Little Bull
Modern Mexican concept by Chef Oscar Diaz is relocating from its original Mangum Street location to a larger space at 301 E. Chapel Hill St. in downtown Durham. The expanded space will feature live-fire cooking. The building has been under renovation by the Mezcalito Group since 2024. Little Bull is a Michelin-recommended restaurant and was […]
42nd St. Oyster Bar
Longtime Raleigh seafood destination closed in March 2025 and is working toward reopening at its original location. Structural repairs are currently underway and delaying the reopening. General manager Hunter Correll partnered with Chef Joe Rohrer to acquire the concept. No opening date has been set yet, but the team confirms the revival is moving forward.
Postino WineCafé
Postino WineCafé (Phoenix-based, Upward Projects Restaurant Group) is preparing to open its second Triangle-area location at University Place in Chapel Hill. The restaurant will seat 180 indoors and 100 on a 1,800 sq ft patio, offering signature bruschetta boards, paninis, salads, and an extensive wine selection. Targeting a fall 2026 debut. Plans to hire approximately […]
Raising Cane’s
Raising Cane’s chicken finger restaurant opening August 3, 2026 on the former Rocky Mount Red Lobster site at North Wesleyan Blvd and Sutters Creek Blvd. Hiring 150 crew members. Hours: Sun-Thu 10am-midnight, Fri-Sat 10am-1am.
Arya
Fine dining Indian restaurant from Chef Sujan Sarkar (Michelin star Indienne in Chicago), owned by Mayil Rajendran and Ravi Jeyaraman. Will feature an Indian-inspired cocktail bar, private tasting menu room, and à la carte dining room. Opening later this summer in the former Elements restaurant space.
Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort (signature steakhouse and Italian restaurant)
The full Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort complex is projected to open spring 2027. The complex will include 11 restaurants, a marketplace with six venues, a café, and a grab-and-go outlet — all tribal owned and operated. Specifically mentioned: a 250-seat signature steakhouse and a 200-seat signature Italian restaurant on the 6th floor. The Italian […]
No Knife Chicken & Waffles
Rapper DaBaby is launching No Knife Chicken & Waffles, a brunch/late-night fast-casual restaurant with an upscale diner vibe, located at 700 Atando Ave. off North Graham Street in North Charlotte. Menu features chicken and waffles plates plus a full bar with hours extending past midnight. A patio is planned for a later phase. Opening targeted […]
Four Restaurants (unnamed) at South Main Street Development
A new building under development on South Main Street in downtown Waynesville will house four restaurants and an AT&T store. The building is set to be completed later in 2026. Restaurant names have not been announced. Town Development Services Director Elizabeth Teague expressed excitement about the project.
Whataburger
Whataburger is expected to open a new location at 13721 Mallard Creek Road in Charlotte, NC in late July 2026. This will be an additional location as the chain continues expanding across the Carolinas. A second Raleigh location is also expected to open in fall 2026.
Vavela Cafe
Vavela Cafe and Chex Grill & Wings are both expanding to 555 Mangum St in Durham, leasing two separate suites totaling ~9,500 sq ft. Both locations expected to open by end of 2026. Vavela is a Turkish-inspired concept serving specialty coffee, pistachio lattes, paninis, frappes, kunafa, and desserts. Co-owned by Khaled Shamma and his brother. […]