Midtown is getting a little bit sweeter—and greener. LA-based fast-casual salad chain Sweetgreen made its North Carolina debut in Charlotte last month and has now officially opened a second NC sup spot in the former Pieology at The Commons at North Hills.
Tossing out everything bland about salad, the healthful joint has amassed a cult following via its focus on fast fresh fare that’s nutritious and delicious—and won’t break the bank (a win-win-win!). To boot, every Sweetgreen sources a portion of its menu from local farmers to help cut down on its carbon footprint. Locally, the brand is securing sweet potatoes from Randall Watkins of Watkins Farm, which works with local supplier Happy Dirt.
“This investment in local farms is crucial for both farmers and customers, highlighting a commitment to sourcing standards, transparency and local ingredients,” says Watkins.
With ops like the kale Caesar, harvest bowl (feat. sweet potatoes!) and guacamole greens, there are endless ways to get your daily dose of veggies. And if you’re a picky eater—or have a curated palette—you can even build your own salad with 30+ toppings. No excuse not to eat your (sweet) greens now! sweetgreen.com
Popular Mexican fast-casual concept opening at Raleigh Iron Works in December
In need of a “Little Rey” of sunshine in your life? It’s finally time to taco ’bout the newest addition to Raleigh Iron Works.
It’s been two years since celeb chef Ford Fry hinted his standout ATL restaurant Little Rey might land in Raleigh—and, now, the wait for taco enthusiasts everywhere is over, as Fry announced his highly anticipated Northern Mexican fast-casual spot will open Monday, Dec. 9 (get your stretchy pants ready!).
“I love being in food-focused developments and being in great company, and Scott Crawford is a great friend,” Fry says about joining the Iron Works lineup alongside popular tenants like Brodeto, Ponysaurus and Eastcut Sandwich Bar—adding that Little Rey is like the “favorite cousin” to his popular Tex-Mex concept Superica, which opened in Fenton in 2022.
Little Rey will lean more casual than the Cary resto, with ample seating inside and an expansive patio outside with plenty of room for kiddos to run free while parents sip on margaritas or housemade agua frescas. There will also be a selection of Mexican beers as well as local craft brews on offer.
But the “little” yet mighty taco spot’s real claim to fame is its signature “al carbon” cooking style and wood-roasted chicken al carbon that anchors the menu. Choose from a half or whole bird with fixins, or opt for any number of al carbon tacos or street-style tacos. The queso primo—aka white queso mixed with guac, pico de gallo and chopped chicken al carbon—is also a primo addition (had to) to any order.
And in *queso* you’re wondering what chef Fry gets when he’s at Little Rey, he says the Picadillo taco with seasoned ground beef and spicy mayo or the Carne Asada taco are his faves, and that the jalapeno ranch is a “must-have” when visiting.
The fun doesn’t stop with lunch and dinner, though. Flock to Little Rey on the weekends for authentic migas breakfast tacos and its cult-favorite buttermilk pancakes. Seriously, you won’t be able to get enough of that buttermilk syrup (!).
“What I love about Little Rey is that it meets the needs of so many different people: weekend brunch, quick work lunch, dinner, a margarita and to-go—it really serves the whole day,” says Fry. And so, your excuse to literally dine there for every meal. You’re welcome.
If you just can’t wait until opening day, join Fry and his team for a pre-opening party on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 5–9pm. There will be a queso “fountain” and other nibbles for free, face painting and balloons for kids, and drinks for purchase.
