Maggiano's Targets $1B Mall Site as Triangle Restaurants Face 600,000 Food Insecure

Maggiano's Little Italy will open its second Triangle location at Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh. The restaurant will occupy the space formerly held by Brio Italian Grille. The chain is known for large family-style portions. No opening date has been announced.

This expansion follows a period of growth for the regional dining market. Millie's Homemade Ice Cream, a Pittsburgh-based franchise, plans to open its first North Carolina shop at 325 Blake St. in City Market. The new location will sit next to Blackbird Books and Coffee. The Triangle Business Journal reported that the target is for the store to open before the end of the year.

South Block, a Charlotte-based chain specializing in acai bowls and smoothies, is preparing to enter the Raleigh market. The new location will be at 4121 Main at North Hills St., next to bartaco. No opening date has been set for this venture.

Local recognition accompanied the arrival of new chains. Three Triangle restaurants earned Bib Gourmand designations at the 2026 Michelin Guide American South ceremony held in Nashville. The recipients are Ajja in Raleigh, Ideal's in Durham, and Tesoro in Carrboro. Tesoro is an 18-seat, pasta-focused restaurant. Prime Barbecue, Mala Pata, and Sam Jones BBQ retained their existing designations. Sixteen other local spots kept their Michelin recommended status.

The market also saw changes in ownership and operations. M Kikkei, formerly M Pocha, will hold a soft opening on October 24 and a grand opening on October 29 in Durham. The restaurant serves Nikkei cuisine, which blends Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients. Sushioki in Research Triangle Park shut permanently after eight years of operation.

Winston's Grille in Raleigh is marking its 40th anniversary. Wil O'Neal and Charles Winston Jr. founded the establishment in 1986. In Apex, Grain & Berry opened at 2017 Creekside Landing Drive. This is its second North Carolina location.

Upcoming events focus on fundraising and dining. The inaugural Chapel Hill Biscuit Festival takes place on October 25 at American Legion Post 6. Proceeds benefit SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals. The Rawleigh Oyster Fest is set for November 7 at Raleigh Iron Works. Organizers added a $60 Half Shell ticket to address pricing concerns. The previous two editions sold out and raised about $12,500.

The Food Bank is marking Tackling Hunger Month with data on local needs. More than 600,000 neighbors are not always sure where their next meal will come from. The organization notes that every $25 provides 75 meals.