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Featured Restaurant News

• North Hills is about to take it up a notch with their eating choices (if that’s potential) as we realized this week that there are two huge openings subsequent month. Benchwarmers Bagels and Coffee will open their third location in a stand-alone constructing within the Innovation District simply throughout the best way from Standard Beer + Food, which may also be in a stand-alone constructing. This is a second location for Standard, with their unique location simply exterior of downtown Raleigh. Keep up with the Standard here and Benchwarmers here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• If you observe the native meals truck scene, little doubt you’ll be accustomed to The Rican Lab – a Puerto Rican Food truck with an American twist serving up many Puerto Rican favorites together with basic Puerto Rican gadgets with an American twist. Well, they’re about to open a brick and mortar spot in Fuquay Varina within the former Fainting Goat spot at 330 S. Main Street. No phrase but on a gap date. Best to follow along on Facebook here.

• Long-time reader Daniel Marriott tipped us off to the truth that Park West Village in Morrisville is getting a Shake Shack the place the Full Moon Oyster Bar was. No phrase on a timeline. Looks like this can be their sixth Triangle-area location. Visit them here.

• We first instructed you about this final month, however simply realized that Dawn & Dusk Cantina has opened at 7810 Target Cir #101 in Raleigh simply off Triangle Town Blvd. Looks like they’ll be serving up every part from chilaquiles to craft cocktails. And as their identify suggests, they’re open from breakfast via dinner…and night cocktails. They additionally seem associated to El Patio Bar And Grill, simply adjoining to the soon-to-open spot. Keep up with them on Instagram here.

• The second Triangle Whataburger opened yesterday in Raleigh close to the Costco on the nook of Six Forks and Wake Forest roads; following final month’s first opening in Wake Forest. Next up is Garner the place they may open on Hwy. 42 subsequent to the Wawa on May 7. Visit Whataburger here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• The Casual Pint Chapel Hill is thrilled to announce it’s formally getting ready to welcome the group again as the placement (which not too long ago closed) has been acquired by present Casual Pint franchise leaders – Scott Huskin (Hoover, AL), Jason Dettman (Huntsville, AL), and Dave Vannier (Omaha, NE). The new possession crew is at the moment concentrating on May 1st for the grand re-opening. This crew not too long ago made headlines with their profitable takeover of the Ocotillo, AZ location, and they’re now turning their focus to revitalizing the Chapel Hill group’s go-to craft beer and eating vacation spot (search for an elevated menu). Visit them here.

• Also in Chapel Hill, we realized this week that Twisted Noodles has reopened within the Eastgate Crossing purchasing heart on East Franklin Street. They have been closed for the reason that floods from Tropical Storm Chantal in the summertime of 2025. Visit Twisted Noodles here.  

, Closings

• Reader Chris Allen shared with us the unhappy information that Bocci Trattoria & Pizzeria in Cary served their final meal on April 4th after a 16 12 months run. Sad information certainly.

• Reader Cindy Reifsnider shared that the Zaxby’s on Chapel Hill’s Franklin Street has closed. Now can be a GREAT time for Pepper’s Pizza to reopen!

• We simply realized final week that the Wendy’s at 8209 Creedmoor Road in Brennan Station has closed. Now we be taught from Wanda Hearne that the Wendy’s at Wake Forest Road and Hardimont additionally in Raleigh has additionally closed. Where’s the meat? (sorry, I’m outdated)

Food Trucks

• The Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo continues in 2026 on these dates from midday to 4 p.m. – April 12, May 31, and September 27. At every occasion, you’ll discover foods 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 all three. Get all the details here.

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

Events

• 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, take pleasure in a guided tour by the distillery homeowners, a tasting flight and extra for $30 per individual. 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.

• Pimento cheese is a southern delicacy price celebrating. And the city of Cary is doing accomplish that this Saturday, April 11 from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. on the 2026 Pimento Cheese Festival the place you may benefit from the nation’s solely competition devoted particularly to pimento cheese! Enjoy stay music and different actions at Downtown Cary Park, seize a drink from native breweries, and style a number of the finest pimento cheese samples from native eating places. You may even take a look at your abilities within the pimento cheese sculpting contest. Get all the cheesy details here.

• Prepare to journey all over the world – one glass at a time – with RTP Uncorked for RTP’s largest wine competition on Saturday, April 11. From 12-4 p.m. Boxyard RTP will rework into a global wine vacation spot for “Around the World in 20 Wines” an immersive tasting expertise that includes alternatives from celebrated wine areas throughout the globe. Guests will obtain a passport that guides them on a self-paced journey from nation to nation, sampling distinctive pours whereas chatting with educated wine specialists alongside the best way. The occasion contains: Live music; Small bites and activations from choose Boxyard RTP distributors, together with Fullsteam RTP, Baekho Coffee & Ice Cream, Kindred Spirit and The Makery. Get all the details here.

• The people at Trophy Brewing and Locals Seafood will host an Oyster Festival on April 12 from 1 to five p.m. at The Bend Bar in downtown Raleigh. The celebration options NC’s finest oyster farmers – 8 of the best oysters farmers from Eastern North Carolina for a in the future occasion. 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 sequence. Guests can take pleasure in a basic lowcountry-style shrimp boil that includes royal pink shrimp, alongside chilly pours of Sky Peach Kölsch, a refreshing seasonal launch that alerts the beginning of hotter days. Live music will happen all through the day. For further particulars or to make reservations, visit their website.

• 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 rejoice nice meals and lift cash to deal with meals insecurity throughout the area. The night will function 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 elements off the Ripe for Revival cellular markets. Proceeds from the occasion will help Ripe for Revival, a Rocky Mount, N.C. nonprofit that operates a fleet of pay-what-you-can cellular 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.

• 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 affords an immersive, holistic residential group for moms, their kids, and single ladies specializing in private development and job coaching to attain self-sufficient, unbiased residing. 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 function 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 contains 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 totally free. Proceeds profit Raleigh’s Frankie Lemmon School and Developmental Center, which supplies accessible training and therapies to kids 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 stunning 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 already know 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 kids. Hunger hits totally different for ladies. 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 pals have stepped ahead with a $50,000 matching problem reward, 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 help whereas serving to dad and mom, seniors, and veterans stretch their budgets. In truth, when you’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 if you donate.

Featured Restaurant News

• Mezcalito is opening their Raleigh location on Monday, April sixth at 1000 Social in The Exchange in Midtown – suppose Peregrine, Toastique, Capulet Cocktail Club and the soon-to-open Pranzo from Michael Bongiorno. They will serve flavorful and colourful meals that higher describe the origins of Mexican delicacies; bringing new flare and contemporary concepts by incorporating stylish and conventional genuine components. Mezcalito additionally has places in Durham, Apex, Cary, Clayton and Rolesville. Visit them on Instagram here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• Raleigh Magazine shared the information this week that one among Glenwood South’s go-to for dinner and late nights, Cuya Cocina, will debut as a espresso spot, Cuya Cafe, later this month as they revamp their entrance patio space, together with a retractable roof. The new idea will convey a full espresso bar alongside Latin-leaning breakfast bites and pastries in accordance with the journal. Follow Cuya here.

• The Whataburger location in Raleigh will open subsequent week on Thursday, April 9 on Six Forks Road close to Costco. Not to be confused with What-A-Burger, NC’s first Whataburger location opened in Charlotte final 12 months, and 12 at the moment are open throughout the state. Expect Texas-sized burgers, fries, patty melts, and extra quick meals faves. Plus, it’s open 24/7 for late-night cravings. Get to know them here.

• Up in North Raleigh, reader Barbara Calise shared with us that Casa Sofia goes into the previous Chow area at 8311 Creedmoor Road. They are designing your entire idea round having fun with high quality Mexican delicacies in a neighborhood setting, a spot to take pleasure in household and pals and colleagues. Look for them to open this fall. Keep up with their progress on Instagram here.

• Over in Apex, David McCreary shared that Myra Café in downtown Apex, situated at 76 Hunter St, closed its doorways completely on March 30 after a three-year run. The Thai-inspired restaurant has been changed by Hope Cafe, one other Thai meals eatery with a location in Durham, which took over the placement on April 1. Visit Hope Cafe here.

• In Morrisville, reader Patricia Rodenburg shared with us that signage simply went up for Pho Kitchen NC, a brand new Vietnamese eatery in Park West Village in Morrisville. Not much up on their website yet, so keep tuned!

• While it’s a little bit of a bummer that no Triangle-area eating places will win the celebrated James Beard Awards once more this 12 months (second 12 months working), we do have a future hyperlink in that Asheville’s Chai Pani and Botiwalla are nonetheless within the working and Meherwan and Molly Irani are opening a Botiwalla location this spring in Raleigh Iron Works. Get to know them here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• Over in Carrboro, Chapelboro shared the thrilling information that Carrburritos, a preferred Carrboro burrito restaurant, will quickly take over the Carr Mill Mall suite beforehand occupied by Grata Diner and earlier than that, Elmo’s Diner, which closed in 2020. The restaurant is concentrating on a gap a while round “late summer, early August,” and the unique location at 711 West Rosemary Street will stay open within the interim. Visit them here.

• Over in Durham within the Southpoint space, noticed a submit on the Chapel Hill Carrboro Foodies Facebook web page that the subsequent location of Chicken Salad Chick goes into the previous McAllister’s spot which has been closed since 2020. They at the moment have places in Cary and Raleigh. No phrase on a timeline, but it surely was famous that the signal is already up. Stay tuned. Visit them here.

• Also in Durham, Chapel Hill Carrboro Foodies Facebook founder, Carrie Brogren, shared that El Tesoro Mexican Grill within the Falconbridge purchasing heart on Hwy. 54 on the intersection with Farrington Road has expanded into the area subsequent door. Congrats on their rising success! Visit them here.

, Closings

• Triangle Business Journal reported this week that Funguys Brewing at 2408 Paula St. has closed for good. Some would possibly keep in mind USA Today in 2022 naming Funguys the Best New Brewery within the nation.

• Additionally, Triangle Business Journal famous that Proximity Brewing the identical day introduced it was closing its taproom at 401 S.Driver St. in East Durham, “effectively immediately.”

• ln Apex, David McCreary shared that Myra Café in downtown Apex, situated at 76 Hunter St, closed its doorways completely on March 30 after a three-year run. See be aware above about what has taken over that spot.

• Tyler Glover shared with us that the Wendy’s at 8209 Creedmoor Road in Brennan Station has closed.

Food Trucks

• The Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo continues in 2026 on these dates from midday to 4 p.m. – April 12, May 31, and September 27. At every occasion, you’ll discover foods 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 all three. Get all the details here.

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

Events

• The people at Trophy Brewing and Locals Seafood will host an Oyster Festival on April 12 from 1 to five p.m. at The Bend Bar in downtown Raleigh. The celebration options NC’s finest oyster farmers – 8 of the best oysters farmers from Eastern North Carolina for a in the future occasion. Get tickets and 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 function 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 contains 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 totally free. Proceeds profit Raleigh’s Frankie Lemmon School and Developmental Center, which supplies accessible training and therapies to kids 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 stunning 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 already know 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 kids. Hunger hits totally different for ladies. 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 pals have stepped ahead with a $50,000 matching problem reward, 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 help whereas serving to dad and mom, seniors, and veterans stretch their budgets. In truth, when you’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 if you donate.