Women's Clothing Boutique in Cary, NC

In the Triangle’s restaurant crystal ball for 2025 we see some absolute stunners.

This year seems to be about expansion. Beloved names and spots are growing into new spaces, new towns and new concepts. We’ll see barbecue joints go upscale, we’ll see bagel shops find some elbow room and we’ll see popular restaurant groups combine forces and create something mouthwateringly exciting.

Here are the restaurants and bars you’ll be talking about all through 2025.

1151 Hitchings Way, Durham

How often do you run across something truly new? In the restaurant world, new often means a refined or upscale or reimagined or improved-upon concept. Not new exactly, but something old reaching for new heights. Well this one is new new.

In North Carolina’s barbecue renaissance, few pitmasters have achieved the acclaim of Chris Prieto and Knightdale’s Prime BBQ. In this barbecue palace, Prime has earned the respect of Texas aficionados, while also evolving North Carolina’s barbecue culture. It’s marvelous.

For his second act, Prieto is taking on the steakhouse and the buttoned-up locale of the Research Triangle Park. With Prime STQ, barbecue gets the steakhouse treatment, celebrating smoked beef in the way we might a grilled ribeye.

Timeline: Spring 2025

2411 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh

This year it’s really happening. The forces behind Ex Voto and Locals Seafood have teamed up for this vibiest ode to coastal Mexico, opening in Raleigh’s Gateway Plaza shopping center. Mala Pata has been on a year-long occasional pop-up tour around the Triangle, selling out early and always with wild brunch dishes, tamales and burritos. Beyond the restaurant, this hospitality supergroup will also launch Peyote, a vibrant cocktail bar.

Timeline: March 2025

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MALA PATA | Molino + Cocina (@malapata.molino)

150 E. Cedar St., Cary

Can downtown Cary be a barbecue destination? If you know Lawrence Barbecue you know it’s a no-doubter. From the second it opened its walk-up window in Boxyard RTP, Lawrence Barbecue was the shipping container food court’s runaway star. Now Lawrence is spreading its wings and moving to a new spot of its own in downtown Cary.

The new spot will be gigantic, looking out on the train tracks, serving Lawrence’s eclectic mix of authentically smoked beef and pork and wild creations, like beef fat caramel chicken wings, sticky ribs and potluck favorite sides with the volume turned all the way up.

The vibes will be perfect.

Timeline: Summer 2025

925 S. Saunders St., Raleigh

Raleigh has two new Benchwarmers in the works, the first set to open later this year in the new Rockway development on the southern edge of downtown. Beloved from the first spark in its wood-burning oven, the new Benchwarmers will build on its reputation as one of the best bagel shops in America, expanding into a massive 4,000 square foot space of its own. Expect the same bagels and thick-crust pizza, plus a new beverage program including beer, wine and cocktails (especially for brunch).

Timeline: Fall 2025

312 Blackwell St., Durham

It was a shock but not a surprise when Fullsteam finally decided to move out of its original taproom space in Durham.

The brewery helped establish Durham’s Geer Street “Drinking District” but seemed to have outgrown that space. Now Fullsteam is working on its forever home in the middle of the American Tobacco Campus, promising a new larger (and air-conditioned) taproom.

Timeline: Late 2025

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fullsteam Brewery (@fullsteambrewery)

2409-100 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh

Since departing downtown Raleigh, the pioneering vegetarian restaurant Fiction Kitchen has operated as a pop-up in its future and forever home Gateway Plaza.

Now Fiction Kitchen is getting closer and closer to forever. Known for creative and satisfying plant-based dining, Fiction Kitchen will have room in its new space for 70 diners. Plans include an all-vegan cocktail list, housemade vegan cheeses and a showcase of local seasonal produce.

Timeline: Early March 2025

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Fiction Kitchen (@thefictionkitchen)

636 Foster St., Durham

One of the Triangle’s hottest restaurant groups will open a new Durham taqueria in the heart of the city’s nightlife district. Chef Oscar Diaz and the Mezcalito group have plans for a new taco shop on the ground floor of the new Geer House apartment building. Tataco will specialize in artisan tortillas and smoky mezcal.

Timeline: 2025

1151 Hitchings Way, Durham

The gospel of Cheeni will expand to South Durham later this year as James Beard nominee Preeti Waas opens her restaurant in the new Horseshoe at HUB RTP development. Cheeni has been one of the most talked about restaurants since its debut in Raleigh, eventual move to Downtown Durham and now future expansion, offering personal and regional Indian dishes. In addition to the full service restaurant, Waas will also open a grab-and-go market in RTP called Nanny Goat.

Timeline: 2025

201 Fenton Gateway Drive, Cary

When it opened in 2017, Brewery Bhavana quickly became the Triangle’s latest hit restaurant, landing in the national spotlight for its unconventional blend of dim sum, beer, a flower shop and bookstore. This year Bhavana will expand for the first time, opening a new location in Cary’s glitzy Fenton development. Now owned solely by Patrick Woodson, the new Bhavana dumpling shop and taproom will also offer some lighter, healthier dishes alongside larger entrees like Peking Duck and General Tso’s Chicken.

Timeline: April 2025

100B Brewer Lane, Carrboro

The cheese will not stand alone at the new Wedgewood in Carrboro, but it will be the centerpiece. Expanding on the popularity of its narrow cheese counter, The Cheese Shop will grow into a full restaurant and bar in Carrboro this spring. Wedgewood moves into the Carrboro Car Wash building with a stunning redesign. Look for a gleaming 15-seat bar, glass coolers full of cheese and treats and a menu that goes well beyond the charcuterie board.

Timeline: Spring 2025

403 W. Johnson St., Raleigh

The Crunkleton in Chapel Hill is one of a handful of Triangle spots that’s helped change dining and drinking in the South. Known for its towering wall of spirits, including many impossible-to-find bottles, its cabinet of antique whiskey and perfected cocktails, The Crunkleton is one of the region’s legendary bars.

Now, after a multi-year wait, it is nearly ready to open its expansion into Raleigh. The new Raleigh location will mirror that of its earlier expansion in Charlotte, becoming a full restaurant in addition to a bar.

Timeline: March 2025

Multiple NC locations

This beloved Texas burger brand has been oddly secretive about its long-awaited expansion into North Carolina. Rather than making a big public splash about its interest in the state, it left breadcrumbs and clues, quietly filing building plans in numerous towns and cities, including Raleigh.

As of this month we finally know for sure: Whataburger will open in North Carolina in 2025. That’s the good news. The bad news is the first opening is likely in Gastonia. And we’re happy for them, we are. For Triangle diners, the company said Whataburgers should be open in Raleigh by 2026.

3109 Shannon Road, Durham

Durham chef Matt Kelly cooks with a lot of nostalgia and there’s perhaps nothing more sentimental than a childhood pizzeria. Kelly and chef Tom Cuomo, New York and New Jersey transplants, respectively, will open Dino’s in Durham’s University Hill shopping center as an ode to the northeast pizza parlors they knew growing up. The vibes will be red gingham tablecloths, TVs on the walls, full bar and a food menu of pizza, pasta, salads and sandwiches.

Timeline: March 2025

A devastating fire gutted this Franklin Street institution in 2023. For more than a year, Med Deli has offered to-go orders, but the beloved restaurant and market is poised for its return.

Timeline: April 2025

This story was originally published January 31, 2025 at 6:00 AM.

Cary, NC (February 19, 2025) – Emergency responders from the Cary Fire Department arrived at the scene of an auto crash with injuries at the intersection of US 64 Hwy W and Edinburgh South Dr on Tuesday afternoon.

The accident occurred at approximately 4:24 p.m., prompting fire crews and medical personnel to respond quickly. Upon arrival, first responders worked to assess and provide care to the individuals involved. The number of injured victims and the severity of their conditions have not yet been confirmed.

Authorities temporarily closed lanes along US 64 Hwy W to allow emergency crews to work safely and investigate the crash. Motorists in the area experienced traffic delays as officials worked to clear the scene. The roadway has since reopened, but law enforcement continues to investigate the events leading up to the collision.

Our thoughts are with those affected by this accident.

Addressing Intersection Collisions and Roadway Safety in Cary

Intersections remain one of the most common locations for auto crashes, particularly in growing areas like Cary, where increasing traffic volume contributes to congestion and heightened risks for drivers. Busy intersections like US 64 Hwy W and Edinburgh South Dr are prone to collisions due to stop-and-go conditions, turning vehicles, and misjudged right-of-way decisions.

Accidents at intersections can range from minor fender-benders to serious T-bone or rear-end collisions that result in significant injuries. Whiplash, fractures, and head trauma are among the most common injuries in these types of crashes, requiring medical evaluation and, in some cases, long-term treatment. Even when injuries seem minor, delayed symptoms can arise, making medical attention a critical step in recovery.

Beyond physical harm, the financial strain following a crash can be overwhelming. Victims may face medical expenses, repair costs, and loss of income due to time away from work. While insurance claims are intended to help cover damages, navigating the claims process can be difficult, especially when multiple parties are involved. Understanding legal rights and seeking professional guidance can help ensure victims receive the support they need.

As Cary continues to develop, improving intersection safety remains a key focus for local transportation authorities. Roadway enhancements, increased signage, and driver awareness initiatives all play a role in reducing collision risks. Drivers can also take proactive steps by staying alert, obeying traffic signals, and avoiding distractions while navigating intersections.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto crash, Local Accident Reports is here to provide information and resources. Contact us today to learn more about your rights and options for recovery.

Cary voters rejected a housing bond referendum in November, but they can still help the town address its housing challenges.

The town is asking residents for their housing priorities, such as creating more homes and programs to assist people with disabilities, in the Cary Housing Prioritization Survey on the town’s website.

The survey is part of the town’s plan to distribute $700,000 next year — part of $3.5 million over five years — from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The town seeks input like this every five years and combines local and federal dollars to fund housing initiatives.

Wesley Spears-Newsom, associate pastor of Greenwood Forest Baptist Church, already took the survey and doesn’t want people to be discouraged by the housing bond’s narrow failure.

The $30 million housing bond was on the same ballot as a $560 million parks and recreation bond, which also failed.

“I think it was difficult to ask for a lot of bonds after some tax increases, but I think the passion is still there for more housing,” Spears-Newsom said. “Our housing supply is lower than the demand, and we need more housing. … We’re obviously also, like everywhere else, the shortest on affordable housing.”

The average home sale price in Cary is $625,000, according to Redfin which estimates home prices in the town increased 3.2% last year.

On average, renters are paying over $1,400 for a one-bedroom apartment in the town.

Over the last 10 years, Cary has also lost about 4,000 housing units that cost under $1,000 a month to rent. As developers prime the area for new projects, many long-term residents are feeling the pressures of being priced out.

The average individual income in Cary is around $58,500, according to U.S. Census data.

Leslie Covington, the executive director of The Carying Place, helps working families experiencing homelessness find affordable housing. She said because of rising rents, many families who have graduated from the organization’s program and found housing for a short time have ultimately had to move away from the Cary area.

“More and more of those families are having to leave the area they love, work, [where] their children are in school,” she said. “They’re having to leave to go to places where they’re not afforded the same resources, not the same safety.”

Covington said diverse housing with affordability is “paramount” if Cary wants to keep its long-term residents and welcome people moving to the western Wake County area.

“The diverse population of people who need support is growing,” she said. “The funding will grow over time, but it’s growing in a slower manner when you don’t have something like a bond.”

Hundreds of residents in the Chatham Estates Mobile Home Park near downtown Cary are fearing displacement as the property owner has placed the land up for sale. Residents there are paying as little as $400 a month to rent a lot for their mobile home.

“Chatham Estates, I think, is a prime example of the kind of thing that’s going to continue to happen as more companies move here and relocate here and raise land values and displace people,” Spears-Newsom said. “We need housing that matches wages down here.”

Greenwood Forest Baptist recently has asked the town to rezone church property at 110 SE Maynard Road for new affordable housing, a daycare, office space and community programming areas.

The idea began about eight years ago when community members would reach out to the church saying they could not pay their rent.

“So, we said, let’s just do it on our land. Let’s just do this thing instead of trying to solve a piecemeal or wait on somebody else,” Spears-Newsom said.

The Cary Town Council will vote on the request this spring.

Heather Whelehan, the town’s director of housing and community partnerships, said the survey will help guide the town.

“We know that having an impactful housing strategy requires work across the whole housing continuum,” she said. “That is rental housing, it’s ownership housing. It’s investing in the housing we already have. It’s building new housing and support for people experiencing homelessness.”

The federal money Cary is getting comes from HUD’s Community Block Grant Entitlement Program. The initial $700,000 could help fund programs like Stable Homes Cary, a nonprofit partnership that helps support relocation and counseling on housing instability.

“That’s why we do (the survey) to make sure that our strategy aligns with how our community sees the needs,” Whelehan said.

Residents have until Feb. 12 to take the survey at housing.carync.gov, where residents can learn more about Cary’s housing goals.

(TNS) — Whether you are a fan or a skeptic, avoiding the use of artificial intelligence has become almost impossible these days.

AI is the technology that allows machines to perform tasks similar to humans. It can problem-solve, learn and make decisions, create art, simplify Google searches and write college essays.

Soon, Cary residents will see more of the technology woven into their everyday activities.

At a Town Council meeting last week, Councilwoman Lori Bush and Carissa Kohn-Johnson recommended the town create policies for the use of AI in its operations.

With over 187,000 residents, Cary has expanded services to serve a growing community. So far, this includes some minor forms of AI.

“AI technology is at the forefront,” Bush said at Thursday’s meeting. “Our staff is using it. They’re using it to help with transcribing our meeting minutes. I’ve used it to plan my own itineraries for travel.”

Being open and transparent

Cary staff already have a procedure for identifying when they use or cite AI internally.

But Bush said residents should also know when it is being used.

“We can help harness the benefits of AI technology in a way that’s open, transparent and that our citizens are aware of how, when, where and what we’re doing with the data,” she said.

Many local governments use AI systems and tools like chatboxes on their websites to help users find information online.

Others have used it to translate documents into different languages, and in Elgin, Illinois, police, may use AI to generateincident reports.

Last summer, Cary’s communications and emergency services departmentsbegan testing RapidSOS Alarm Call Automation which quickly transcribes 911 calls and aids in faster response times.

Bush added that the Cary Fire Department is testing the use of thermal cameras with AI to locate people in burning buildings.

Councilwoman Carissa Kohn-Johnson works with AI systems in her job at Axcient, a computer application company, and said the town should also be aware of the “potential risks” of using the technology.

“This is something that needs to be continuously revisited because AI, as we understand it now, will look so significantly different in a very short period of time,” she said. “It’s something that can do great, great good. It can help us. … But, of course, it’s something that needs to be looked at and scrutinized.”

Protecting personal information

Bush said she especially wants to protect people’s personal information.

Many may not know how AI works or collects data. Systems like ChatGPT, or OpenAI, can take users’ personal data like addresses, computer IP addresses, and information off resumes posted online.

“When you put information out into the national language model, you’re putting data out that can then be used for other people,” Bush said. “That is one of the worries, but there’s lots of opportunities as well.”

Councilwoman Jennifer Robinson said at some point the town should consider data governance and management in any AI policies.

Town staff will present a draft AI plan to the council at a future meeting.

© 2025 Raleigh News & Observer. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Cary, NC (February 14, 2025) – Emergency responders were dispatched to a motor vehicle collision with injuries in Cary. The incident occurred at approximately 11:24 a.m. at the intersection of SE Cary Parkway and US 1 Highway Northbound.

Cary Fire Department units arrived promptly to assess the situation and provide medical assistance to those involved. The specific details regarding the number of vehicles involved, the nature of the injuries sustained, and the identities of the individuals affected have not been disclosed at this time.

Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances leading to the collision. Traffic in the area experienced temporary disruptions as emergency crews worked to manage the scene and assist the injured parties. Motorists were advised to exercise caution and seek alternative routes during the response efforts.

Our thoughts are with those impacted by this accident, and we hope for a swift and full recovery for anyone injured.

Car Accidents in North Carolina

North Carolina experiences a significant number of motor vehicle collisions each year, particularly in growing communities like Cary. Intersections such as SE Cary Parkway and US 1 Highway are common sites for accidents due to high traffic volumes and the complexity of traffic patterns.

Common contributing factors to car accidents in North Carolina include distracted driving, speeding, and failure to yield the right-of-way. Drivers who divert their attention from the road, whether due to mobile device usage, adjusting in-car controls, or other distractions, significantly increase the risk of collisions. Exceeding posted speed limits reduces a driver's ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions, leading to more severe accidents. Additionally, failing to yield, especially at busy intersections, often results in side-impact or rear-end collisions, which can cause serious injuries.

Victims of car accidents may face numerous challenges, including medical expenses, lost wages due to time away from work, and emotional distress. Navigating the aftermath of a collision can be overwhelming, particularly when dealing with insurance claims or potential legal actions. It's crucial for those affected to understand their rights and explore options for compensation to aid in their recovery.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, Local Accident Reports is here to provide guidance and support. Staying informed about your rights and the steps to take following a collision can help protect your future and ensure you receive the assistance you need.