Popular downtown Raleigh restaurant moving to Cary

“Given the long-term success and loyal following of our first restaurant, bu•ku, and the positive reception of so•ca, and our newest restaurant, bu•ku Wake Forest, we’re now setting our sights on the future and are ready to take this beloved restaurant brand to the next level. We’re pleased to announce bu•ku will open in January 2019 in the beautiful restaurant space in Cary which formerly housed AN,” co-owner Sean Degnan said. “We’re especially thankful for our time in Progress Energy building, now known as Red Hat Tower, and feel fortunate to have been at the forefront of the downtown Raleigh restaurant renaissance, which has transformed our food scene."

Buku is known for its global street food cuisine. It's name is an international slang twist on the phrase, "Merci, beaucoup," or "Thank you, very much."

The entire Buku team will be moving to the Cary location, including Executive Chef Amanda Haisley, who has been with the restaurant since 2011, and Pastry Director Brittany Grantham and Wine Director Troy Revell, both of whom support menus and programs for the entire restaurant group.

Buku plans to close out 2018 with a final New Year's Eve Party in its current space.

While Buku is moving out, the restaurant group is planning to open a new restaurant in downtown Raleigh in the coming months, co-owner Tony Hopkins said.