by Elliott Harrell | Dec 2, 2024 | December 2024/January 2025, Eat
Popular salad shop opening in North Hills
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
by Heidi Reid | Oct 28, 2024 | Eat, November 2024
Diced revolutionizes fast food locally
If you thought Diced was a chain—think again. Thanks to the almost-immediate and widespread success of the salads, wraps and bowls mainstay—with a brand-new locale on Fayetteville Street—many don’t see the eatery for what it is: a locally owned joint born and bred in Cary.
“For the past nine years, I haven’t really put myself out there as a local business owner,” says founder and owner Michelle Woodward of her concept oft mistaken for a national franchise. “When building the brand, I tried to think of every little detail, so I think the consistency of the branding might have a franchise feel.”
Rewinding back to Diced’s origin story, as a former national and world champion college athlete, Woodward wanted to channel her ambition and dedication into something new—and aimed to fill a gap in the fast-food industry she observed during her athletic endeavors. “Diced is something I had always needed and wanted—a healthy, quick place that didn’t cut corners on freshness and quality,” she emphasizes.
So, fresh (!) out of college, the former gymnast crafted a menu and moved to Raleigh with just her vision for a health-conscious eatery, which quickly became a community fave. Now, the four locations (DTR, in addition to one on Oberlin Road and two in Cary) continue to answer the call for “fast food” that is both fulfilling and nutritious—read: a meal you can grab on-the-go to get your fill without counting calories or worrying about an upset stomach.
And curbing the true franchise vibe, the local joint has no plans to expand beyond the state. “We are going to stick to the Triangle for now and could potentially open locations in other NC cities,” maintains Woodward, adding, “Good ideas will never come to life without action. After that, it just takes a lot of commitment, patience and sacrifice to see it through—but it is worth it.” And we’re sure glad she stayed committed to the grind. dicedsalads.com
by Lauren Kruchten | Oct 1, 2024 | Eat, October 2024
Get your fill of New York-style deli sandos and bagels at newly bowed Union Station Deli.
All aboard! Delivering a true taste of New York to Raleigh is Union Station Deli & Catering, which recently bowed within Raleigh Union Station as the train station’s first official food vendor.
From the same team behind Rocky Top Catering, the Big Apple-inspired spot boasts sandwiches made with freshly baked bread, housesmoked meats and fresh cheeses—pro tip: The chicken Parmesan cutlet and prosciutto di Parma are faves. Not to mention breakfast bagels (hey, pork roll, egg and cheese!), salads and more for those passing through or just proximal and in need of a quick breakfast or lunch.
“Our goal is to provide our customers with high-quality, delicious food that transports them straight to the heart of New York City,” says GM Sean Degnan, also known for now-closed bu•ku, so•ca and kō•än.
More than just a deli, the casual shop also offers sandwich trays, boxed lunches and breakfast platters ideal for catering your next work event or friendly soiree. And no matter what, don’t forget to grab some of the New York-famous black-and-white cookies for the road. Ready to “hop on the sammich train?!” unionstationdeliandcatering.com
