Perhaps you’ve enjoyed his rubs and sauces or had the privilege of attending an event he has catered. But soon you’ll be able to sit down and enjoy his cooking in his new smokehouse. This week Carrie Brogren shared the news that July 15 will be the grand opening for Mike D’s BBQ Smokehouse and Retail. The smokehouse is located at 455 S. Driver Street in East Durham. Congratulations to Michael “Mike D” De Los Santos and his entire team for their continued success. Get to know them here.
Wake County Restaurant News
Other WRAL Top Stories
Triangle Business Journal shared this week that Cary is getting another breakfast and lunch option with a new location planned for Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken. The new Rise store is planned for 575 New Waverly Place inside Cary’s Waverly Place shopping center (former home to The European Cleaners). It will be a corporate-owned store. Visit Rise here.
Got word from David McCreary that Chicago-style pizza chain Rosati’s is coming soon to 76 Hunter St., Suite 104 near downtown Apex. No word on an open date. Check them out here.
Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News
My friends over at Bites of Bull City shared recently that Szechuan Mansion Hotpot, which has an original location in Cary, opened on Ninth Street in Durham. Check them out on Instagram here.
Also in Durham, Lesley Stracks-Mullem (owner of Taste Carolina) shared the news that Chimbanga’s Neighborhood Market, has opened at 506 N. Mangum St., #103) near Everlou Coffee. We could not find an online presence for them, so you will just have to pay them a visit!
We first told you about this in March of 2022, but Chapelboro just provided an update on the newest breakfast eatery in Chapel Hill. Over in Eastgate Crossing, Snooze, An A.M. Eatery is inching closer to opening with an expectation to do so just after the summer. When they do, they will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. This would be their first location in the Triangle, fourth location in North Carolina. Visit Snooze here.
Kudos to Pure Soul over in Durham for securing the #1 spot of best eateries in North and South Carolina according to Yelp. The restaurant, located at 4125 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd., is known for serving plant-based versions of soul food dishes. Get familiar with them here.
Closings
I saw on a post in the Chapel Hill Carrboro Facebook Foodies group the unfortunate news Rasa Restaurant in Chapel Hill North Shopping Center (think Harris Teeter on MLK Blvd.) will close on July 29. Get by before then.
Food Trucks
The next Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeois Sunday, Sept. 3, from 12 to 4 p.m. The final rodeo of the season will be Oct. 29. All the rodeos are from 12 to 4 p.m. Giddyup! Here is the link.
Looking to find your favorite food truck (or stalking them and simply don’t want to have to admit it)? We understand. Find them onStreet Food Finder here.
Events
They have been open for a little over two months now, but Lula & Sadie’s announced their Grand Opening Celebration on Friday, July 21 from 6 to 10 p.m. at their new location in Lakewood at 2022 Chapel Hill Rd. They are inviting guests to enjoy an evening featuring their beautifully crafted menu, stylish ambiance and exceptional southern hospitality. Secure your spot here.
The folks over at Acme are bringing back Salt & Smoke on Saturday, Oct. 28. This year’s event will be held at The Barn at Sonark Media (located just off of Old 86 in Hillsborough). If you are not familiar with the event, it is a full afternoon and evening of live music, whole hog barbecue, raw oysters, roasted clams and plenty of the right beverages to wash it all down – local beer, wine and cocktails. And if you get your tickets now, through the end of this month there is a $25 discount for all tickets purchased (just use the code FINALLY when checking out). Get all the details and tickets here.
Food Bank Corner
Right now, one in five people in central and eastern North Carolina doesn't have enough to eat. Your tax-deductible gift helps provide food and hope to families, children, and seniors right here in our community. Together, we can help people in our community during their greatest time of need. Give here. Every $10 you donate provides 50 meals! #noonegoeshungry