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Featured Restaurant News
NOCO Brews & Bites is officially open at The Salvage Yard at Raleigh Iron Works (2320 Salvage Yard Drive). This isn’t just another brewery, coffee shop, restaurant or bar. This is a place where you can meet for coffee, spend time outside, enjoy a beer brewed on-site, or stay into the evening over drinks and a bite. Open seven days a week, they have assorted bakery items from Union Special, Benchwarmers, and Sweet Nothings Bakery, along with some light savory items. Get to know them here. Congrats to Jay Bond and Jeremy Bond of Bond Brothers Beer Company.
Wake County Restaurant News
Speaking of Raleigh Iron Works, Raleigh Magazine shared the news this week that Raleigh’s former Jaguar Bolera location is getting new life. Eatertainment chain Punch Bowl Social filed permits today to upfit the Raleigh Iron Works space with a new bar and arcade and game areas. Get familiar with Punch Bowl Social here
The Triangle Business Journal reported this week that Stevie and Jason King are opening a wine bar called Velvet & Vine at 10501 Shadowlawn Drive in the Falls River Town Center. Look for them to open by the end of October, in time to host guests during the holidays. They will focus on European wines and small bites, including charcuterie, flatbreads, burrata and more. Taking over the former Flowers and Flowers floral shop space, expect the interior to incorporate velvet textures, in addition to other rich textures, wood and stone elements and dark, moody colors. Follow along on Instagram.
We are getting closer and closer to the opening of the historic Flowers Cottage, which will house two concepts in one spot: Cottage Coffee and Park Bar in Dix Park. The renovated 100-year-old cottage will boast a cozy cafe inside as well as a covered outdoor bar. The upstairs cafe opens to an expansive deck featuring terraced seating that gives you a jaw-dropping view of the fields in Dix Park as well as Raleigh’s expansive skyline in the distance. And the team behind it? Justin Pasfield, Jeff Clarke, Dillon Myrick and Sarah Sugg whose combined experience has ties to Raleigh favorites like Person Street Bar, Big Cat, Locals Seafood, Natural Science Bar and Boulted Bread. Look for them to open later this month – more details to follow. Follow along on Instagram here.
There is a new breakfast spot in Raleigh – The Toasted Yolk Cafe located at 11201 Galleria Avenue in the Wakefield neighborhood off Capital Boulevard. The popular brunch spot officially opened its doors on August 3rd, serving a scratch-made breakfast, lunch, and full bar daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is the chain’s first location in North Carolina. Visit them online here
In Cary, we got word this week that UMI Hotpot Sushi & Seafood Buffet, a premium all-you-can-eat dining concept, is coming to Cary Crossroads in the old Red Lobster building. This is the first location in the Triangle with the closest Umi being in Winston-Salem. Think of it as a combination of a lavish seafood buffet and hotpot. No word on an open date. Take a minute to get to know them here
In Wake Forest, I saw on the Wake Forest Real Community Information Facebook page that Warehouse BBQ is opening a second location. They began as a food truck (and still operate) and opened their original brick-and-mortar location in Youngsville. They are a family-owned, scratch-made BBQ takeout restaurant built on real smoke, real flavor, and real community. No shortcuts. No frozen anything. Just BBQ done the right way. The location in Wake Forest will be in the Big Lots shopping center (The Market of Wake Forest) at 12295 Capital Blvd. No word on an open date, but soon (apparently they are waiting on permits). Follow along on Instagram here.
Reader Frank Rhodes shared with us the news that K38 in downtown Cary is set to open Aug. 29 at 147 E. Chatham Street. This will be their seventh location and follows the most recent opening in downtown Raleigh’s Seaboard Station. What does the K38 represent? The “K” stands for kilometer, denoting the 38th-kilometer mark on the coastal highway in Baja. Founder Josh Vach was inspired by surf trips down the Baja Peninsula, roadside taco shacks, and the specific surf break at that location when opening the original restaurant in 1993. Now you know. Check out K38 here.
Down in Holly Springs, David McCreary brought to our attention a feature in Midtown Magazine about The Perch, a new specialty coffee and tabletop gaming lounge located at 1125 McChesney Hill Loop. It combines a full coffee bar, café menu, and an extensive collection of card and board games. The concept comes from founder Jacob Williams and his team, who designed the space around what they call “intentional presence”—creating a comfortable setting where people can put away some of the usual distractions and spend time together. The brew bar serves coffee from the California-based roaster Cat & Cloud, with traditional coffee and espresso drinks, along with selections from the cold case. Guests can also order bakery items, toast, salads, sandwiches, and snacks. Get to know them here.
Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News
On Chapel Hill’s Franklin Street, the former Starbuck’s location (which moved across the street) next to Cane’s is getting a new…well…coffee shop. Reader Stephanie Villanueva notified us that 103 E Franklin Street will soon be home to 7 Brew Coffee Shop. While most of their locations in 38 states are drive-thrus, this one will not be. Get to know them here
Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken & Wings is opening their second location in the Triangle, this one in Durham. Look for them to open around the middle of September in the former WhichWich space in the Hope Valley Commons shopping center. Start getting familiar with them here
Down in Chatham County, get a first taste of the upcoming a Tavolo Italian Eatery during a special menu takeover at The Sycamore at Chatham Mills, the week of Aug. 11–16. Throughout the takeover, guests can enjoy a select collection of dishes from the upcoming a Tavolo menu alongside many of The Sycamore’s signature cuts and sides. The lounge menu will feature aTavolo items as well. The week will conclude with a special brunch on Sunday from 11am-3pm. Opening this September in MOSAIC at Chatham Park, a Tavolo is the sister restaurant to The Sycamore and will offer a warm, elevated-casual approach to Italian dining. This takeover is a chance to try some of the dishes that will be featured at the new locatino. Preview the menu here and make a reservation here.
I noticed this week that a new pizza joint has opened in Snow Camp called Gios Pizza & Pasta. Turns out it is an offshoot of Chatham County’s Village Pizza & Pasta over on 15-501 South. You can find them at 3908 E. Greensboro Chapel Hill Road. Same amazing food, same amazing customer service, and they even have some of the same staff. Just a new name and location. View their menu here
Closings
Cafe Carolina and Bakery, located in Raleigh’s Village District, announced this week that after 30 years, and with at one point three locations in the Triangle, will close their final location on Aug. 31. So, still time to get by for one last blue cupcake! You won’t find a nicer person than owner Ron Hines – wishing him all the best
My favorite priest, Scott McCue, notified me that Georgina’s Restaurant & Pizzeria in Morrisville Market shopping center will be closing Monday, Aug. 31 after 20 incredible years. Still time to get by. Our best to the DeMattia family
And while this situation might (hopefully) change, as of this writing, Breadman’s in Chapel Hill has been padlocked by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office due to a legal matter involving rent due
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
Looking for a family-friendly brunch option in Raleigh? Well, got word this week that Crooked Hammock Brewery is carving out a more laid-back, come-as-you-are take on the classic weekend ritual. They have launched their Sunday brunch designed to be just as easy for families as it is for friends catching up over mimosas. Available every Sunday, the menu brings Crooked Hammock’s “backyard cookout” inspired approach to life with sizzling skillets and Brunch Smashburgers, alongside more classic brunch comfort food with a twist like Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast. What sets it apart is the setting: while adults linger over brunch, kids can spread out and play on the playground in the relaxing backyard. Visit Crooked Hammock here.
Cary’s Peck & Plume is 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 Weekend with an intimate evening celebrating the release of Peck & Plume No. 3. Enjoy a guided tasting of all three Peck & Plume Private 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 & Plume No. 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
The 50th annual Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, a beloved Cary tradition celebrating creativity, community, and the “Lazy Daze” of summer, will take place the weekend of Aug. 22-23, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. both days. Explore the work of more than 250 exceptional artists from across the country, enjoy live entertainment on four stages, and savor delicious bites and drinks from 25+ food and beverage vendors. Experience hands-on art activities, professional artisan demonstrations, and plenty of kid-friendly fun in Kid Daze, including the fan-favorite Kid Collectors Market, where young festival goers can purchase pint-sized pieces created by Lazy Daze artists. Don’t forget to relax in the beer garden or the new Lazy Lounge as they celebrate 50 years of art, music, food, and summer memories. Check out the food vendors here, and get all the event details here.
The Sola Hot Mini 5K will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12. Join the community and Sola’s fight to find a cure to end ALS. Any and everyone is encouraged to come out – runners, walkers, volunteers, donors, cheerleaders, kids, strollers, moms, dads, friends, family…just be there. And don’t forget, if you register before August 30th you get a race shirt included with registration. Get all the details here
Tickets are on sale now for the 2026 Dinner in the Meadow event on Sept. 13 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 two children for a month! Every $90 can feed one child two children all summer! Consider a donation today!
