Triangle food banks plead for help as Michelin and new chains boom

Three Triangle restaurants received new Bib Gourmand designations at the 2026 Michelin Guide American South ceremony held in Nashville, Tennessee. The honors went to Ajja in Raleigh, Ideal's in Durham, and Tesoro in Carrboro. These awards join existing recognitions for Prime Barbecue, Mala Pata, and Sam Jones BBQ, which retained their status from the previous year. Sixteen other establishments, including Brewery Bhavana and Poole's, kept their Michelin recommended listings.

New national chains are entering the market in Raleigh. Maggiano's Little Italy will occupy the space at Crabtree Valley Mall previously held by Brio Italian Grille. This will be the second Maggiano's location in the region, following the one at Streets at Southpoint in Durham. The chain, known for family-style portions, has not announced an opening date. Millie's Homemade Ice Cream, a Pittsburgh-based franchise, plans to open its first North Carolina location at 325 Blake St. in City Market. The shop is located next to Blackbird Books and Coffee, with a target opening before the end of the year.

Other new entrants are also preparing for launch. South Block, which operates three locations in the Charlotte area, will open at 4121 Main at North Hills St. in Raleigh. It is situated next to bartaco, and no opening date has been set. In Apex, Grain & Berry opened at 2017 Creekside Landing Drive in Beaver Creek Crossings. This is the chain's second North Carolina location after Holly Springs. Winston's Grille in Raleigh is marking its 40th anniversary, having been founded in 1986 by Wil O'Neal and Charles Winston Jr.

Durham saw changes with the rebranding of M Pocha to M Kikkei. The restaurant, which serves Nikkei cuisine blending Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients, is the seventh concept in the Mpire group. It held an invitation-only soft opening on October 24 and will hold a grand opening on October 29 at 101 E. Chapel Hill St. In Pittsboro, Tavolo Italian Eatery opened in MOSAIC at Chatham Park. Gandy Coffee House is expected to open in early 2027 inside the historic Captain J. F. Alston House at 14 N. Small St. Sushioki in Research Triangle Park closed permanently after eight years.

The local event calendar includes several food-focused gatherings. The inaugural Chapel Hill Biscuit Festival takes place on October 25 at American Legion Post 6. Proceeds benefit SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals. A Yellowstone Dinner hosted by chefs including Sera Cuni of The Root Cellar is set for October 29 at Holl & Stone Farm in Garner. Preeti Waas will hold a Super Spooky Sandwich popup on October 31 at 202 N. Corcoran St. in Durham, with the menu available for pickup on October 24.

Upcoming events include the Chefs for Change Gala & Auction at The Cookery on November 5, benefiting Families Moving Forward. Botiwalla will host a Diwali party at Iron Works on November 6. The third Rawleigh Oyster Fest, themed Smoke & Shuck, is scheduled for November 7 at Raleigh Iron Works. Organizers added a $60 Half Shell ticket with nine oysters, two bites, and one drink after feedback from attendees who felt priced out. The previous two editions sold out and raised about $12,500 combined.

The Trophy Trot 5K returns for its 10th year at Dix Park on Thanksgiving morning, November 26. The event benefits Healing Transitions. Nearly 3,000 people signed up last year, and the race donated about $60,000, an increase from $42,000 the prior year. The North Carolina State Fair continues through Sunday. The Food Bank is marking Tackling Hunger Month, noting that more than 600,000 neighbors are not always sure where their next meal will come from. The organization states that every $25 provides 75 meals.