Share this Post
Raleigh institution turns 50.
It was the first vegetarian restaurant in Raleigh, the first to go smoke-free, the first to offer Sunday brunch and the first, original owner Arthur Gordon says, to serve avocado. Quite the brag sheet already, but Irregardless is adding another major feather to its cap: It’s turning 50.
Turning back to its humble roots, Gordon—who graduated from UNC with philosophy and chemistry degrees—wanted to go to culinary school, but got rejected for lack of kitchen experience. So, naturally, he did what anyone would do. He opened a restaurant—“irregardless” of his culinary training.
His opening MO was simple: “Spend less than you take in, and treat people the way you want to be treated,” he says, emphasizing “whether I know your name or not, I’m still cooking for you out of love.”
That ethos kept the restaurant going until “the big guy” gave Gordon a sign his time at the helm was up (read: quadruple bypass surgery). In early 2020, he passed the proverbial torch to Trophy Brewing’s David Meeker and former Players Retreat manager Lee Robinson.
“I’m really excited about keeping this place in the community for as long as possible,” says Robinson. “This place is special, and I’m happy to be the steward.”
Today, a multitude of menu ops invite pescatarians and carnivores alike—there’s even real bacon now for brunch! But the menu maintains a commitment to its humble veggie roots by leaning 50% vegetarian—and enticing even the most dedicated meat-eaters.
Also going strong is Irregardless’ live music five nights a week, through which Robinson estimates they have collectively pumped a cool $3.5 mill into the local music scene since the restaurant’s inception (!).
So how do you fete 50 years of an iconic community institution? Pop some bottles, natch. And Irregardless is doing just that at its massive February celebration, followed by a year of themed dinners feat. classics from old menus for each decade they’ve been open. Here’s to 50 more! irregardless.com
Related Articles
Share this Post