The WorkBetterLab is created with individual and collaborative work in mind, offering comfort, control and privacy. Raleigh is the latest city to gain this creative coworking space, joining the ranks of Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver, Philly, Nashville, Northwest Arkansas and Austin, with more locales in the works.
“Leading organizations across vertical markets realize they can’t bring people back to the same workplace they left—the space has to be compelling and worthy of their employees’ commute,” says Susan Lewis, architecture and design manager for Steelcase. “The WorkBetterLab is an inspiring example of how the hybrid office goes beyond a destination for collaboration. It’s a place where people can do their best work together and alone.”
“Highwoods is in the work-placemaking business,” adds Skip Hill, senior vice president and Raleigh market leader at Highwoods Properties. “Our goal is to create exceptional, people-focused environments where our customers can thrive in a compelling and commuteworthy workplace. Partnering with Steelcase and Storr on this project is another step in the direction of innovation and a better customer experience, and we are excited to be a part of bringing the WorkBetterLab to Fayetteville Street.” Interested in leveling up your office experience? Nab a slot in this appointment only highly anticipated space by filling out its online form. … Ready to get to work?
Spring forward via books, bling, health and fitness through these retail picks, shops and studios.
Bling alert! Fink’s Jewelers is growing its presence in North Hills via a new flagship store in the Main District with a sophisticated showroom boasting an airy atmosphere, custom gold/bronze accents and decorative furnishings. NTM a Rolex shop, David Yurman showroom and engagement room boutique to add to the elevated affair. @finksjewelers
Let ’em upgrade ya. For a ride on the “highway of healing,” Happy Whole You RDU has you covered. This holistic wellness center is—ahem—centered on helping humans improve brain function, lower body inflammation, overcome unresolved emotions and improve physical health via its unique scientific approach. @happywholeyourdu
The ’90s called—and they like your outfit. Secondhand Concession Stand is making secondhand clothing chic via its vintage clothing selects at Boxyard RTP (open through May)—from the collegiate sweaters you might find in your dad’s drawer to Nike pieces, sporty shirts and more. Let’s go thrift shopping! @2ndhandconcessionstand
“Everybody wants to be us.” Or at least they will after a visit to Rolley, a recently opened appointment-only designer showroom showcasing luxe brands like Gucci, Versace and Balenciaga. How boujee! @rolleyprivateshowroom
Hey, bookworms! NC State professor Dr. Marsha Gordon is debuting her new book, Becoming the Ex-Wife, this month—and each turn of the page is a step into history. The biography tells the story of Ursula Parrott, a now-forgotten, once-bestselling author who penned prose on career women, single moms and divorcees a la 1920s–40s. @uc_press
Photo courtesy of University of California Press
We know what a girl (or boy!) wants. Merz Aesthetics announced iconic singer/world-famous entertainer Christina Aguilera is teaming up with Xeomin, an FDA-approved anti-wrinkle injection product. Time to turn those frown lines upside down! @merzaesthetics
Roses are red and beer is brew at Cary’s latest laid-back beer garden.
Stop and smell the roses… er, rosé! West Wake’s recently bowed watering hole Rosecomb Beer Garden boasts a slew of ops for sipping—see its 24 rotating taps of beers, sours, hard ciders and kombuchas, and rosé (natch). NTM BB’s Crispy Chicken is situated right next door, so you can literally order one of those juicy chicken sandos straight to your barstool (!). Or, opt for a spot on the sunny partially covered patio, complete with fans and fire pits.
“We are thrilled to bring an exciting new atmosphere to Cary for friends and family to gather for cold drinks and tasty bites,” says Colleen Hamilton, VP of brand marketing for MDO Holdings. “We are the perfect family- and pet-friendly destination with plenty of games, live music on weekends, trivia on Wednesdays and everything in between!” … Will you accept this rosé? rosecombbeergarden.com
We’re on a knead-to-know basis… and we need you to know about this fab Transfer Co. Food Hall spot’s recently launched food truck that’s tempting Raleighites to make a quick pit stop for handmade baked/fried Argentinian delights—think empanadas (natch), pastries and more—all over town. The empanada party continues via a pickup window at the soon-to-open The Mixx (!). … And you can be sure they’re prepared to stay servin’ up the good Argentinian eats no matter the occasion—from weddings to zombie apocalypses. Ready to get stuffed? cheempanadas.com
Mama Churros
Bringing handcrafted churros from Mexico to the Triangle is this sweet truck throwing you for a loop—that is, a dipped loop, stick or dipped stick, depending on your churro order of choice. NTM these fried dough-lights even come with sprinkles (*cues up mental image of Salt Bae sprinklin’*)! Time to churr up! @mamachurros_
Lee’s Kitchen
Meet the self-proclaimed best-known secret in town. “A taste of Jamaica with a touch of soul,” this truck blends tropical and Southern flavors to produce appetizing ops of all kinds—from oxtails and curry chicken to yams, collard greens, and mac and cheese. Warning: One bite may mentally transport you to the Caribbean. So if you haven’t yet stumbled upon this gem, well, curry up. leeskitchenjamaican.com
Mr. A’s Beignets
They say you are what you eat, so we rec chowing down on some hot and sweet fried fritters via this authentic New Orleans-esque sup spot that sources its beignet supplies directly from Louisiana (that’s how you know it’s legit!). Pro tip: Getting powdered sugar everywhere is highly encouraged. … And be sure to grab a coffee, hot cocoa or spiced cider to wash it all down. Beignet, done that. Or have you?! squaredoughnuts.com
Where to sip, sup, shop and more outside Raleigh this month
1. SipCha APEX + CARY Giving us boba-flies is this Taiwanese bubble/fruit tea and Thai rolled ice cream shop—rolling out fresh and refreshing sweet treats a la Eastern flavors now at two Triangle locations. Whether you’ve got a hankering for slurping some boba bubbles, are in the mood for something fruity, or want to embrace your milk tea moment—this cute Asian sweet spot has an op for you. … And we love it so matcha. sipchaboba.com
2. Bombolo CHAPEL HILL Sibling dream team Garret Fleming and Eleanor Lacy—of now-shuttered fan-fave Big Belly Que fame—are back at it, opening this rustic European-style bistro featuring bold dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Top Chef alum Fleming, who serves as executive chef, has been “intentionally experimental” with the menu, creating a collection of fare and flavors with influences ranging from France to Southeast Asia. And with Lacy overseeing the dessert/wine program to boot, this ambitious endeavor is sure to satisfy patrons of all palates. It’s giving “Be Our Guest” a la Beauty and the Beast… and we’re ready to pull up a chair.bombolochapelhill.com
3. Bean Traders Coffee Roasters DURHAM Hey, boho babes and bros. If you’ve bean craving a cozy eclectic space to settle in for a study sesh and snag some serotonin—er, caffeine—this warm, hipster-esque spot boasting delish baked goods, high-quality coffee and amaze vibes is for you. And the java joint clearly runs on love, as husband-wife owners Christy and Dave Chapman met when she served him a cold-brew coffee, after which he dedicated himself to learning and loving the coffee craft—finding his passion and getting the girl in the process (!). So clearly, all you need is peace, love and beans… beantraderscoffee.com
4. The Friend’s Table FAYETTEVILLE You’re gonna wanna grab a seat at this table. Started by Portia Grady and Mahalia Robinson, this welcoming sup spot offers an upscale appetizing experience through high-end Southern comfort breakfast + brunch eats such as chicken and waffles, fried deviled eggs, and bacon-wrapped salmon, to name but a few delish dishes (don’t sleep on the brunch shots either!). Created with an eye for “cuisine, culture and curating creative spaces,” the friendly atmosphere and fab fare form the ideal recipe for the “Good Life,” indeed. thefriendstable.com
5. Benny’s Billiards & Sports Bar CARY Calling all ballbusters! Belly up to this sporty and sociable watering hole for sports, brews and your classic bar grub for a night out shooting the breeze—er, billiards. Find 10 pool tables, an in-house cash league and darts for the activity-seekers, plus a fully stacked bar, beer on tap and kitchen offerings for the foodie fanatics… or those who simply appreciate an order of wings or fried fare (pro tip: sharing is caring!) after a drinking sesh. Fun fact: This bar is named after a precious pup (!). Would you hit that, cue-ball? bennysbilliards.com