revival cell markets. Proceeds from the occasion will assist Ripe for Revival, a Rocky Mount, N.C. nonprofit that operates a fleet of pay-what-you-can cell markets. The nonprofit sells native produce, meat and dairy at greater than 30 websites per week in 18 counties in jap and central North Carolina. Secure tickets and all the details here.

• The Latin American Festival will happen Sunday, April twenty sixth at Knightdale Station Park in Knightdale. The occasion will run from 1-6 p.m. and can characteristic a vibrant celebration of Latin American tradition, hosted in partnership with La Grande NC. Enjoy a day crammed with full of life music, scrumptious meals, and infinite enjoyable for all! Get all of the details here.

• Christopher Prieto, founder and pitmaster of Prime Barbecue, in partnership with the Town of Knightdale, introduced the inaugural Pickin’ within the Park on Saturday, May 16, from 4 pm-7 pm at Knightdale Station Park. The occasion is a brand new annual BBQ competition celebrating the wealthy traditions of North Carolina barbecue and stay music, all whereas giving again to the group. Expect good eats from Prime Barbecue, Sam Jones BBQ, Old Colony Smokehouse and Dampf Good BBQ. Proceeds will profit the Raleigh Rescue Mission’s “The Garden,” which gives an immersive, holistic residential group for moms, their youngsters, and single ladies specializing in private progress and job coaching to realize self-sufficient, unbiased dwelling. Get all the details here.

• The fourth annual Gettin’ Piggy With It returns to downtown Raleigh on May 17, bringing award-winning cooks and pitmasters from throughout the nation collectively for a day of barbecue, group and philanthropy benefiting the Frankie Lemmon School. Tickets go on sale at midday Friday, March 20. The family-friendly occasion will happen from midday to five p.m. at Maywood Hall and Gardens (622 Maywood Ave., Raleigh) and can characteristic barbecue and different chef-driven bites, together with native beer and spirits, stay music, video games and extra. The occasion is hosted by the Frankie Lemmon Foundation in partnership with Jake Wood of Lawrence Barbecue and Chris Powers of Trophy Brewing Co. VIP tickets are $200 per grownup and consists of early entry at midday. General admission tickets are $150 per grownup with entry starting at 1 p.m. Children ages 11 and underneath are admitted free of charge. Proceeds profit Raleigh’s Frankie Lemmon School and Developmental Center, which supplies accessible training and therapies to youngsters with and with out disabilities, usually at little to no price to households. Get tickets and all the details here.

• Tickets are on sale now for the 2026 Dinner within the Meadow occasion on September thirteenth in Louisburg. The biennial occasion can be held on the lovely and bucolic Meadow Lane Farm and is a fundraiser that helps the Leonard-Mobley Small Farm Fund, a non-profit group that helps small farms in North Carolina. Get tickets and all the details here.

Food Bank Corner

• Did you realize that in North Carolina, 1 in 4 households led by single ladies stay under the poverty line? That’s practically twice as many because the households led by single males with youngsters. Hunger hits totally different for girls. Economic challenges — from pay disparity to the rising price of childcare — make it more durable to continue to grow children fed. Our coronary heart goes out to the mothers of North Carolina who’re questioning what to do as SNAP cuts loom. This International Women’s Month, let’s show them that they can count on their community. Some good associates have stepped ahead with a $50,000 matching problem present, so any quantity you give to the Food Bank by March 31 has the ability to DOUBLE! It’s a terrific probability to stretch each greenback of your assist whereas serving to mother and father, seniors, and veterans stretch their budgets. In reality, if you happen to’re ready, this is a good time to make an especially generous gift, maybe to honor a mother, grandma, auntie, or one other girl who’s stood in a mom’s place in your life. It’s easy to do while you donate.