The folks behind Luna Rotisserie and Empanada, with locations in Durham and Carrboro, are opening a modern neighborhood bodega in Durham at 2014 Hillsborough Road next to Vin Rouge. Hops & Flower will be a deli, bottle shop/coffee shop, gourmet wellness market, and premium cannabis dispensary. Open daily from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., they’ll offer breakfast sandwiches with coffee and espresso from Little Waves, an afternoon/evening menu of unique sub sandwiches, a rotating draft beer menu, and several THC and adaptogenic beverages. In their market, you’ll find deli salads, soups, frozen meals, snacks and sundries, and many wellness products to keep you looking and feeling great. Expect an opening in early January. Thanks to reader Stephen Mullaney for the tip. Best to follow along on Instagram.
Wake County Restaurant News
The Triangle Business Journal shared the news that Shinjuku Station, which serves sushi from a rotating sushi bar, plans to open at 6250 Plantation Center Drive in the Capital Marketplace shopping mall at the junction of Interstate 540 and Capital Boulevard in northeast Raleigh. This will be their fourth location in North Carolina, but first in the Triangle. Get to know them here.
Triangle Business Journal also broke the news that Five Guys will join the Crabtree Valley Mall food court lineup in March. They have 11 locations in the Triangle, including three in Raleigh. Visit Five Guys here.
In Wake Forest, reader Graham Bagshaw passed along that Canastas Chicken just opened at 911 Gateway Commons Circle. They serve up a diverse menu that features classics like Pollo a la Brasa (Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken), Ceviche, Lomo Saltado, and more. Each dish is meticulously prepared to capture the true essence of Peruvian flavors. With a location in Durham, this is their second Triangle-area spot. Take a look here.
A quick correction on a post from last week. We shared that Pokeworks opened serving up fresh, sashimi-grade Ahi Tuna, hand-cut Salmon, all-natural chicken, and tofu in a poke bowl or a wrap. Turns out the correct location is Parkside Town Commons (7169 O’Kelly Chapel Road, Cary), not Park West. Visit Pokeworks here.
Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News
The Triangle Business Journal reported that LongHorn Steakhouse is moving into the former Chili’s Grill & Bar across from The Streets at Southpoint in the same building as frozen yogurt shop SweetFrog and The Vitamin Shoppe. This will be the Triangle’s fourth LongHorn Steakhouse, joining others in Apex, northwest Raleigh and Garner and the 14th location in North Carolina. Visit LongHorn Here.
In Chapel Hill at University Place, we just learned that H&H Bagels’ first North Carolina location will open on January 15th. They have been a New York City institution since 1972 where their dough remains kettle-boiled in New York City water, then baked locally on-site all day, every day. You’d be wise to start getting familiar with them now.
Triangle Business Journal reported that after opening a Raleigh location in May, a popular Johnston County bakery is already preparing its next shop, this time in southwest Durham. JP’s Pastry, a gluten-free bakery based in Benson, has leased an 800-square-foot space at 7072 North Carolina Highway 751, Suite 108, with plans to open in February.
Closings
Glenn Gillen shared the news that Urban Noodle at 4104 Surles Court in Durham will serve up their last meal on December 28th.
Over in Raleigh, we got an update on a closing we had already shared with you. Spring Rolls last day of service is now this Saturday, December 27th. They will be selling everything in the restaurant, if you are interested.
Food Trucks
Looking to find your favorite food truck (or stalking them and simply don’t want to have to admit it)? We understand. Find them on Street Food Finder here.
Events
Looking for something fun to do on New Year’s Eve? Ring in 2026 with a memorable and delicious evening at Figulina where chef David Ellis has created a special 4-course menu showcasing seasonal and luxurious ingredients, a complimentary toast, plus some other surprises – while their wine director, Jeff Bramwell, has curated optional luxe wine pairings to complement each dish! $145 per person (pre tax and service fee). Reserve your spot now.
Tickets have gone on sale for the 2026 version of the Triangle Food & Wine Experience which will take place February 5-7, 2026. From its humble inception over 30 years ago, the Triangle Wine & Food Experience has grown to become one of the leading charity wine auctions in the nation with all proceeds benefiting the Frankie Lemmon School & Development Center. And let me tell you, the lineup of culinary talent (from all corners of the United States) is absolutely incredible – see the list here. If you call yourself a foodie, these are the not-to-miss events of the year. A weekend of the most incredible food and wine. Get details on the weekend of events here.
Food Bank Corner
The high cost of healthy foods is putting a huge strain on families in central and eastern North Carolina this holiday season. As colder weather sets in, heating bills start to compete with the grocery budget, leaving many people at risk of an empty holiday table.
Let’s lift that burden of worry for families, seniors, and veterans in our community. At more than 700 local food assistance sites supported by the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, every meal you help provide will be delivered with kindness, often alongside other critical services that address the root causes of hunger. Thanks to a match from some generous friends, your gift today can DOUBLE — but only until December 31.