Local News

New Nightspot Could Bring Renewed Life to Downtown

Posted Updated
Jillian's could have 150 locations in the next five years.
RALEIGH — Raleigh's attempt to draw more peopledowntown could get a big boost this weekend. A massive entertainment complex will join several other new restaurants and night clubs when itopens its doors Saturday.

Workers put the finishing touches on Jillian's Wednesday. It will openthis weekend with its two restaurants, 15 pool tables, sport simulationgames, and an outdoor beach volleyball court.

"Jillian's is the quintessential, multidimensional entertainment concept,"explains owner Dan Smith.

When all is completed, investors will have dropped $3.5 million intothe former warehouse. Jillian's believes its unique concept will work hereas well as it has elsewhere.

Smith says the complex has 12 locations, and is trying to open one amonth, with the hopes of having 150 Jullian's locations nationwide in thenext five years.

Just blocks away, several new restaurants have opened, includingJimmy's, which is just three weeks old. Patrons believe places likeJimmy's and Jillian's are bound to succeed with all the other growthdowntown.

One of Jillian's restaurants is a hibachi style rock and roll grill. Thecomplex won't just cater to the college crowd. The facility will hostupscale dinners and business gatherings.

Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.