Got a secret stuffing, casserole or pie that makes the whole crew swoon? 🦃🍂 Enter your fave family Thanksgiving recipe for a chance to be featured in the mag + win a Wegmans gift card!
Rules
⏰ Deadline for entries is 5pm, Oct. 12
📸 Photo of dish encouraged (but not required to win)
🦃 Three winners will be chosen and announced in the November issue
📧 Entrants will receive Raleigh Insider
Housing vulnerability is easily the biggest issue facing our city—and this year, our annual Give Raleigh campaign is dedicated to the cause, launching Oct. 1 in partnership with the Cooper Charitable Foundation and TowneBank + Towne Insurance. Join us for the official kickoff event at Birdie’s Barroom & Kitchen Thursday, Oct. 2, from 5–7pm in an effort to help secure safe, stable homes for neighbors.
Tickets for the kickoff event are on sale now to benefit the Give Raleigh campaign. The evening will also include food, beverages, live music from Adam Lee Decker, and an online auction with some super exciting prizes (!).
Cooper Charitable Foundation serves housing stability grants to the following, which touch housing vulnerability across all demographics and needs:
Can’t make it? Donate directly to Give Raleigh here!
By the Editors
Building buzz, literally, Raleigh is a city in motion. From historic makeovers to modern high-rises, city projects are moving from blueprint to buildout—leveling up her “it” factor with new projects, hotels and cultural hubs redefining every pocket of the city from the Central Business District to Midtown to the upcoming Blue Ridge Corridor. Tracking the towers, streetscapes and spaces in progress that promise to transform the cityscape and shape up the skyline, we’ve mapped out what’s rising, where it’s happening, and the bold features guaranteed to leave their mark on the city.
Slated groundbreaking: 2025
Slated opening: 2028
Specs: 600 keys, 27 stories, 61K square feet of meeting space, 20K square foot ballroom
Noteworthy features:
DINING: Lobby bar, grab-and-go market and coffee shop, sports bar with a golf simulator, NC’s first Bob’s Steakhouse, three-meal poolside restaurant
AMENITIES: Rooftop pool with spa, valet parking, resort-style wellness facility
Cementing the Cap City’s ascending rank as a travel destination, Raleigh’s first Omni hotel—and
NC’s third—sets the stage for high-end stays for out-of-towners and staycationers alike. Staking its
claim on the DTR skyline from its perch on Fayetteville Street, the Omni Raleigh Hotel sits squarely across from Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts and the Raleigh Convention Center—primed to capture the city’s growing wave of eventgoers, especially with the Convention Center’s own renovation on deck.
First announced in 2023, Omni has since upped the ante with an added 50 rooms—bringing the total key count to 600—plus more space for a larger ballroom. But perhaps its hottest draw for overnight guests will be a rooftop poolside restaurant serving sunrise scrambles to sunset cocktails, answering the call for both quick business breakfasts and all-day bites and bevs.
Beyond the pool—and taking full advantage of the blank canvas—the hip hotelier is betting big on boosting Fayetteville Street with a lineup of eats and drinks designed to also draw locals. Think a sleek lobby bar; a grab-and-go market and coffee shop; and the first Bob’s Steak & Chop House in the state, plating prime cuts and Americana.
Sports fans won’t be left out of the game either—the luxe hotel is adding a swanky sports bar, complete with massive TVs and a golf simulator. “It’s going to be the best place in Raleigh to watch the game,” maintains Omni Hotels VP of Acquisitions and Development Brian Zelman. With its mix of luxe lodging, dining and entertainment, Omni is no doubt set to become DTR’s next “it” hang. “Raleigh is an incredible city with an incredible culture,” emphasizes Zelman. “We love the emphasis on food and beverage, and that’s always been a point of emphasis for Omni to really distinguish ourselves from other competitors. We like the opportunity to create the first real luxury hotel Downtown and are excited to do that.”
Slated opening: March 2026
Noteworthy features:
• Wheelchair ramps on either side of the auditorium • Dedicated drop-off lane proximal to lobby
• Open flex space for outdoor programming
Nearly 25 years after raising the curtain, Lichtin Plaza at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts is getting a long-awaited glow-up designed to at once uplift diversity of touring shows and homegrown companies.
The timing is in step with neighboring transformations— the Raleigh Convention Center expansion and Omni Raleigh Hotel’s groundbreaking, both of which Martin Marietta is working with— positioning the plaza as a cornerstone of the evolving DTR arts, culture and tourism hub, says GM Michelle Bradley.
Beyond repairing worn pavement, Bradley shares the redesign will boast a dedicated drop-off lane landing patrons closer to Raleigh Memorial Auditorium’s lobby, new wheelchair ramps for added accessibility and a reimagined entry that trades the fountain-turned garden for flex open space suited to outdoor programming. “The building needed something that invites people in and says, ‘It’s the old, iconic building, but it has a new front porch,’” emphasizes Bradley.
Backed by city funding and the center’s savings, the plaza project broke ground in late September and is pacing for a remarkably speedy turnaround, with construction slated to wrap within six months for a March 2026 unveiling. “The whole process has been very quick,” muses Bradley. “I thought this is going to be something that we’re gonna do in seven years because we didn’t have all the funds. … Two and-a-half years later, it’s actually going to be done.”
And—in a win for culture vultures and Raleigh’s Christmas season—the show(s) will go on with scheduled programming playing out during construction, including holiday staples like The Nutcracker and the NC Symphony’s Candlelight Christmas. While this year’s plaza Christmas tree will relocate for the season, it’s expected back for 2026. And, so, a Raleigh cultural icon is stepping into its next act.
Specs: Mixed-use, 221 residential units, 10K square feet street-level commercial space
Noteworthy features:
• Elevated amenities
• On-site entertainment
Enlivening a long-dilapidated block of DTR comes 500 Hillsborough—a luxe stay-play hub primed to energize where Downtown’s Capital and Warehouse districts collide.
The buzzy destination from DC-based Dalian Development clears a stretch of shuttered businesses where West, Hillsborough and Edenton streets merge at 501–513 Hillsborough—think: Flex Nightclub, Montgomery Violins and a longtime handyman shop, plus the former Wilson’s Outdoor Equipment at 502 W. Morgan—to breathe fresh life into a major connector between these districts and Glenwood South.
Scaling with 221 upscale residences stacked above 10K square feet of street-level primo retailers and restaurateurs, the blueprint builds on the momentum of 400H, plus the upcoming Hotel Indigo and HM Partners’ F&B-focused development Garden West, to cement the corridor as Raleigh’s next buzzy build in action. With elevated amenities and on-site entertainment, 500 Hillsborough sets the stage for modern living at its boldest.
Noteworthy features: Two to three restaurants spaces + outdoor patio
Also serving to energize a sleepy corridor that bridges the Downtown core to Glenwood South is Garden West, set to deliver a slew of vibey F&B concepts to keep Raleighites fueled and social.
Located at the corner of Edenton and West streets in the long-defunct CrossFit building, the pedestrian-oriented project will also convert ~20 spaces at the adjacent Powerhouse Square parking deck into an outdoor patio.
With the core and shell reno now complete, the next hot foodie destination is officially in leasing mode, says Gregg Sandreuter, managing partner of HM Partners, the buzzy developer helming the project. No stranger to what it takes to enliven this slice of Downtown, HM is also the mastermind behind thriving 400H and such grabs as Brass Tap and Press Coffee, Crepes & Cocktails—among others.
While no tenants are yet signed, Sandreuter suspects deals to close early next year—setting the stage for Garden West to become the next must-visit destination for food, drink and Downtown energy.
Slated opening: 2028
Specs: 20 stories, 82 one- to four bedroom condos, 5.5K square feet ground-floor retail
Noteworthy features:
• Full-time doorman + concierge
• Resort-style pool and sun deck
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Pet spa
• Resident lounge with co-working space
Raleigh’s population boom is sparking new opportunities—and Alchemy Properties South is answering with One Nash Square. Set to break ground in 2026, the project will deliver 82 sleek one- to four-bedroom condos and 5.5K square feet of ground-floor retail in the heart of DTR, across from Nash Square in the Warehouse District, leading the next phase of the city’s residential growth.
“Downtown Raleigh is thriving,” says Alchemy President Ken Horn. “Strong job growth, a vibrant cultural scene and a steady influx of new residents make it an ideal market for expansion. The area offers the right mix of energy and character for long-term homeowners.”
Putting the luxe in luxury, One Nash merges high-quality design with mod amenities to deliver a level of comfort and class on a scale not currently available in Raleigh, adds Horn. Think single-family home vibes with highrise views, expansive terraces and spacious floorplans—amenitized with the likes of a resort-style pool and sun deck, state-of-the-art fitness center, resident lounge with co-working space, and a pet spa.
Alchemy is also in talks to bring in a mix of local concepts and complementary retailers in the streetlevel spaces, adding to the vibrant Warehouse District’s energy and serving both residents and the broader DTR community. Unlike typical apartments, these condos allow residents to put down roots and be a core part of Raleigh’s growth story. “There’s a clear, unmet demand for high-quality condo living in Raleigh,” maintains Horn. “This project is positioned to meet [that need] while contributing to the critical mass being established Downtown.”
Slated Phase 1 Opening: Mid-2028
Specs:
Phase I, Highline Glenwood: 37 stories, 306 units (including 16 penthouses), 7,500 square feet groundfloor retail
Phase II, office tower: 20 stories, 300K square feet
Noteworthy features:
HIGHLINE:
• 37th floor indoor/outdoor sky lounge
• 13K-square-foot ninth-floor outdoor amenity terrace with pool, padel court, lawn, grills, firepits and lounge areas
• Demo kitchen; coworking suite; Trackman golf simulator; fitness center designed with Anatomy Fitness; and wellness suite with cold plunge, sauna and Hyperice recovery tech
Downtown Raleigh’s skyline is poised to level up—literally. Enter Tunbridge Equities’ Creamery redevelopment, which broke ground this summer, and will deliver Raleigh’s tallest and most amenitized residential tower with Phase I in 2028.
Topping out at 37 stories—a full four taller than current king PNC Plaza—Highline Glenwood will serve up sweeping 360-degree views of DTR and beyond, and a modern-meetshistoric centerpiece sure to redefine the city’s landscape.
When it comes to securing the property, Turnbridge leaned into its MO of breathing new life into existing spaces. “We really believe in utilizing the existing urban fabric in our placemaking,” says Managing Director Jason Davis, “and the Creamery is such a Raleigh landmark that it never crossed our mind to demolish it.”
As such, the historic Creamery building and former Pine State ice cream factory—along with current tenants Sullivan’s, Milk Bar, The Underground and BuildOps—will remain fully intact and operational throughout construction.
Further serving both residents and those who live, work and play in DTR across its 7,500 square feet of ground-floor retail, the NYC-based real estate investment and development firm is actively courting a diverse tenant mix of local favorites and f irst-to-market concepts.
“Food and beverage, service-based businesses, and soft goods always play well together,” adds Davis. “We have developed strong relationships with many tenants at our mixed-use projects in Austin and Nashville that have had great success and trust our placemaking. Many of these have expressed interest in expanding into North Carolina.”
Phase II plans will add a 20-story office tower at 404 Glenwood, situated between the historic Creamery building and the railroad tracks, replacing the surface parking lot off Tucker Street. The project will also feature retail along a pedestrian street connecting the new building to the Creamery, creating a direct path between West North and Tucker streets.
“It’s all about the local fabric,” emphasizes Davis. “We saw a connection between Smoky Hollow and Glenwood South as one we could really capitalize on.” With its twin towers and streetscape, the Creamery at once weaves together two distinct DTR spaces—and shapes the future of Raleigh living.
Slated opening: 2028
Specs: 40K-square-foot expansion, 25% more gallery space across three stories, three levels of existing parking
Noteworthy features:
• Four replicas of Wright Brothers flyers
• New restaurant, gift shop and indoor/outdoor mezzanine
• Landscape architecture reflecting NC’s natural history
• Glass-enclosed glowing elevator shaft
• Large atrium doubling as event space for weddings and the like
The NC Museum of History is flying into a new era. Over a decade in the making, the DTR historical center is finally getting a facelift after construction kicked off in late August, with design by DC-based SmithGroup, whose portfolio includes the National Museum of African American History & Culture and the Detroit RiverWalk, and Raleigh’s own LS3P, known for the likes of Raleigh Iron Works and the Wilmington Convention Center.
Preserving its past and literal history while ushering it into the future, the transformative take not only launches the space another 40K square feet, but completely flips the script on the visitor experience. Less mausoleum, more modernist and inviting—a plethora of glass, natural light and materials, open space, and a reoriented entrance on Jones Street are all designed to guide seamlessly and best explore and discover North Carolina’s stories.
“I think it’s going to have a stronger presence with a lot more visibility,” maintains LS3P Principal, Project Manager and Architect Dean Rains— especially as it lights up come nighttime. “It’s going to be a beacon to draw people—and just a more open, welcoming space that’ll attract people into those central galleries and discover the story of North Carolina and the community.”
As a nod to that NC lore, the tripartite exterior facade echoes the mountains, piedmont and coast—from mountain-style landscaping features and warm wood panels to four replicas of the Wright Brothers flyers “flying off into Kill Devil Hills” as the focal point of an interior 55 foot glass-walled atrium, complete with an indoor-outdoor mezzanine.
Inside, the museum will gain a more contemporary gallery, circulation, educational spaces like classrooms and demo kitchen, and other flex space. A unique glass “storage room” will double as a rotating gallery displaying the museum’s massive collection of paintings, maps, clothes, furniture, guns, knives, toys and beyond. Even the restaurant and gift shop are getting a mod makeover.
“This project is about honoring the trust North Carolinians place in us to care for their history,” says Director of the Division of State History Museums C.J. Roberts. “We’re building a space worthy of the stories, artifacts and traditions that define our state—so they can be preserved and shared for generations to come.”
Set to ignite NC history—think Night at the Museum, minus the runaway mummies—the reno transforms the museum into a mustsee destination along the city’s cultural corridor that’s sure to have Raleighites flying high for years.
Slated opening: 2028
Specs: 2.3 acres; eight-story 170-room boutique hotel, 30K+ square feet street-level retail, 20K square feet elevated office space
Noteworthy features:
• Rooftop hotel bar
• Outdoor gathering spaces
• Dual “front door” design
Since the 19th century, Downtown Raleigh’s Depot Historic District has been a crossroads of community and connection—rooted in its railroad and distribution hub history. Now, LODEN Development is turning that legacy into a bold new chapter, transforming the cobblestone lot between the tracks and Davie Street into a vibrant work-play-stay destination.
“There’s real energy in this part of the city,” says LODEN Partner Henry Ward. “We see The Depot as a key connector in Downtown Raleigh that links people, ideas and neighborhoods.”
Anchored by an eight-story 170-room boutique hotel and rooftop bar with sweeping city vistas, the trackside transformation serves lodgers and locals alike a veritable playground to the tune of 30K+ square feet of street-level retail, complete with microshops and pop-ups; more than an acre of outdoor gathering space; and 20K square feet of elevated office space.
The historic Depot building, dating back to 1912, will be preserved and celebrated, with underused corners activated into a signature public plaza, lush green pockets and lively gathering spaces. LODEN is also committed to tapping local and regional brands to ensure the destination draws not just hotel guests and office tenants, but neighbors, day-trippers and the afterwork crowd.
Building on the area’s connective spirit, a dual “front door” design and network of interwoven pedestrian pathways anchor The Depot between the expanded Raleigh Convention Center and Red Hat Amphitheater to the southeast, Glenwood South to the north, and the growing West End district nearby to create a true urban crossroads.
Pairing placemaking with preservation, the railway renaissance fuses legacy and liveliness— honoring what was while making room for what’s next. Here, the city’s past and future don’t just coexist—they elevate each other.
Sponsored Content
As autumn leaves begin to change colors across Raleigh, homeowners know that winter weather isn’t far behind. With the holidays approaching, Santa isn’t the only one making a list and checking it twice. For North Carolina homeowners, fall represents the crucial window for preparing homes to handle dropping temperatures and extended indoor living that comes with colder months.
In Raleigh, temperatures can fluctuate dramatically during fall and winter, with sudden cold snaps following mild days. This variability puts extra stress on your home’s systems, making proper preparation essential for comfort, efficiency and cost savings throughout the heating season.
By following these essential fall maintenance steps tailored for Raleigh homeowners, you can ensure your home operates efficiently all winter while avoiding costly emergency repairs during the coldest months.
Essential Fall Home Maintenance Tips
Tip No. 1: Test Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
As Raleigh residents prepare to close windows and spend more time indoors, monitoring your home’s air quality becomes critical, especially for families with members prone to allergies, asthma or frequent colds. Improving your indoor air quality as flu season approaches can help minimize virus transmission and keep your loved ones healthy during winter months.
Start by testing your home’s indoor air quality to assess what airborne particles may be negatively affecting the air you’re breathing. Consider investing in an indoor air quality monitoring device that measures temperature, humidity, CO2, fine particulate matter and volatile organic compounds. For a comprehensive assessment, contact your local Trane Comfort Specialist™ to test your home’s air quality and recommend solutions like whole-home air cleaners that integrate with your existing HVAC system.
Tip No. 2: Check Your Home’s Insulation for Winter Readiness
If your attic or crawlspace isn’t properly insulated, your heating system must work harder during fall and winter months to maintain consistently comfortable temperatures. The longer your system works, the more it costs you in energy bills—this is particularly important as heating expenses typically represent the largest portion of winter utility costs.
Homes built in the 1970s or earlier should be checked by an expert, as insulation quality has improved dramatically since then. Additionally, certain types of insulation can settle after installation, making annual inspection a best practice for maintaining efficiency. Proper insulation works hand-in-hand with your HVAC system, reducing the workload during Raleigh’s coldest months and ensuring consistent comfort throughout your home.
Tip No. 3: Set Your Thermostat to the Proper Fall Temperature
Smart thermostat management becomes crucial as outdoor temperatures begin dropping across the Raleigh area. Adjusting your thermostat when headed out for dinner, off to work, or traveling represents a good first step toward saving on energy bills while ensuring comfort when you return home.
The ideal fall setting ranges between 68–78 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing your system to operate efficiently while maintaining comfort. If you don’t already have one, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat such as the Trane XL824 Thermostat, which offers an easy-to-use, set-it-and-forget-it solution for reducing energy expenses throughout fall and winter.
Smart thermostats learn your family’s patterns and automatically adjust temperatures based on occupancy, weather conditions and time of day. This technology proves particularly valuable during Raleigh’s unpredictable fall weather when temperatures can vary significantly from day to day.
Tip No. 4: Assess and Control Humidity Levels
Maintaining proper humidity levels becomes critical as Raleigh homes transition from cooling to heating season. The ideal humidity range of 35–60% helps mitigate indoor air-quality problems while ensuring comfort once temperatures drop and heating systems activate regularly.
Mold, dust mites and other air pollutants tend to thrive outside this optimal range, and your family’s natural immune systems can be compromised when indoor air becomes too dry—a common problem during heating season. Winter heating can quickly dry out indoor air, leading to respiratory irritation, static electricity, and damage to wooden furniture and flooring.
The best way to control humidity during heating season is through monitoring with a reliable smart thermostat and managing with a whole-home humidification system. These units integrate with your existing ductwork to add appropriate moisture levels throughout your entire home, rather than just single rooms.
Tip No. 5: Schedule Professional Fall Furnace Maintenance
Before winter weather arrives in earnest, ensure your heating system receives the professional attention it needs for reliable operation throughout the cold months ahead. While changing air filters regularly helps keep your furnace or heat pump in good condition, comprehensive professional maintenance provides peace of mind during peak heating season.
Professional fall maintenance includes checking all system components, cleaning essential parts, testing safety features and identifying potential problems before they become expensive emergency repairs. Your local Trane Comfort Specialist™ can perform comprehensive system checks tailored to your specific heating equipment.
For maximum reliability during Raleigh’s winter weather, schedule preventative HVAC maintenance before temperatures drop consistently below freezing. This proactive approach helps avoid service calls during the coldest days when heating system failures can cause the greatest discomfort and expense.
Preparing for Peak Heating Season
Set yourself up for success by completing these preparation steps before winter weather arrives. Address any minor issues now while weather remains mild and HVAC technicians maintain normal availability. Consider your heating patterns when programming smart thermostats, and prepare systems to maintain comfort during the longest, coldest nights while optimizing efficiency during milder periods.
By following these essential fall preparation steps, you can relax knowing your home is properly prepared for winter weather while operating at peak efficiency throughout the heating season. For more information surrounding fall HVAC maintenance, go to trane.com or contact your local Trane dealer.
By Emma Peña + Lauren Kruchten
It’s wine o’clock at St. Pierre! Oakwood Pizza Box’s Anthony Guerra teamed up with sommelier Scott Hardiman to open a new wine shop and bar at Raleigh Iron Works. The classy yet comfy space uncorks thoughtfully curated wines from under-the-radar makers, exceptional producers, and up-and-coming labels, plus craft beer and cider, with craft cocktails on deck (stay tuned).
Left Hook, right move? The Left Hook Coffee is leaving Gussie’s at the end of October to focus on its East Raleigh brick-and-mortar. Good news, Gussie’s will take over the coffee counter—and your fave brekkie items aren’t going anywhere.
New name, who dis? Foxcroft Wine Co. is now Foxcroft Food & Wine, highlighting a mod American menu with housemade pastas, steak frites and a bangin’ burger. Sips crafted with lauded Charlotte speakeasy Dot Dot Dot feat. batch ’tails and barrel-aged whiskeys arrive this fall alongside brunch. Cheers!
It’s getting hot in here! Dave’s Hot Chicken is bringing tongue-tingling spice—and those addicting seasoned fries—to the former BB’s Crispy Chicken spot.
Bye, burgers—hello, hummus and pita. Urban Olive Mediterranean is replacing Transfer Co. Food Hall’s Mama Crow’s in November, serving fresh, made-from-scratch recipes that blend traditional and modern flavors.
Paris + Seoul = yum! French/Korean bakery Tous les Jours is opening a new Seaboard Station spot serving tasty pastries, sandwiches, cakes, bevs and more.
Saucy! Build-your-own taco spot Barrio is now open in Smoky Hollow, serving tacos, nachos, bowls, queso and handcrafted margs.
Horseshoe happens. Poole’s iconic double horseshoe counter is back—red barstools and all.
Pour one out for Mandolin and Mofu Shoppe, both of which closed their doors for good this summer after 14 and eight years, respectively.
Encore! Five Points fave Ajja makes Garden & Gun’s best new restaurants lists. Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors + groovy patio = no surprise there.
They’ve got buns, hun! Whataburger plans to open not one, but two Raleigh locations by 2026, plus a Wake Forest outpost in the works. Expect burgers, sandwiches, chicken strips, fries and bevs.
From dumplings to burgers—Barley and Burger is primed to flip gourmet burgers and beers by October at its fourth NC location in the former David’s Dumpling & Noodle Bar space.
Wings—brick-and-mortar style. Raleigh’s own “chicken wing guy”—of Da Bubs fame—is now at Le Dive, plating wings (naturally), focaccia pizzas, burgers and more.
Get a taste of the Big Apple at H&H Bagels, setting up shop later this year in Chapel Hill’s University Place. The brand—cameoed in Sex and the City and Seinfeld (!)—also has plans to break onto the Raleigh and Durham scenes.
Same name, new owners? 42nd St. Oyster Bar may reopen as soon as this fall under property owner John Holmes and GM Hunter Correll.
Get back to your roots: Feel-good Roots Natural Kitchen expands to a second Triangle spot this spring in the former Gumby’s Pizza, serving salads and grain bowls ranging from Southwest spice to Asian ginger.
Now it really is 5 o’clock somewhere, as RDU removes alcohol time restrictions, serving spirits as early as 4am.
A new chapter is unfolding for Peregrine, what with Zack Thomas (formerly of Boatman Spirits Co.) joining the team as beverage director. The resto also launched brunch, feat. the likes of hot honey cured eggs and beef heart shawarma.
Also getting a recent brunch upgrade is East End Bistrot, which now serves French-inspired dishes like croque madame, steak frites and eggs, and quiche every Sunday.
A new garden just bloomed in DTR. Enter La Veladora’s back patio, blossoming with Latin spirit-inspired sips, agave, and a plethora of greenery in vibrant pots. Catch ya outside!
Get your fix at Boxyard RTP with new addition Baekho Coffee & Ice Cream from the Namu/Bulkogi/The Can Opener team, specializing in Korean-inspired handcrafted bevs and coffees.
Brunch is always the answer—even on weekdays (find the lie). Birdie’s now dishes weekday breakfast Mon.–Fri. with standard fare like biscuits, French toast, and shrimp and grits—plus coffee and other morning bevs.
Wawa lands. The cult-fave Northeast chain opens its first Triangle locale in Garner—with its famed hoagies, breakfast sandos and coffee that make road trips all the more worth it.
Cary’s got the meats. New York Butcher Shoppe is now slicing beef, chicken, pork and fish, plus housemade entrees, sides and dips—not to mention a wine bar serving a full lunch/dinner menu + vino on tap.
Lunch is leveling up—La Terrazza and Figulina now serve elevated midday grab-and-go selects in DTR.
Vic’s Pizzeria is firing up at Wendell Falls—slated to slice on the scene in 2027 with a full bar feat. craft and bottled beer, wine, and liquor—plus the same menu as the DTR location, with expanded pasta selects.
Yeehaw meets howdy thanks to Tex-Mex chain Mezcalito, lassoing the former On the Border near downtown Cary with its bold dishes, from chimichangas and carnitas to quesadillas, tortas, burritos, fajitas and more.
All buzz, no hangover: Secret Garden’s THC-infused spirits hit Le Dive late August.
Arrivederci, Brio! The Italian spot at Crabtree Valley Mall shuttered post-bankruptcy filing—look for new owners to crop a fresh spot to feed the mall crowds.
Pizza for lunch? Say less. Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded Timber Pizza Co. now slices pie, empanadas and salads at lunchtime.