RALEIGH, N.C. — I will start off with the sad news.
Another closure to report – The Berkeley Cafe is closing its big music room on June 30, according to booking manager Jim Shires. The venue was operating two separate leases, one for the cafe and the other for the music room.
"We were unable to work out a lease extension after the lease ran out (in November)," Shires said. The venue has been paying month-to-month on the music room, but were told this week that a new tenant would be moving into the space.
Some reports have circulated that Nags Head-based Island Tobacco will be moving in, but, owner William Humphries told WRAL's Out and About on Thursday that those reports are premature. He said there is interest in moving the business to the Raleigh area, but said no leases have been signed.
The Berkeley has operated its 200-person capacity music room for the past 18 years. The closure will mean the Berkeley will be downsizing to its original capacity holding about 100 people, Shires said.
A new sports bar My Place has opened up in Wake Forest off of Main Street near Walmart. They serve a full menu with appetizers, entrees, wings, pizza, burgers, soup, salad and dessert. Their "late night" menu features some tasty-sounding items like cajun pork rinds and a jumbo super-sized pretzel served with their Guinness cheddar dipping sauce.
Trophy Brewing Company on West Morgan Street in Raleigh is now serving wood-fired pizza! They started serving food this week and we can't wait to have a slice while sitting on their new patio.
While we are mentioning breweries, we just found out about a new craft brewery coming to Cary.
Fortnight Brewing Company's ales are based on "traditional English style beers that incorporate both premium UK and American ingredients,"
according to their website. They are located at 1006 SW Maynard St. We will let you know when they are officially open to the public.
The Beer Dispensary in Apex is moving. On a post on their website, the craft beer store said it is moving around the corner from East Chatham to the main drag of downtown – South Salem Street – by the end of May.
More new food in downtown Raleigh!
Garland opened this week under
Kings Barcade on Martin Street. They have a to-go window and are testing out menu items. Looks like the cuisine is Indian-inspired and really tasty. We can't wait to check it out! It is the latest venture by Kings and Neptune's Parlour co-owner Cheetie Kumar.
Sadlack's Heroes and several other nearby businesses on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh, including Buddha's Belly, Bell Tower Mart and SchoolKids Records, are looking for new homes. They have been told they need to vacate by December in order to make way for a new hotel/retail project. Sadlack's and Schoolkids owners
told WRAL News that they want to move together.
Park West Village in Morrisville is really building up. In addition to the Lime Fresh Mexican Grill and Chocolate Boutique, Bad Daddy's Burger Bar and Firebirds are also planning to open there. I saw their signs when I was there for the Chocolate Boutique opening.
Heard of any restaurant openings or closings we should know about? Tell us in the comments section below!
