Your trusted source for the latest restaurant openings, closings and dining news across the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and beyond.
The Cranky Yankee Bakery at 101 N Salem St, Apex, has permanently closed as of August 2025, as reported by The Peak Weekly. The New York-style, Italian-inspired bakery, known for its cannolis, rainbow cookies, and gluten-free options, faced challenges including allegations of wage theft and unsafe working conditions, with some reviews noting inconsistent quality and customer service issues. This marks the fourth bakery to close at this location.
Barrio Tacos, Tequila & Whiskey celebrates its grand opening in Raleigh’s Smoky Hollow on August 22, 2025, at 3 p.m. The first 50 guests get free queso for a year. Voted a top 10 taco stand in the U.S., it’s the chain’s first NC location, offering tacos, tequila, whiskey, and beer.
Gyu-Kaku Japanese Barbecue will open at 214 Hunt Street in Durham, offering an authentic yakiniku dining experience with premium meats like Harami Skirt Steak and Prime Kalbi Short Rib, alongside sake, shochu, and beers.
Gym Tacos will take over the former Burrito Shak space at Quail Corners Shopping Center in Raleigh, marking their third brick-and-mortar location in the Triangle. Burrito Shak closed on August 22, 2025, due to underperformance and rising operational costs.
Simmer Coffee at Amberly Village in Cary hosts its grand opening on August 23, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring promotions, free food and drink giveaways, a photo booth, face painting, and a chance to win free Simmer for a year.
Tex-Mex chain Mezcalito will open a new location at 1102 Walnut Street in Cary, in the former On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina space, near downtown Cary. On The Border closed in February 2025 after filing for bankruptcy due to inflation and labor shortages, shuttering 77 locations nationwide.[](https://thekrazycouponlady.com/tips/money/restaurants-closing)
After closing in March 2025 after nearly 100 years, the iconic 42nd Street Oyster Bar in downtown Raleigh is poised for a comeback under new ownership, 42nd Street Partners LLC, led by longtime GM Hunter Correll and John F. Holmes Jr. The restaurant aims to reopen in February 2026.
Mamacita, Modern Mexican & Cocktails, will open its fourth Triangle location in North Raleigh’s Forestville Crossing, in the former Hwy. 55 space, which closed in early 2025 due to declining sales and high operational costs. No opening date has been announced.
The Flying Biscuit Cafe will open its fifth Triangle location in Wake Forest Crossing at the former East Coast Wings spot on Capital Boulevard, which closed in 2024 due to underperformance. No opening timeline is available yet for this breakfast and brunch favorite.
1865 Steak Seafood & Cigars will soon open in the former Gianni and Gaitanos space at Triangle Town Commons in Raleigh, marking its third location alongside Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Gianni and Gaitanos closed in 2025 due to lease issues and declining sales.
Vic’s Pizzeria, a Glenwood South favorite, will open a new 2,400-square-foot location in Wendell Falls in May 2027, featuring its classic pizza menu, additional pasta dishes, and a full bar with craft beer, wine, and liquor.
Glenwood South’s beloved dive bar, Lucky B’s, marks its 20th anniversary with a celebration on September 13, 2025. Stay tuned for details on the anniversary party for this Raleigh staple.
Cucciolo Famiglia, a casual Italian bistro, opens on August 23, 2025, in South Durham’s Sutton Station, joining Cucciolo Terrazza and Cucciolo Osteria as the team’s third Triangle location, offering classic Italian dishes.
Iconic New York-based H&H Bagels will open its first of five planned Triangle locations at University Place in Chapel Hill by the end of 2025, bringing its famous kettle-boiled bagels to the area.
Good Graces, a new all-day market, cafe, and bar, opened at 540 St Albans Drive in North Hills Innovation District, offering coffee, grab-and-go eats, cocktails, and locally sourced goods, open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Nana Morrison’s, a Charlotte-based soul food restaurant, opened its fourth location in Cary’s The Arboretum at Weston, serving comfort classics like fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, yams, and cornbread.
After over 15 years, Brio Italian Grille at Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh permanently closed on August 18, 2025, following its parent company, Bravo Brio Restaurants LLC, filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The closure, confirmed by the restaurant’s website and a recorded phone message, leaves only one NC location at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
Baekho Coffee & Ice Cream, from the creators of Namu, Bulkogi, and The Can Opener, opens at Boxyard RTP, serving Counter Culture Coffee espresso drinks and locally sourced, scratch-made ice cream with global-inspired flavors.
Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill in University Place and Guglhupf at Eastgate Shopping Center in Chapel Hill have reopened after flood recovery, with Guglhupf’s reopening set for August 16, 2025.