Craften reinvents the food hall experience in tertiary markets.
We’ve all been there. You’re going out to eat at a food hall with a group of friends or family—one of you wants tacos; another wants pizza; you want a salad. You’ll all wait in separate lines for different periods of time (could be five minutes, could be 15 minutes) to place your orders, then meet back at your table; sit down and chat for a few minutes; then all go back and get your food. In about an hour, you’ve spent more time waiting in line than having actual conversation. But what if it didn’t have to be that way? Here to reimagine the standard food hall is duo Max Trujillo, local hospitality vet and co-host of the NC F&B Podcast; and Kip Downer, entrepreneur and owner of multiple Burn Boot Camp locations (West Raleigh, Garner, Knightdale and South Durham). Their new concept, Craften, the first of which will be opening in Knightdale in late summer, flips the food hall script. Instead of having to wait in multiple lines for different types of food, Craften (a blend of “craft” and “kitchen”) will allow customers to order food and drinks directly from an app and have everything brought to them by a server—without ever having to leave your table.
Kip Downer & Max Trujillo | RDP3 Photography
“We want to take the hospitality angle of a restaurant and the comfortability that you’re taken care of, and apply it to a food hall,” Trujillo says. “So you don’t have to stand in four lines to get four different types of food; you just sit down and we bring it to you.”
The idea for Craften started unfurling last summer when Trujillo and Downer met through mutual friends. Downer had already had an idea for a central space that would bring a bunch of great local food trucks together, while Trujillo was simultaneously conceptualizing a multiple-food-outlet business. “As it started to unfold, what he really needed was an operator, and what I really needed was somebody that had vision and could grow and build the business,” says Trujillo.
Craften will be anchored by a thoughtful beverage program that Trujillo will oversee (think handcrafted cocktails, craft beer, wine and more). “We are going to put an emphasis on the beverage program and bring the downtown craft cocktail lounge concept to a small town,” Downer says. Bringing this community-oriented food and beverage concept to tertiary markets—which are expanding and becoming more and more popular outside of the already thriving DTR scene—is very important to the pair. Downer says he was inspired by the book Blue Ocean Strategy, which notes that the real success and the real ability to deliver something unique exists in the blue ocean.
“And that’s what these tertiary markets are right now in Raleigh,” Downer explains. “We really want to bring this Downtown feeling to them with the growth of Raleigh out to these markets. If we can get there now and we can create a community feel now, then, not only will we be in the right place 10 years from now, we’ll also have built those relationships with those customers. … And I think Craften is going to be able to follow these tertiary markets through their growth as well.”
Craften will also provide local food trucks with a commissary kitchen and a low-barrier to entry for their first fixed location in the hopes that the food hall will act as a stepping stone to a brick-and-mortar restaurant. The four food concepts they selected for Craften Knightdale include Poblanos Tacos, Fiori Trattoria, The Corner Venezuelan Food and Finca Burger. Once these concepts “graduate out” of the food hall, they’ll bring in new ones that are just as excited to succeed.
Trujillo jokes that he would never want to go to a restaurant that offers multiple different types of food (“because nobody is that good”), but at Craften, “everyone is doing what they do best, and that’s it,” he says. “And we’re helping our food concepts sell their food. It improves our bar to have great food for people to come and hang out and sit down and enjoy.”
Downer and Trujillo’s goal is to open multiple Craften locations “anywhere there’s a neighborhood that needs better food and service,” says Trujillo. (They plan to open the second, larger Craften in Clayton by the end of the year, which will feature 6,000 square feet of indoor space, plus a 4,000-square-foot astroturf lawn area.) The whole idea is to provide that big city-feel to smaller areas by bringing the restaurant mentality to a food hall and offering people a diverse food and drink experience.
“As a [group], you can make one decision: Let’s go to Craften,” Downer says. “We’re going to get service. We’re going to get to spend time together. We’re all happy. We get good drinks. And we don’t have to choose a particular restaurant—and I think that’s really exciting.” The icing on the cake? You don’t have to wait in any lines. craftenfood.com
The May issue of Raleigh Magazine will be on stands around town and delivered to your doors and mailboxes in just a few days! If you can’t wait until then, here’s a quick look at some of the stories we have in store.
Play On
RDP3 Photography
Live music is (finally!) back, y’all! We don’t know about you, but a year-plus of shuttered venue doors and silenced stages had us longing for concerts—any concert!—and we’re happy to report that many have already been scheduled, both here in Raleigh and throughout NC. In our music feature this month, we provide you with all the info you need to know for attending in-person concerts this year (think mask regulations and other safety protocols), give you the scoop on local band NiiTO, and round up all the big-name concerts you might want to (nay, need to!) pencil in to your calendar.
Modernizing Midtown
Raleigh’s billion-dollar project, Midtown Exchange, has officially broken ground, and so we’re taking a look at what the 40-acre mixed-use real estate project by Dewitt Carolinas will look like once it’s finished (hint: There’s going to be a sky bridge!).
Staying Seated?
Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin laid out five things our rapidly growing Cap City needs to focus on for the next 20 years in order to make necessary changes, including expanding the Convention Center and creating a Civic Campus that will house all city employees.
Well-Crafted
Rendering by 310 Architecture + Interiors
Max Trujillo, local hospitality vet and co-host of the NC F&B Podcast; and Kip Downer, entrepreneur and owner of multiple Burn Boot Camp locations, are planning to open a new food hall concept called Craften in Knightdale and Clayton—with plans to expand it throughout NC small towns in the future. We get the first look on what it will look like and what kind of food will be on offer.
Rooted & Rollin’
Kaylynne Leggett’s Houseplant Hippie truck (think a food truck for plants) hit the streets in March and has since grown a massive following of die-hard plant-lovers and novices alike. Grow on, girl!
WEB EXCLUSIVE Gov. Roy Cooper is on a mission to #BringSummerBack, y’all. During a press conference on Wednesday, April 21, Cooper said that all mandatory social distancing, capacity and mass gathering restrictions are expected to be lifted by June, thanks to the increased rate of vaccinations in the state (cue live outdoor concerts, dancing in bars and sitting at restos less than six feet apart from your neighbor!).
This means that restrictions limiting capacity at indoor restaurants, bars, concert venues, museums, gyms, movie theaters and other businesses, as well as restrictions on indoor and outdoor social gatherings such as weddings and funerals, could be lifted as soon as June 1. The state anticipates lifting the mask mandate once two-thirds of adult North Carolinians are vaccinated as well.
Currently, almost 50% of NC adults have been at least partially vaccinated, and more than one-third are fully vaccinated (that’s about 6.5 million shots administered statewide). Additionally, President Biden said that, across America, 200 million people have received the COVID-19 vaccination, meeting a goal he set for his administration’s first 100 days.
All adults ages 16 and up in NC are eligible to get the vaccine (effective as of April 7). Cooper maintains the vaccine is safe, effective and readily available to everyone, and it’s even easier to get the shot now that same-day appointments and walk-ins are allowed.
“Vaccines are the key to moving us forward,” Cooper said in a tweet on Wednesday. “To strengthening our economy. To making sure our children are on track for school now and in the fall. To hugging our loved ones safely. To saving lives.” (In short, do your part and roll up your sleeve if you haven’t already!)
The current phase of Cooper’s reopening plan (more info on that here) is set to expire on April 30; the governor is issuing a new executive order next week outlining restrictions for the month of May.
WEB EXCLUSIVE It’s been nearly a week since everyone age 16 and older has been eligible to get the COVID vaccine in North Carolina—and vaccination numbers have already surged. On April 12, the News & Observer reported that 1 in 3 adults age 18 and over are now fully vaccinated; among the entire population, 23.6% have received both doses; and, as of April 11, 5,872,275 total doses have been administered.
These numbers—coupled with Gov. Roy Cooper’s recent executive orders easing restrictions on capacity limits for a multitude of businesses and venues throughout the state—are a sure sign that the state is on track to get things back to “normal” sooner than originally anticipated.
“Vaccines will help us put this pandemic in the rearview mirror,” Cooper tweeted April 12. “It’s your spot, take your shot!”
NC is currently offering three COVID vaccines: Pfizer (two doses), Moderna (two doses) and Johnson & Johnson (one dose), though the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was put on hold over the weekend (April 9-11) for an investigation by the CDC and the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services (NCDHHS) after many people reported adverse reactions to it at PNC Arena last Thursday.
According to a tweet by the FDA, as of Monday, April 12, “6.8m+ doses of the J&J vaccine have been administered in the U.S.” Today (Tuesday, April 13), out of “an abundance of caution,” the FDA and CDC called for a national pause on using the Johnson & Johnson after six people (ages 18 to 48) reported a rare disorder causing blood clots.
While children are not yet eligible for the current COVID vaccines, on April 9, Pfizer formally asked the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use authorization that would allow kids ages 12 and older to get the shot. The FDA is still reviewing the use. In the meantime, Wake County Public Schools are offering a Virtual Academy program for children in grades K to 12 during the 2021–22 school year who are not yet comfortable returning to in-person instruction.
To further help those who are eligible receive the COVID vaccine, United Way of the Greater Triangle, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina and the NC Department of Transportation have partnered up with ride-share service Lyft to remove transportation barriers to scheduled vaccine appointments via Ride United NC. Their goal is to provide 100,000 free round-trip rides in 100 NC counties. You can help by donating to the program here.
The finish line is so close, y’all. If you haven’t already, get your COVID shot! Find a vaccine appointment at myspot.nc.gov.
WEB EXCLUSIVEGo Red for Women raises awareness for cardiovascular disease in women via the Women of Impact campaign.
Did you know that cardiovascular disease (CVD)—the No.1 killer of women—claims more lives each year than all forms of cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD) combined? Yeah—it’s a worrisome and scary statistic, but one that needs to be recognized.
Once seen as just an “old man’s disease,” recent data shows that younger women—especially Gen Z and millennial women—are experiencing more heart attacks than ever before (largely due to stress and high demand in the workspace) and these age groups are less likely to know CVD poses such a personal threat.
Since its founding in 2004, Go Red for Women (the American Heart Association‘s signature women’s initiative) has been not only raising awareness for this life-threatening disease, but also equipping and empowering women with the tools and resources needed to prevent CVD.
“Millions of women have participated in the platform in some way, shape or form—whether it’s going to an event, being forwarded an email or just hearing a talk in the Go Red for Women space,” says Laura Marek, director of development for the American Heart Association. “Ninety-five percent of those who engage with the platform have indicated that they’ve taken at least one step toward living a healthier lifestyle, so its definitely proven to be making positive change—but we also know there’s a lot of work left to be done.”
A huge part of the Go Red for Women platform is its Women of Impact and Teen of Impact campaigns. Each year, candidates are nominated by an AHA volunteer or staff person to take part in an eight-week competition to raise funds for AHA and engage their networks in creating healthy habits. “It’s definitely something that’s an honor to be a part of,” Marek says. “And it also works to create a ripple effect of help throughout the community.”
This year’s Women of Impact and Teen of Impact campaigns kicked off on Feb. 5 (National Go Red Day), and we’re happy to share that, on April 7, Brenda L. White was announced as the winner! In total, the seven nominees (teen and women) collectively raised $63,007 for the Go Red for Women movement. Meet each of this year’s nominees (and winners!) below, and hear their “whys”—why the campaign was so important to them and how they hope to serve as an inspiration to other women. Our hearts go out to all of you!
TEEN OF IMPACT
Winner: Maggie Hungate
A 10th-grade student at Apex Friendship High School, Hungate plays sand volleyball, is active in DECA and fiercely loves her dog. Since the pandemic began, she also has taken up cooking to help guide her family through healthier meal choices. “Maggie was the only teen this year to participate in the campaign, and, though she didn’t have any competition, that didn’t stop her from sharing the life-saving message of Go Red, and reaching out to friends and family to raise support for the cause,” Marek says.
Hungate’s Why: “I accepted the Teen of Impact nomination because heart disease affects me and all of those around me whom I love. In September of last year, with no warning, my grandmother passed away of a heart attack. As someone who is active and tries to eat clean, I want to raise awareness of the severity of heart disease and encourage other women to look toward their health and lower their risk.”
WOMEN OF IMPACT
Winner: Brenda L. White
(campaign ran by her son, Courtney, in honor of his mother)
Courtney’s Why: “In 1997, my mother experienced various symptoms that were misinterpreted at the time. In 2006, she experienced a life-changing cardiac event that suddenly made the matters of 1997 clearer. In 2015, my brother died following the rejection of a donor organ after a heart transplant. We later found out that the organ had a defect in it that now can only be detected postmortem. We need more funding and more research for cardiovascular disease—period. Both my mother and my brother are superheroes in my life, and watching them in these battles inspired me to get more involved and manage my own awareness, education and even my health differently.”
Nominee: Angela Connor
Connor’s Why: “I often put myself, including my health, on the back burner—and I know that can come with a hefty price! With heart disease being a silent killer, I feel compelled to make sure the women in my life are aware of this enemy so that they can take action to overcome our No. 1 health threat!”
Nominee: Bailey DeBarmore
DeBarmore’s Why: “I have been connected to the AHA for seven years through my work in heart disease research. My work has shown me the tremendous need that exists to educate the community about the risks of heart disease and stroke, and I am excited to support the AHA at the community level. I am honored to be a Woman of Impact nominee and help raise critical funds to support the AHA’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.”
Nominees: Shirley Polk & Lindsay Thomas
Polk & Thomas’ Why: “As survivors of PPCM (peripartum cardiomyopathy), raising awareness of one of the leading causes of maternal death—along with the ability to live an active, healthy life after a heart failure diagnosis—has become our driving force. We want to inspire other women who have suffered from PPCM to get back out there and do what they love again.”
Nominee: Anuja G. Purohit
Purohit’s Why: “My aunt was a single mom who raised three children on her own but died suddenly of a heart attack in her early 50s. Her life, like the lives of many women today, was stressful, but her untimely death was preventable. I want to be a force for longer, healthier lives of everyone in our community—with a special focus on women.”
Nominee: Kaitlyn Sanderson
Sanderson’s Why: “In 2013, my stepfather died suddenly of a heart attack at just 43 years old. I’m committed to living a healthy lifestyle and educating others on the dangers of heart disease so no one else has to suffer a similar loss.”
