Drift Coffee + Kitchen
Drift Coffee + Kitchen is opening its fifth Triangle-area location at Raleigh Iron Works in the Bow Truss Building, leasing 1,963 sq ft. The cafe will serve espresso drinks, brewed coffee, breakfast sandwiches, bowls, toasts, salads, and sandwiches. Plans to open later in 2026.
Lucky Asian Fusion
Lucky Asian Fusion, a modern sushi concept operated by EAT Restaurant Partners, is planning its first North Carolina location at Ridgewood Shopping Center, 3540 Wade Avenue, in a space facing Ridge Road next to Ridgewood Wine & Beer. Expected to open by end of 2026. The restaurant will feature high ceilings, outdoor seating, a bar […]
Wake Up & Eat
Family-run all-day breakfast and lunch restaurant opening a second location in Concord, NC. Grand opening is Monday June 8, 2026. Soft preview days were June 4-5. Menu includes specialty omelettes, pancakes, waffles, wraps, sandwiches, and smoothies. Open daily 7am-3pm. Co-owner is Jenny Fuentes. Existing location in Harrisburg, NC.
Savona Food Works
Portman has announced plans for Savona Food Works, a 30,000-square-foot food hall anchoring the Savona Mill adaptive reuse project in Charlotte’s West End district. The food hall will feature 25 food stalls, a full-service restaurant and bar, coffee shop, flower market, and rooftop bar. It will be located in the historic ‘Weave building’ dating to […]
Hearth & Barrel
Bill’s Grill & Bar in LaGrange is transitioning to new ownership and rebranding as Hearth & Barrel. The new restaurant will feature handcrafted burgers, appetizers, fresh specials, and an expanded menu with a focus on Southern hospitality. A grand opening announcement is expected soon.
Jaggers
Jaggers burger-and-shake concept operated by Texas Roadhouse is planning to open a new location in Winston-Salem, NC, taking over the former Twin Peaks space at 1915 Hampton Inn Court near Hanes Mall Boulevard. Plans point to a later 2026 opening. Menu features burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, fries, and hand-spun milkshakes made with fresh ingredients.
Whataburger
Whataburger is planning to convert a former Popeye’s location at 275 Smokey Park Highway into its first Asheville, NC location. Permits were filed with the City of Asheville on May 18, 2026 for a complete exterior and interior conversion. Permits are currently under review by city staff; no construction timeline has been announced.
Guthrie’s Chicken
Guthrie’s Chicken is set to officially open Wednesday, May 27 at 3100 Western Blvd. Still finishing final touches inside the building. First 100 customers will receive free chicken for a year. Will employ about 60 workers including 40 full-time employees.
Palm Berries
New Palm Berries franchise location near Charlotte’s university area. Health-focused concept offering acai bowls, smoothies, and fruit-forward menu items. Will be the franchise owner’s third Palm Berries location. Targeting a mid-summer 2026 debut. Emphasis on fresh-cut fruit, quick service, and healthy food.
Palm Berries
Palm Berries is opening two new corporate-owned locations in North Carolina. The Asheville location at 33 Town Square Blvd., Suite 130 is expected to open May 30, 2026. A second location at 7808 Rea Rd., Suite E in Charlotte is targeting a June 6, 2026 debut. The brand specializes in acai bowls, smoothies, and fruit-forward […]