Triangle food scene expands as 600,000 residents face food insecurity

More than 600,000 neighbors in the Triangle area are not always sure where their next meal will come from, according to the Food Bank. This figure, highlighted during Tackling Hunger Month, stands in contrast to a steady stream of new dining options opening across the region this fall. Every $25 in donations to the Food Bank provides 75 meals, the organization stated.

The Michelin Guide announced new honors for three local establishments at a ceremony in Nashville on Wednesday. Ajja in Raleigh, Ideal's in Durham, and Tesoro in Carrboro received Bib Gourmand designations. Tesoro is an 18-seat restaurant focused on pasta. Prime Barbecue, Mala Pata, and Sam Jones BBQ retained their existing Bib Gourmand status. Sixteen other Triangle restaurants, including Brewery Bhavana and Poole's, kept their Michelin recommended listings.

New chains are also entering the market. Maggiano's Little Italy will occupy the space at Crabtree Valley Mall previously held by Brio Italian Grille. This will be the second Maggiano's location in the Triangle, joining the existing restaurant at Streets at Southpoint in Durham. No opening date has been announced for the new site. In the same city, Millie's Homemade Ice Cream plans to open its first North Carolina location at 325 Blake St. in City Market. The Pittsburgh-based franchise aims to open before the end of the year, according to the Triangle Business Journal.

South Block, a chain known for acai bowls and smoothies with three locations in Charlotte, is preparing to open a Raleigh location at 4121 Main at North Hills St. This spot is next to bartaco. Grain & Berry recently opened its second North Carolina location in Apex at Beaver Creek Crossings. Winston's Grille in Raleigh is marking its 40th anniversary, having been founded in 1986 by Wil O'Neal and Charles Winston Jr.

In Durham, M Kikkei, formerly known as M Pocha, holds an invitation-only soft opening on October 24. The grand opening is scheduled for October 29 at 101 E. Chapel Hill St. The restaurant serves Nikkei cuisine, which blends Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients. It is the seventh concept in the Mpire group. In Pittsboro, Tavolo Italian Eatery has opened in MOSAIC at Chatham Park. Gandy Coffee House is expected to open in early 2027 in the historic Captain J. F. Alston House.

Sushioki in Research Triangle Park has closed permanently after eight years of operation. The local event calendar features the inaugural Chapel Hill Biscuit Festival on October 25 at American Legion Post 6. Proceeds from the festival will benefit SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals. Chefs including Sera Cuni of The Root Cellar will host a Yellowstone Dinner at Holl & Stone Farm in Garner on October 29.

Preeti Waas holds a Super Spooky Sandwich popup on October 31 from noon to 4 p.m. in Durham. The Chefs for Change Gala and Auction takes place at The Cookery on November 5 to benefit Families Moving Forward. Botiwalla hosts a Diwali party at Iron Works on November 6. The third Rawleigh Oyster Fest is set for November 7 at Raleigh Iron Works. Organizers added a $60 Half Shell ticket for nine oysters, two bites, and one drink after receiving feedback that previous pricing was too high. The previous two editions sold out and raised about $12,500.

The Trophy Trot 5K returns for its 10th year at Dix Park on Thanksgiving morning, November 26. Nearly 3,000 people signed up for last year's race, which donated about $60,000 to Healing Transitions. This amount was up from $42,000 the year before. The North Carolina State Fair continues through Sunday.