A new kitchen collective is opening in Downtown Raleigh next month.
For many folks looking to get into the local food and beverage industry, the “secret sauce” is, naturally, a brick-and-mortar. But, sometimes, finding and/or paying for a storefront is the hardest part of the biz to tackle.
Enter The Kitchen Space, a collective of kitchens opening in Downtown Raleigh in July boasting 39 private kitchens and three ghost kitchens. Meeting culinary professionals where they’re at—whether that’s launching a new venture or scaling up an existing business—its mission is to continue to help people grow and expand their concepts into other markets.
“The facility will have anything and everything needed to grow and sustain any type of food business,” explains founder Will Pettis. “Raleigh is an ever-growing city with much demand for commercial kitchen space.”
In addition to establishing a physical space for F&B business owners, The Kitchen Space offers a place for like-minded food entrepreneurs to problem-solve and offer each other support. “I love the challenge of having 40 different businesses coexist under one building and work as a team to help each other grow,” says Pettis.
Born and raised in Durham, Pettis’ experiences in the kitchen started back when he opened his own snack stand as a child living in a foster home. Years later in 2009, he opened his first burger and fry food truck, Will and Pop’s, before the food truck scene really took off. Starting with one truck and ending up with three, he ran them for nine years almost every day of the week. (Talk about blood, sweat and, ahem, grease!)
“When I had my food trucks, I was renting space for a kitchen from a buddy,” Pettis recalls. “I got tired of paying him rent so I rented an old Boston Market building and made it my prep kitchen. A few friends came along and asked if they could use my kitchen for their ‘commissary’ since it’s required in NC.”
The demand Pettis saw propelled him to build his first large kitchen in Durham, serving as a hub for 45 food trucks. They were completely leased before construction finished, which immediately pushed him to search for a new, larger space in Raleigh he could develop. Now, when The Kitchen Space opens it will be the largest commercial kitchen in NC at 20,000 square feet (!).
Ultimately, Pettis hopes that one day the kitchen tenants can transition from ghost kitchens to storefront restaurants. Clearly a recipe for success.
Don’t call them dreams, call them plans. While you may have already arranged your big vacation this year, we’re of the mindset that summer weekends are made for making memories. So we encourage you to take your Saturdays and Sundays (and, heck, maybe even play hooky a few Fridays… we won’t tell) to wander where the Wi-Fi is weak and disconnect to reconnect via a haul of 25 easy road trips from Raleigh, choose-your-own-adventure style. Whether you’re looking to get nauti, campy, schooled, active or urban… your adventure awaits.
Whether you’re a car connoisseur or couldn’t care less—car culture is fueling up. And we have the intel on everything automobile, from emerging car clubs to “Airbnb for cars” to the latest tech gadgets coming down the line this fall. Ready, Raleigh? … Fasten your seat belts.
For more than half a century, the car has been a centerpiece of American culture—a symbol of status, of ambition, of personal freedom. But a lot has changed in the time between boomers and zoomers. Today, a large number of Gen Zers are delaying getting their driver’s licenses and even turning their backs on car ownership entirely, citing financial and environmental concerns. In general, our modern relationship with the automobile has become complicated—think less “Runnin’ Down a Dream,” more flaggin’ down an Uber.
This shift in preference from ownership to access has led to an explosion of peer-to-peer car-sharing businesses (essentially, Airbnb for autos). Take Turo, for example, which “affords everyone the opportunity to find the transportation they need, plus turn an expensive asset—their vehicle—into an earnings engine,” explains Catherine Mejia, who works in public affairs and communications for the brand. As of Dec. 31, 2022, Turo had more than 160,000 active hosts, 320,000 active vehicles and 2.9 million active guests from around the world participating in its marketplace.
Despite these emerging trends, car demand remains high—as evidenced by the scarcity of popular vehicles on sales lots and often monthslong waitlists for new cars (especially hybrid and electric models). At the same time, new niche groups celebrating everything from antiques to exotics are gaining ground. Just ask Melvin Williams, the marketing director for Car Space—a buzzy new private coworking space and social club designed for car lovers—if interest in cars is waning, and he’ll assure you: This is one movement showing no signs of a slowdown.
“The current culture surrounding cars in Raleigh is vibrant and dynamic,” Williams explains. “The city has witnessed a remarkable growth in the car scene, with enthusiasts from all walks of life coming together to celebrate their shared passion.” He points to the renowned Cars & Coffee Morrisville, the largest monthly free car show in the Southeast that attracts more than 3,000 cars each month, as a testament to this thriving community. “You have everybody moving here because of the jobs and opportunities,” says Cars & Coffee Morrisville founder Rob Ayers, “and all the growth in the area promotes growth within the car community.”
Whether or not Gen Z continues to eschew driving, Williams maintains confidence that Americans’ fascination with the automobile will endure. “Today’s youth exhibit an impressive knowledge and appreciation for automobiles,” he declares. “This is fueled by a multitude of factors, including the growth of Formula 1, video games and a strong sense of nostalgia.” Although it may seem as if that iconic image of fun-loving drivers cruising Route 66 has disappeared into our society’s collective rearview, perhaps a revival of car culture—and a renewed gratitude for the automobile’s integral role in connecting people and communities—is closer than it appears.
Cars & Coffee
Fueled Up
It’s probably a good rule of thumb that you should never make plans with a Raleigh auto buff on the first Saturday of the month. That person is likely headed to Cars & Coffee Morrisville, the largest free car show in the Southeast and a cornerstone of the local car enthusiast experience.
Founder Rob Ayers, whose day job is in landscape architecture, rediscovered his passion for cars following the loss of his mother and decided to launch the event in December 2015. “It totally brought me out of that low point in my life, meeting new people and making new friends,” he says. “I credit all that happening for a reason.”
As Cars & Coffee Morrisville has grown—the first meetups only had ~30 cars in attendance—that tight-knit community feeling has remained. “I try to make it more of a community event than just a car show,” Ayers explains—which he achieves by regularly teaming up with Triangle charities and schools to find ways to give back, plus getting involved with community health initiatives (from offering COVID vaccines to inviting a blood bus for donations). And car lovers can’t get enough: With ~200 sponsors and a large social media following—think 12.2K Instagram followers alone—the support behind the event is staggering.
The vehicles are certainly a main attraction; however, Ayers says that attendees can typically expect between 50 and 75 exotic cars to show up at each event. “And we do a different theme every month,” he shares. In June, for instance, the focus was British cars, while May highlighted Lamborghinis and April featured Ferraris. “I’m a little biased to Ferrari because I have one,” Ayers says with a laugh.
But you don’t have to own a specialty car to join the Cars & Coffee craze—all makes, models and years are welcome. In fact, you don’t have to own a car at all. “We strive for everything being inclusive,” says Ayers—“not just the exotics, not just the classic cars, but everybody.” carsandcoffeemorrisville.com
Driving Force
The story of Car Space—Raleigh’s newest private coworking and social club—began with a group of locals, each at pivotal moments in their professional journeys, who bonded over a shared love of all things automotive. “The founders recognized that cars possess a unique power to break down barriers and foster connections. Engaging in conversations about cars creates an instant rapport, paving the way to build professional relationships, personal friendships and more,” reveals Marketing Director Melvin Williams. “Car Space became the natural extension of this.”
That isn’t to say only devoted car enthusiasts can join this exclusive new club. Car Space is a haven for entrepreneurs, innovators and anyone seeking a vibrant community of like-minded professionals. The upscale coworking space aims to seamlessly bridge the gap between work and play, offering its members a creative escape from the monotony of traditional office environments. Picture sleek, state-of-the-art facilities and a plethora of social amenities ranging from an exclusive cocktail bar and cigar lounge (!) to golfing and racing simulators. And let’s not forget the exotic car gallery, which will exhibit an awe-inspiring and constantly evolving collection of rare vehicles never before showcased in NC. “The atmosphere at Car Space is electric—alive with the hum of conversations that transcend mere networking,” says Williams. “Relationships sparked by a simple question—‘Have you ever seen a car like this?’—can blossom into partnerships, collaborations and lifelong connections.”
With an array of captivating events on the horizon—think a TED-style talk series, chef-prepared dinners and wine tastings—Car Space is revved and ready to serve as a launchpad for its members’ success. (In fact, as of press time the club has already attracted more than 200 members.) “As the doors swing open, we’re brimming with excitement to welcome the Triangle into a space where extraordinary cars become the backdrop to extraordinary lives,” Williams shares. Look for a second Car Space to debut in Charlotte in 2024, with a Charleston club also on the way. carspaceinc.com
Sharing Is Caring
Turo has a simple mission: to put the world’s 1.5 billion cars to better use. “Cars are underutilized assets that sit idle 95% of the time, and vehicle ownership is getting more expensive every year,” explains Catherine Mejia, a public affairs and communications rep for the innovative company, which now boasts the world’s largest peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace.
Since launching in 2009, the booming biz has aimed to solve these problems via an app-based platform that allows anyone to arrange transportation in a pinch, or transform their vehicle into a lucrative side hustle. By empowering private car owners in 11,000+ cities worldwide to connect with drivers seeking a fun, customizable car sharing experience, Turo has shaken up the car rental industry in a major way.
Indeed, Turo is a game-changer for cities like Raleigh and truly offers something for everyone. Are you an experience-seeker looking to splurge on a swanky ride so that you can turn heads on the highway a la Christie Brinkley? Mejia recommends applying the “Deluxe” and “Super Deluxe” filters in your rental search, which highlight models valued at $55,000 or higher. Want to pay off an expensive car by renting it out? Give hosting a go—the company prides itself on having several teams dedicated to supporting these users, equipping them with pricing insights, robust trust and safety policies, and a tiered selection of protection plans, among other helpful services.
Ultimately, no matter how you choose to use the app, it’s time to embrace the fact that we’ve officially entered our car sharing era—and many see it as the wave of the future. turo.com
Classics Rock
Who doesn’t love a good comeback? Just as decades-old fashion trends resurface time and time again, several retro cars are making a return to the spotlight in 2023.
Trending Now “At present there is a demand for restored pickup trucks from the ’50s through the ’70s,” shares Denny Oestreich, an avid restorer of vintage cars and former president of the Triangle chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America. “Ford Broncos are very popular and sought after.” (S/O to Sydney Sweeney!) Additionally, “Dodge and Plymouth muscle cars from the ’60s and ’70s maintain popularity today,” he says, while “interest in Ford Model T’s and Model A’s has diminished, and prices have dropped significantly.”
Driving the Change “The car trends follow the age of buyers who accumulate the means to purchase and restore a vehicle they admired and desired in their youth,” explains Oestreich, who owns three 1957 Chevrolets—all of which he restored himself. Most modern buyers tend to look for “a restored original vehicle or a drivable vehicle that can be restored,” he adds. “Vintage cars and trucks are best if they are all there because looking for replacement parts can be very expensive.”
Forward Thinking Looking to the future, Oestreich predicts that performance vehicles and restomods—aka cars that look original but have been restored with modern improvements—feat. high-quality workmanship will remain most coveted among vintage collectors.
Insider Tip “Restoration is not inexpensive,” the car buff maintains—in fact, a good repaint of a vintage vehicle can cost $10,000 or more. “You have to be able to do some work yourself to save costs.”
Summertime & the Drivin’ Is Easy
With summer road trips in full swing, Turo renters are jumping on the EV bandwagon. “The Lucid Air, Mercedes-AMG G63, and Rivian R1T are among the models with the largest increase in searches in the first quarter of 2023 on Turo,” reveals Mejia. “Interest in electric vehicles hit a record high last year, and Turo expects that interest to continue to grow—there’s already a 139% increase in the use of the ‘electric’ filter for 2023 summer trips.”
As for the hottest luxury cars this season? “Of the desirable ‘Super Deluxe’ models guests are looking at the most this summer, the opulent Rolls-Royce Ghost captures the most attention, followed by the BMW 7 Series and the Cadillac Escalade,” Mejia shares.
Down the Road
What fascinating new features will define our future cars? Here, Steffany Stanic, executive director of the Wake County New Vehicle Dealers Association—and a driving force behind the NC International Auto Expo coming Sept. 8–10 to the Raleigh Convention Center—explores emerging trends for 2024 models and beyond.
What is the car world buzzing about at the moment? The ‘buzz’ in automotive is all things electric and how EVs will continue to reshape the future of the car world. EVs are here to stay, and Wake County auto dealers are committed to continuing to provide a first-class buying experience for our customers, whether online or in our state-of-the-art showrooms.
What cutting-edge tech can we expect to start seeing? Expect surround vision technology, which is a bird’s-eye view from different angles when parking, plus built-in Wi-Fi. And vehicle manufacturers are getting into the auto-pilot game. Chevrolet will be offering super cruise (self-driving) technology in many of its fully equipped EVs and SUVs moving forward. We will also be seeing new in-vehicle software developed by the manufacturers for a more efficient, enhanced experience with different subscription models that will get you more access to more features.
Tell us more about the upcoming auto show. Will any of these innovations be on view? Many of the vehicles on display will be equipped with these features, and we will also be offering ride-and-drives where showgoers can get an up-close-and-personal look at some of this exciting new technology.
Wake County New Dealers Association is committed to not only bringing a variety of makes and models to Raleigh at the auto show so people can experience the newest developments in the car world, but is also committed to giving back to charities and organizations through this event, including Wake Tech’s Hendrick Center for Automotive. … We are making this auto show bigger and better than ever.
You Are What You… Drive?
Comedian and Raleigh native Spencer Bland reveals what your ride says about you.
Audi “You’re classy, but not fake classy. You like a good night out, but you’re home before the bars close. A sensible classy. You work in RTP.”
BMW “You think cars are a status symbol, you are better than everyone else (that’s what you tell yourself)—but no one knows you got this car for like $7K off Craigslist because it’s constantly in the shop.”
Ford F-150 “Your car—excuse me, truck—is your entire personality. You say you don’t care, but secretly you care a lot.”
Chevy Tahoe“You have a lot of kids, but would rather die than get a minivan. You are not a minivan person. You’re a cool mom!”
Tesla“You think you’re saving the planet with your space car, but you’ve never recycled a day in your life. You try to forget your car is a rolling ad for the guy who ruined Twitter.”
Porsche “You saw James Bond one time and made it your life goal to be that cool. Now you are that cool. Or you’re a dad (and maybe still cool).”
Jeep Wrangler “You went muddin’ one time in high school and haven’t stopped thinking about it since. You don’t want to become a ‘Jeep person’ but you really want to put a ‘It’s a Jeep thing, you wouldn’t get it’ sticker on the back.”
Range Rover “You have money or you want people to think you have money (and are very in debt). You have an emotional connection to the music of Dave Matthews Band.”
Honda Odyssey“You have children, multiple. Sometimes you put the pedal to the metal and pretend you’re in a Porsche, but then you notice the stick figure family sticker on the back of your car and slow down.”
Mini Cooper “Congrats, you’re one of six people who own a Mini Cooper. You are unique, a little fun and wish you lived in Italy.”
Honda Civic “You are average. Middle of the road. The B- of humans. But that’s not a bad thing; while everyone is worrying about gas prices, you’re laughing as you get 38 MPG and have 472,000 miles on your car.”
Toyota Prius “You either really care about the environment or you really care about not paying a ton for gas. Regardless, you’re probably a very interesting person, but no one knows that because you drive a Prius and don’t have friends.”
Subaru “You moved here from the PNW or Colorado or you’re about to move to the PNW or Colorado. You really like hiking—like, Patagonia’d-out-to-go-to-the-bar like hiking.”
Mercedes-Benz “No one who drives a Mercedes is reading this article. You’re on a yacht in the Maldives somewhere while your monthly car wash service waxes and shines your mansion-mobile in your driveway. You don’t tip well.”
Chevy Corvette“You’re still not over the death of Dale Earnhardt. To honor him you tailgate everyone, even in school zones.”
Hummer “Really? A Hummer? In 2023? OK. You’re really into Army Surplus and the idea of supporting the troops, but you’d never enlist. You think ketchup is spicy.”
Toyota Camry “Your parents gave you this car in high school and you’re shocked it’s still running. You’re fun at parties and lost a sock in your car seven years ago and have no idea where it went. You have a name for your car.”
Pontiac “They still make Pontiacs? Wow. Umm. Honestly, no notes—congrats on owning a Pontiac. You are unique or you got this car as a hand-me-down.”
The dating “ick” Ally McBeal made famous is trending—and apparently drinks on the first date are icks all around.
Raleigh City Council approved a city property tax increase of 4 cents for every $100 in valuation.
TikTok ban begins with Montana—and incites First Amendment lawsuit.
Time to pay up. Starting July 1, City Council is raising parking fines from $30 to $200 for illegally parked cars between 9pm and 7am, seven days a week, in a newly created Glenwood South Parking Overlay district in an attempt to quell the mounting crime overflowing from the bars.
“We have so many exciting things coming up,” says RDU Director of Media Relations Stephanie Hawco. “We are going to touch every corner of this campus over the next several years, from replacing our primary runway to expanding and improving our road systems, parking, security checkpoints and restaurant concepts.” … To that end, in mid-June, RDU’s governing board approved $3.5 mill of funding toward expansion/improvement efforts—think adding upward of 15 and 20 gates to Terminals 1 and 2, respectively; three baggage carousels to T2, plus a larger Customs facility and more ticketing counters, to name a few updates running our way.
“We are also looking at breaking records this summer set in 2019 for passenger travel,” says Hawco. “It’s going to be a busy summer at RDU!” Ahead of RDU’s anticipated updates, we chatted with Hawco for the rundown on what we can expect to fly on the scene.
What’s the vision for Vision 2040? This plan spells out how the airport is going to grow over the next few decades—including everything from infrastructure (like roads) to building a new runway, and adding gates and more parking. In addition to that, we are adding a dozen or more restaurants and dining concepts that will be coming online in the next year or so—and we’re doing a lot of things in general to improve the passenger experience at RDU.
When can travelers expect those restaurant concepts to open?We have a lot of passenger demand for some new options. Scott Crawford will be opening three different concepts in late 2024 (Carolina Craft, Crawford’s Genuine, and Butcher’s Burger and Bar) and Oscar Diaz (of Cortez and Cuya fame) will be opening Adios! in late 2024 as well. We want to have more local NC flavors in the airport, so we are really excited to be bringing these options in.
What about breweries and coffee spots? Beyu Caffe, a Durham-based shop, is slated to open pre-security in Terminals 1 and 2 in the next few months; Black & White Coffee Roasters will be coming spring 2024 in the former Starbucks spot right after you get through security in Terminal 2; and La Farm Bakery has plans to expand its seating area. There are also a lot of breweries coming, which are always popular with airport guests. We’ll have a Bond Brothers Taproom & Kitchen, Raleigh Beer Garden and Lonerider Brewing—all great choices for passengers either coming off their flight or waiting to board.
Is Terminal 1 getting any love? Avelo, Spirit and Southwest are all flying out of Terminal 1 now. Plus, Beyu Caffe and Raleigh Beer Garden will both be located in Terminals 1. And we have a number of new dining concepts coming to both terminals.
And those upcoming pet relief stations? We are currently in the design phase of building pet relief areas in Terminal 1 and 2. They will be located after security and will be for both service animals and people traveling with their pets.
Any travel tips? We recommend getting to the airport early—two hours for domestic flights and three hours for an international flight—for time to park, get inside the terminal, check in to your flight and get through security. Passengers can also book parking in advance on our website and check their flight status online. rdu.com
