Mecklenburg County led North Carolina in ABC gross sales — about $280M across FY24–25 — with Tito’s Handmade Vodka topping the product lists and a state audit flagging distribution gaps.

Zaxby's on East Franklin Street closed Friday after about a year, leaving a high‑traffic UNC‑adjacent storefront vacant. Local reporting shows the listing also disappeared from some ordering pages.

Durham’s Proximity Brewing has closed its Driver Street taproom, citing 'ongoing challenges' and high operating costs. The brewery says it will continue brewing through wholesale partners.

Nash & Smashed is opening at Poyner Village in northeast Raleigh, taking over the former Fat Tuesday spot and promising smash burgers, halal fried chicken and wallet-friendly prices.

Shake Shack confirmed a new Morrisville location at Park West Village, taking the former Full Moon Oyster space and adding another spot to the Triangle dining scene.

A crew of Triangle chefs has opened Big Cat, a multi‑concept market, bar and restaurant in Raleigh’s East Mordecai with pop‑ups and year‑round soft‑serve.

Chef Michael Lee is bringing M Hansik, a Korean fine‑dining restaurant, to Durham’s Wye Junction with a target opening in May 2026.

Jaguar Bolera at Raleigh Iron Works closed suddenly, leaving a sizable vacancy and surprising regulars. The restaurant’s site still lists hours while locals reported a sign on the door.

Geo's Tavern & Oyster Bar brings oysters, burgers and a plant-filled salon to Chapel Hill, with the team eyeing an April opening and a menu focused on North Carolina seafood.

Fresh Taco Roos signage and a lit drive‑thru screen at 1221 New Bern Ave suggest the Cook Out spinoff may be close to opening in Raleigh. Permits and property records back the change‑of‑use at the site.

Durham-born Eastcut Sandwich Bar signed a lease at Cary's Waverly Place, marking the brand's third Triangle location.

Unhinged Coffee Co. is moving from a mobile cart to a 70–80 seat café on First Avenue in Knightdale, with an early‑April opening and community‑minded programming.

Flying Bull has closed its Ninth Street taproom and coffee shop, consolidating operations at its Morris Street restaurant and ramping up grocery distribution. The move follows a string of local taproom shut‑downs.