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Raleigh Iron Works’ tasty new tenant
Ford Fry is at it again. He first hinted at his just-announced ATL standout concept Little Rey dropping in Raleigh last year on our podcast—and now this aspiration is finally coming to fruition.
After first dipping his toes into the Triangle food scene via successful Fenton spot Superica, the celeb chef is expanding his reach to Raleigh Iron Works and once again blessing us—this time with his already-thriving Tex-Mex concept. Centered around “al carbon” wood-roasted cooking, the highly anticipated spot will serve an array of droolworthy staples such as al carbon—naturally—plus traditional street-style tacos, fresh salsas and handmade tortillas to boot.
Ford says RIW is the perfect home for the popular restaurant, slated to bow in 2024. “The property is fresh, innovative and visionary—and well-positioned between several growing parts of the city,” he said in an exclusive chat with Raleigh Magazine this week. “Plus, we’re thrilled to be neighbors with talented friends like Brodeto, Eastcut Sandwiches and Andia’s Ice Cream, to name a few. We can’t wait for Little Rey to become part of the Triangle community.”
To complement the fiery menu, a variety of soft-serve ice cream flavors (tres leches! salty cajeta and fried peanuts!) await—or diners looking to sweeten the experience can also tuck into the concept’s cult-fave pancakes with buttermilk syrup.
Thirsty? Enter the impressive beverage program. Masterminded by beverage VP Eduardo Porto Carreiro, the drinks will pair perfectly with the flavors of the fare. Toast to the tantalizing Tex-Mex morsels with an on-the-rocks marg or crack open a Mexican beer from the scad of handselected local and regional craft ales a la the convenient reach-in cooler.
Impressive in both scope and scale, the expansive counter-service taco spot sprawls across 3,100 square feet via indoor and patio seating, with a walk-up to-go window affectionately dubbed Uno Mas. More casual than its Cary-based cousin, the resto exudes relaxation and zest via its rose pink, deep blue and sage color palette; old-fashioned handpainted signs; and Waylon & Willie songs on the queue. And be sure to peep vintage Mexican mementos and standout art compliments of a curated collection decorating the dining room.
“I’m excited about [Little Rey] because I eat it all the time,” said Ford on that prophetic podcast episode, hinting it would one day come to Raleigh. He adds now: “I love the Raleigh area and have wanted to introduce Little Rey here since we opened its big sis Superica in Cary last year. I think the city will enjoy our casual vibe, friendly service, street-style al carbon tacos and cold margs—and we can’t wait to serve them soon.” … We love a full-circle moment. Give us mas!
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