by Raleigh Magazine | Jun 30, 2019 | Buzz, July/August 2019
An exciting, transformational development is coming to southeast
Raleigh soon—and yes, it does involve a soccer stadium.
Entrepreneur and North Carolina FC owner Steve Malik and
developer John Kane are partnering to bring an entertainment complex, with
restaurants, bars, ground floor retail and 1,750 housing units, to a parcel of
land between South Saunders and Wilmington Streets and I-40. The centerpiece of
the development will be a professional, 20,000-seat sports stadium—all the
better, the partners hope, to lure the MLS to expand to Raleigh.
“Think LA Live or the Battery in Atlanta,” says Malik. “That’s
something we certainly as a community could use.”
The partners hope to use interlocal funds—a pot of money
generated from tourism revenues and set aside to help pay for future
tourism-promoting projects—to partially finance the estimated $1.9 billion
project. City and county officials are expected to allocate interlocal funds to
Wake County arts, culture, sports and convention-related projects this summer.
Malik says the project is the perfect fit for an underutilized
area of downtown that serves as the southern gateway into the city. City
officials and community stakeholders have been looking at ways to breathe new
life into the southern corridor for years and Malik says the stadium complex
will be a vital component to that revitalization. Its proximity to the
Wilmington Street transit line and the city’s historically black colleges, Shaw
University and St. Augustine’s, make the property all the more attractive for
redevelopment.
“When we polled the people that live in the area, they get most
excited about jobs,” Malik says. “We had an economic impact study done that
forecast, on average, about 5,900 new jobs. For the economic impact, the net
present value is in the $4 billion range. So, you partner with historically
black universities, with Wake Tech, and you bring that to life with some
substance to it.”
Malik says he hopes to break ground on the project early next
year, after getting approval for rezoning from the City and securing funding.
The partners are also looking to utilize federal tax incentives that benefit
developments in census tracts designated “opportunity zones.” Malik says he
isn’t worried about securing interlocal funds for the project as soccer has,
and traditionally has had, a lot of support among Raleigh residents.
“Having a youth club with 14,000 kids, 25,000 parents that are
voters, we have a very strong base of folks that want to see soccer do well and
that have some passion around the sport,” Malik says. “The youth club is the
largest contributor to interlocal funds through the tournament series. For us
to keep that, we need to update facilities, provide more fields.”
Providing more fields—and even some other Raleigh wishlist items,
including, potentially, affordable and workforce housing—may also be in the
cards for this project, too. The partners have secured adjoining acreage to
where the entertainment complex is planned and Malik says they’re willing to “work
on some of the other issues the community would like to see as pat of this
development.”
“We’re excited to be able to bring a development that hits all the checkboxes that Raleigh has been looking for,” Malik says. “We know people want it. They’re anxious to get the process going and light up downtown with great entertainment, festivals and have us take our place as the next tier of city.”
by Raleigh Magazine | Jun 7, 2019 | Eat, June 2019
Recently a group of seven family members, all of us adults, went to dinner at a local restaurant. We ordered at the same time; in fact, I ordered the same thing my husband did, a simple, tasty Southern Chicken Sandwich. Everything was great until the servers brought the food out and everyone got their food except me. The server told me mine was coming right out—but it wasn’t. For the next 20 minutes—yes, 20!—the server and manager kept coming back to say “it’s coming, we are so sorry”… there was nothing I could do but say “ok, I understand, it happens.” Eventually, my food did arrive, but everyone was done eating and had to wait around for me awkwardly. The manger offered us free dessert, but for me, the evening was ruined. Shouldn’t my dinner have been comped? Is there a rule about when restaurants comp meals? I’m not looking for a free meal but this was a real mess.
Sincerely, Party of One
Dear Party of one,
What we have here is simply a mistake. It happens and it is lousy when it happens to you. As a former server, bartender and manager, I almost perfected the art of making mistakes in the restaurant. I wonder if the server was writing down all of the orders? I used to have the mental hubris to think I could memorize a large party’s orders. The silly thing is, who cares? It’s not as if the guests are going to be impressed if you correctly input the entire order in the computer. That’s expected. The only thing you can do by memorizing a large order is mess it up. I sadly learned that through age and experience.
The two key takeaways with this experience are 1) how can the restaurant ensure the guest will return and 2) how does this affect a possible return visit from the guest?
Danny Meyer writes in “Setting the Table,” his excellent book on hospitality, to “write a great last chapter.” He elaborates using the Five A’s: being Aware of the problem, Acknowledging the mistake, Apologizing to the guest, taking Action by offering something that can be served immediately and Applying additional generosity by either comping the item or bringing out a dessert as a gift. The expense you cover for not charging the guest for a mistake, and the ensuing dessert, far outweighs the lack of revenue you’ll miss by never seeing the diner come back. It is simple and brilliant.
For the guest, did this experience fill you with enough rage that you took to Yelp! and wrote a scathing review? I hope not, but you’re more than justified if you feel it’s necessary. At the point of realizing you didn’t have your meal, a soup or salad or anything that’s easily prepared should have been sent to you so the entire table could eat together.
To my restaurant people, remember, it’s just as awkward for the other guests at the table to eat their dish knowing their friend doesn’t have anything in front of them. Sometimes, a server will hide their mistake from the management for fear of looking incompetent, or the manager understood and didn’t react properly.
Either way, this was a mistake that turned into another mistake that snowballed into a mess. I believe in second chances, so I would return, especially if you typically like this place.
But let this be a lesson learned: you may not ever come back and now, that restaurant just lost a whole lot more than a free entrée and dessert.
Max Trujillo
Host of the NC F&B Podcast
ncfbpodcast.com
by Raleigh Magazine | May 31, 2019 | Buzz, June 2019
What an exciting ride it was. Coach Rod Brind’Amour’s first season leading the Carolina Hurricanes defied expectations as he guided the team through three action-packed rounds of the Stanley Cup playoffs. These Raleigh sportscasters had a front row seat to all the action and here, they recount the most noteworthy ‘Canes moments that will surely live on, even though our beloved bunch of jerks is no longer playing for the Cup. To the players, we say thanks for all the memories!
Mark Armstrong, ABC 11
The best moment for me remains the buildup to Game 3 of the Capitals series. The parking lots filled once again with tailgaters, the anticipation and excitement so palpable. Once inside, the wall of sound as Canes fans unleashed 10 years’ worth of dedication and frustration into the air. It was like a great burden was lifted from an entire fan base and franchise. That the game wound up 5-0 and everyone got to party for two and half hours was pretty great as well.
Todd “Gibby” Gibson, CBS 17
To me, the most exciting thing has come off the ice, just seeing the pure joy on the faces of Canes fans. With each home win the team is attracting more and more fans and that is great to see. I’m hoping this run fuels the youth movement to the game in our area like it did back in 2006. As a reporter I’ve covered national championship games, a Super Bowl, multiple US Opens, and the Stanley Cup playoffs rates up there with any of those. This is the Hurricanes’ time to once again become relevant and the ride has been a fun one.
Mary Dunleavy, WRAL
My favorite moment was Game 3 against the Capitals. It was the first time the Hurricanes returned to home ice during the playoffs. My ears were ringing PNC was so loud. Fans were screaming in my ear and I didn’t care because I knew Raleigh was rallying around the Canes. It’s been a fun ride ever since. My favorite thing to ask the players about is home ice advantage. Raleigh definitely came to play this year.
Jeff Jones, CBS 17
Following the Hurricanes this season has been filled with memorable moments—this team really is one of the closest groups I’ve ever covered. They have told me time and time how much they genuinely like each other, and you can see that in the way they play—that quality helped them overachieve late in the season.
Another awesome aspect of covering this team has been watching the community rally. To be around 19,000 screaming fans in PNC Arena is an amazing experience, and the team’s success created that—well, their success and Hamilton the Pig.
I believe the entire state is excited about what the future holds for this team, and I’m excited to tell their stories to our community.
Arran Andersen, CBS17
No NHL venue can hold a candle to PNC Arena in the postseason. However, my most exciting moment came inside the CBS17 studio. I was anchoring the night the Hurricanes and Capitals met in Game 7. The game went to Double OT, which meant it wasn’t over when I started my sportscast. I was reading highlights, while our News Team, was gathered in the Weather Center watching the game. They kept me posted and I promised our viewers an update.
Brock McGinn scored. I heard a roar from our control room and my producer told me, through my ear piece, that the Canes had won. I honestly don’t know what came out of my mouth, but I’ll never forget the reaction from fans gathered at a watch party in Glenwood South. We immediately took a live shot of their celebration.
In the middle of the mayhem and madness our photographer zoomed in on a father and son hugging, while crying tears of joy. It was an incredible moment. At that point there was no need for words, their raw emotion said it all. To this day I get goosebumps thinking about it.
Jeff Gravley, WRAL
Being in the playoff atmosphere at PNC Arena just makes me smile. I have missed the unique experience of being surrounded by towel-waving fans who raise such a ruckus that my ears hurt and the hair stands up on the back of my neck. If you attend a game and don’t get chills, something is wrong. You don’t have to be a hockey fan to enjoy the vibes generated by a Carolina Hurricanes playoff run.
Joe Mazur, ABC 11
The most exciting moment for me so far was covering Game 7 in Washington. There is nothing like the drama of a playoff Game 7 seven in any sport. In hockey you can feel the massive amount of energy in the building and it’s on another level. You’re concentrating on the action and holding your breath knowing that any play can be the difference in the season continuing or ending. Man, how I missed that edge-of-your-seat excitement.
by Raleigh Magazine | May 31, 2019 | June 2019, Polish, Stuff
It’s time again for pool days, beach weekends and laying out in the sun, which means you’re probably in need of some updated swim gear. This season, we’re loving bold, bright colored swimsuits paired with patterned cover-ups that are guaranteed to get you noticed even on the most crowded beach, as well as structured sunnies and cool totes big enough to fit all the necessities.
1. Mudpie Brandi tassel poncho, $52; For Your Convenience
2. Mara Hoffman Gameal swimsuit, $278; Uniquities
3. Sunskis Dipseas tortoise frame with polarized ocean lens, $55; Nordstrom
4. Mara Hoffman Lua black swim top, $168; Uniquities
5. Sympli paradiso print pant, $170; C.T. Weekends
6. Lovestitch stripe beach bag, $50; Uniquities
7. Jade border print top, $92; Scout & Molly’s
8. Panama straw hat, $30; Madison
9. Benedetta Midnight Pipeline gray swim top, $130; gray/pink reversible swim bottom, $105; Uniquities
10. Frankies Bikinis Gabrielle cobalt swim top, $90; Uniquities
11. Lisette L Goa print skort, $150; C.T. Weekends
12. KQuay Australia My Girl pearl sunglass, $50; Copper Penny
13. Mara Hoffman Fiona maxi, $378; Uniquities
14. Gabriella straw tote, $72; Madison
15. Sunglasses, $22; Madison
16. Lovestitch Tokyo Kaftan, $68; Uniquities
17. Jade palm leaves tunic, $105; Scout & Molly’s
18. Lilla Pink stripe swing dress, $$158; Copper Penny
by Raleigh Magazine | May 31, 2019 | June 2019, Polish, Stuff
Dustin Slemp is a creative director and consultant who works with a variety of businesses on their branding, graphic design, interior design and overall aesthetics.
Hometown: I grew up right outside of Wake Forest in a small town called Creedmoor.
Your neighborhood: I live in The Dillon in the Warehouse District. I’ve been here for a little over a year and love it. It’s exciting to be in a part of this city that is growing so quickly and watching it all happen from your doorstep.
What you love most about Raleigh: The excitement for change and growth. There are so many people doing cool things and Raleigh is great at rallying behind a new idea.
Currently reading: “The Celluloid Closet.” It’s a study of the portrayal of homosexual characters in film, from silent movies to the ‘80s. So far, so interesting.
Currently listening to: Nao, Blanco White, and always Florence and the Machine. My gym playlist is basically just the “Homecoming” album by Beyoncé.
Style influencers: My style influencers are a bit random. I value the boldness and creativity of David Bowie and Freddie Mercury. The casual cool of Pharell Williams. The classic effortlessness of James Dean.
Local go-to shop: I’m a sucker for vintage so I constantly pop into Father & Son to see what they have. My favorite store that recently has vamped up their men’s offerings is Edge of Urge. Vintage leather jackets, the softest tees and I can always find something I’ve never seen before.
Go-to piece: I have two. 1) Any of my Dad’s vintage concert tees that he gave me in high school. 2) A basic Calvin Klein white tee cuffed up. When in doubt, keep it classic.
Favorite bling: I have a snake gold chain necklace from a designer based out of Wilmington that I haven’t taken off since I got it. The brand is Shelton Metal—really great custom pieces that I want to layer up and never stop.
Travel dream: Tokyo.
How you stay fit: I have a killer personal trainer named Stuart Smith out of Knuckle Up boxing studio. He mixes up our regular workouts with boxing and it’s the best workout I’ve ever had. Highly recommend him and Knuckle Up if you’re looking to try something new.
Favorite drink: Hands-down favorite drink is called Bad Guys Wear Black from The Haymaker. It’s a mix of bourbon, burnt sugar, maraschino liqueur, bitters and an orange twist. Perfection.
Style secret: Do you. If you put something on and you love it, wear it. I buy and wear clothes that make me happy and feel good. Personal style is one of the first things that attracts me to someone. I say get weird and own the way you want to present yourself to the world. Nothing looks better on someone than confidence.
Moment/event in your life that inspired your style: I’m a bit of an alien in my family when it comes to style or caring about fashion. Being a little boy growing up in the country, there aren’t a lot of opportunities to be exposed to that world. It wasn’t until I went to college and got the chance to be a buyer at Edge of Urge in Wilmington that I got to travel to NYC with the owner, Jessie Williams, buying clothes for the store and seeing so many unique takes on “fashion.” She gave me that opportunity to see that there were other people out there embracing their own vibe and that propelled me to be even more authentically myself through clothing.
