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By Sean Lennard, WRAL Contributor
Featured Restaurant News
What is better than Merritt’s Grill in Chapel Hill? (Hint: there is only one correct answer.) Answer: twoMerritt’s Grillsin Chapel Hill. That’s right. We got word this week from Matt Baker that Merritt’s Grill will open a second location next Friday – operating out of the clubhouse at Finley Golf Course.
Look for ample seating, TVs, a really nice patio, a full bar, and tons
of parking. Kind of gives new meaning to the Double BLT. And yes, they
are open to the public. Visit Merritt’s here.
Wake County Restaurant News
We first told you about this back in March, but we learned this week that Biddy Thomas, located in Gateway Plazanext to Union Special (2409 Crabtree Blvd.) began lunch and dinner service this week (started
with dinner service last night). The menu offers up fresh Southern fare
with a nod to New Orleans, seasonal craft cocktails, and banana pudding
that is already making a name for itself.
Margaret Soler’s
concept blends a myriad of ideas under one roof. In addition to the
dining, the spot also features a retail section featuring gifts such as
playing cards, stationery and desk calendars; as well as a game area for
guests to enjoy. The name is a nod to Soler’s grandmother. This week’s hours: Friday: 11 a.m.- 10 p.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sunday: Brunch from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Follow along on Instagram
Got word from Raleigh Magazine that the recently closed Tucker Street Dinerspot in Smoky Hollow will not sit empty for long. The magazine shared the exciting news this week that husband-and-wife owners Bryan and Reghan Haven ofIris Coffee Lab will open their next venture, Madeleine Coffee + Bread,
in that spot. The new bakery-meets-cafe concept will bring world-class
coffee, cold-fermented bread and pastries to the neighborhood. Look for
them to open before year’s end according to the magazine. Follow their progress on Instagram here.
We first told you about this back in March, 2025, but learned from the News & Observer this week that Monya Ramenopened in Raleigh next door to sister restaurant Sushi Mon, marking the first expansion for the popular sushi bar led by chef and co-ownerChris Lee. Located in the former Sost spot,
it features a ramen and noodle bar on one side, and an Izakaya (aka a
casual-atmosphere gastropub) on the other. The menu features both a
traditional and contemporary Japanese made-to-order ramen, along with a curated selection of sake, beer and soju. They are located in the Glenwood Exchange development, just inside the beltline on Glenwood Avenue. Get to know them here.
Celebration at Six Forks in North Raleigh will soon have two new tenants according to the Triangle Business Journal.Bagel Dock Express plans to open Nov. 1 at 7365 Six Forks Road, suite 745. In addition, Koi Sushi & Hibachi, a Japanese restaurant based in Durham also signed leases. Visit Bagel Dock Express here here and Koi Sushi & Hibachi here
Also in Raleigh, reader Rachael Geedeyspotted a sign for a new Rita’s Italian Ice on the corner of Hardimont and Wake Forest, right in front ofThai Twist in the same shopping center as Aldi.Rita’s
website says ‘coming soon’ and an Instagram account for the location
posted the same thing in mid-June with no further updates. Thanks Rachael. Visit Rita’s here
Got word this week that the folks behind Shinmai Shokudoand 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
Up in Rolesville, caught wind of the fact that Lime & Lemon Indian Grill & Bar is opening a new location in Rolesville at the Cobblestone Village development,
bringing authentic regional Indian cuisine to the downtown community.
They will be located at 101 Rolesville Center Road, Suite 121. Visit Lime & Lemon here
Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News
From the folks that brought us Knucklehead BBQup in Mebane, they are sweetening the pot a little with the opening ofKonehead, the sweeter side of Knucklehead. In the same building as Knucklehead,
the concept offers up premium ice cream, loaded sundaes, milkshakes,
desserts, and plenty of treats that are, well… stupid sweet. Join them Saturday, July 25, at 401 E Center Street in Mebane for their Grand Opening
from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Stop by and check out Mebane’s newest spot
place where friends and families can gather, celebrate, and satisfy
their sweet tooth. Follow along on Instagram here.
Over in Durham, we saw this week thatLa Santa Modern Mexican Food expanded
to downtown Durham at 110 Corcoran St, bringing its popular modern
Mexican dishes and craft cocktails following a soft opening yesterday
(July 23). It is brought to us by the folks behind La Mala, which has operated in the same Durham building since 2022. Visit them here
Also in Durham, Chicken Salad Chick is officially opening on Tuesday, Aug. 4,
at 6807 Fayetteville Road. Pro tip: they are giving away free chicken
salad for a year to the first 100 guests in line! This location is owned
and operated by multi-unit franchise owners,Mike Saccone and John Schuster. They also own and operate the Raleigh and Cary locations. Durham will mark their third restaurant to open. Visit them here
The News & Observershared the news this week about the growing line-up of dining options at Chapel Hill’s University Place – with the announcement that Texas-basedWhataburger
had applied this past June for a 2,074-square-foot restaurant with a
drive-thru at 219 S. Estes Drive, next to Circle K. This follow up on
the recent news that Postino, with a wildly successful location in Raleigh’s Village District, will also soon join the lineup in University Place. Visit Whataburger here
With power now hooked up, Sabine Farer-Buers has successfully completed the move of her extremely popular “coffee house” – moving the coffee gem SaBean’s Coffee 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 them out on Instagram here
Closings
After just 18 months, Tucker Street Diner in downtown Raleigh’sSmoky Hollow development has closed. James Parkalso owns Peak City Diner in Apex and The Shiny Diner in West Raleigh, which remain open.
Over in Durham, Glenn Gillenshared that after seven years Koki has
closed. That’s the bad news. The good news is you can still enjoy their
Puerto Rican cuisine at their location in Morrisville (10970 Chapel
Hill Road). Follow them on Instagram
Gillenalso shared that Killer Queen Wine Bar has closed. Again, that’s the bad news. The good news is their Wine Club lives on. And possibly aKQ popup! Join their wine club here
Food Trucks
The final Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Sept. 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
forWired 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.
This is the final weekend ofDowntown Raleigh Restaurant Weekwhich lasts through July 26.
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 Raleighduring this celebration. Get all the details here!
On Sunday, July 26 at 7 p.m. at the Southern Village Green in Chapel Hill, Porchwill 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, Aug. 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 toKristin and Nick! Follow along on Instagram here
Chef Caleb Vasquez, formerly of Stanbury and Longleaf Swine, will be cooking a pop-up dinner at 5 p.m. Aug.2at Boatman Spirits Co. Enjoy four courses ofChef Caleb’s Izakaya-inspired food, alongside three cocktails from the Boatman Spirits
crew. Menu details: Otsumami platter: an assortment of drinking snacks,
including sashimi, togarashi boiled peanuts, gai lan aemono (hearty
greens in thick sesame dressing, tomato ohitashi and Japanese pickles
A
Take on the Classic Japanese Rice Bowl: Wild Ramp Scotch Egg, XO Sauce,
Spicy Seaweed Aioli, Eel Sauce, Ramp Karashi, Sushi Rice. Seared Duck
Chashu, Blackberry Ponzu Beurre Blanc, Sweet Potato Waffle Fries,
Rosemary Oil, Candied Shiitake and Kaiware. Butter mochi, Edible Flower,
Persimmon Curd, Matcha. Tickets cost $125 per person. Boatman Spirits Co. is at 713 Seaboard Station Drive in Raleigh. Get tickets and all the details here
Cary’s Peck & Plumeis celebrating its third private selection Maker’s Mark bourbon with a series of dinners and special events from Aug. 7-8. The bourbon was crafted during The Mayton leadership team’s third barrel-selection trip to Kentucky
Here’s the lineup of special events: Bourbon Release Dinner: 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7. Kick off Bourbon Barrel Weekendwith an intimate evening celebrating the release of Peck & PlumeNo. 3. Enjoy a guided tasting of all three Peck & PlumePrivate Selection bourbons before enjoying a four-course dinner by Chef Tyler Trice in the Redbud Room. The cost is $200 per person
Saturday Pig Pickin’ + Bourbon Release: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8 Celebrate the release of Peck & PlumeNo. 3 with a buffet of barbecue favorites, classic sides, drink
specials and the first chance to taste and purchase this exclusive
bourbon—all set on the outdoor Terrace overlooking Downtown Cary Park.
Tickets: $45 per person
Bourbon Pairing Dinner: 6 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 8. Continue the celebration with a chef-curated
four-course dinner paired with Maker’s Mark bourbons. Hosted in the Park
Room, this intimate evening highlights thoughtfully crafted dishes
alongside exceptional whiskey. The cost is $150 per person. Make a reservation of buy tickets for each event here
Tickets are on sale now for the 2026 Dinner in the Meadow event on Sept. 13for 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 two children for a month. Every $90 can feed two children all summer!.Consider a donation today!
