5 Most Anticipated Restaurants Around the Triangle, Spring 2020

The Triangle is really having a food moment. Celebrity chefs are moving en masse to open restaurants in Raleigh and Durham, and hot new bars and restaurants are popping up around Cary and surrounding areas as well. Here, take a look at some of the most exciting new concepts opening soon.

BB’S Crispy Chicken

Location: Three locations: Raleigh’s Midtown East shopping center, Durham’s University Hill and, Cary’s Parkside Commons
Key Players: Ashley Christensen, a James Beard Award Winner and Outstanding Chef for 2019, and owner of Poole’s Diner, Pooleside Pies, Death & Taxes, Beasley’s Chicken + Honey, and Fox Liquors (all in Raleigh)
Projected Opening: Summer 2020

Christensen’s new concept will focus on crispy chicken sandwiches, with five different breading options, sauces including hot mayo and locally-made brioche buns.

Cut & Gather/George Burns

Cut and Gather

Location: 13100 Falls of Neuse Rd., North Raleigh
Key Players: Kenny Gilbert, restaurateur, former Top Chef contestant and private chef to Oprah
Projected Opening: Spring 2020

The restaurant will serve lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, and is expected to have a “cast iron aesthetic.” Menus will feature wood-fired barbecue, grilled meats, seafood and Southern-inspired side dishes, along with whiskey and moonshine-based cocktails.

Lady Luck

Location: 222 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh
Key Players: Local restaurateur Balu Torres, chef Kevin Ruiz, and beverage director Megan Corbally
Projected Opening: March 2020

The menu will exclusively feature small plates and cocktails made from locally sourced ingredients. The space is expected to have a modern avant-garde vibe.

Nomad

Location: 122 King St., Hillsborough
Key Players: Rasoi Ventures, the group behind Viceroy (in Durham)
Projected Opening: March 2020

The global fusion restaurant will be located inside the restored Osbunn Theater and is expected to offer a range of dishes inspired by Indian, Korean, and Thai street foods—including chicken tikka mac and cheese and kimchi samosas.

Prime Barbecue/Facebook

Prime Barbecue

Location: 403 Knightdale Station Run, Knightdale
Key Players: Chris Prieto, champion pitmaster and cookbook author
Projected Opening: March 2020

Prieto’s joint will dish NC pork barbecue, spare ribs and brisket, served market-style on trays. The restaurant is expected to be open most days from 11 a.m. until sell-out.

Also, keep an eye on:

• Rainbow Luncheonette [Raleigh]
• Good Day Good Night [Raleigh]
• The Daily Fare [Raleigh]
• Lawrence Barbecue [Raleigh]