Mordecai Beverage Co. announced on Instagram that it will close after about six years in Raleigh. The Gateway Plaza taproom says it will be open a few final days for merch and last pours.

Tobacco Road closed its Glenwood South Raleigh location; owners teased "exciting new things" on social media while the Durham outpost remains open. Local reporting ties the move into downtown turnover.

Student-owners Emily Lutgring and Allison Travis opened The Grounds at The PITCH on Franklin Street, serving coffee, tea and dirty sodas with a hard launch planned for August.

Botiwalla by Chai Pani opens June 2 at Raleigh Iron Works, bringing kebabs, chaat and boozy slushies from a larger kitchen. The fast‑casual concept brings James Beard flavors to the Triangle.

Charlie Barefoot & Sons will skip the 2026 N.C. State Fair, ending a family-run tradition that began in 1949.

Bass Lake Draft House in Holly Springs closed on May 11 after 23 years; the owner cited pandemic-driven changes, rising costs and a failed lease negotiation.

A family-run nonprofit has opened the Quiltmaker Cafe in downtown Pittsboro, serving pay-what-you-can lunches from the former Postal Fish Company space. The cafe aims to feed neighbors with dignity.

The Torres family has converted the former Applebee’s at Brier Creek into Cabo Mexican Cuisine, an upscale coastal‑Mexican spot with ceviche, steak and a marble bar.

Permit filings show Whataburger plans to convert a former Popeyes at 275 Smokey Park Highway into Asheville's first Whataburger; the application is under city review and no opening date was given.

Golden Corral’s Southern Pines test location for its Favorites fast‑casual concept has shut after about a year. The closure raises questions about whether the chain will scale the prototype.

Spazio Vino & Cucina launched a Roman‑inspired event space in Holly Springs for private parties, corporate gatherings and chef‑led classes, now accepting reservations.

An unnamed restaurant has signed a lease for Mandolin’s former Hayes Barton spot and aims to open this fall. Renovations are already under way at the Fairview Road corner.

Jaggers has filed a $2.6M permit to build a 3,500‑sq‑ft restaurant at 1915 Hampton Inn Court, the former Twin Peaks near Hanes Mall. The move extends the brand’s North Carolina expansion.