Maggiano's Targets Crabtree Valley Mall Space as Triangle Gains Michelin Honors

Maggiano's Little Italy is moving into the Crabtree Valley Mall, taking the space formerly held by Brio Italian Grille. The expansion marks the second Maggiano's location in the Triangle, following the existing restaurant at Streets at Southpoint in Durham. The chain serves large, family-style portions, though an opening date has not been announced.

Simultaneously, the 2026 Michelin Guide American South ceremony in Nashville recognized three Triangle restaurants with new Bib Gourmand designations. The honorees include Ajja in Raleigh, Ideal's in Durham, and Tesoro in Carrboro. Tesoro is an 18-seat restaurant focused on pasta. Prime Barbecue, Mala Pata, and Sam Jones BBQ retained their Bib Gourmand status from the previous year. Sixteen other establishments, including Brewery Bhavana, Poole's, Stanbury, and The Fearrington House Restaurant, kept their Michelin recommended listings.

Other new openings are targeting the region. Millie's Homemade Ice Cream, a Pittsburgh-based franchise, plans to open its first North Carolina location at 325 Blake St. in Raleigh's City Market. The shop will sit next to Blackbird Books and Coffee, with a goal to open before the end of the year. South Block, a Charlotte-based acai bowl and smoothie chain with three existing locations, is preparing to enter the Raleigh market at 4121 Main at North Hills St. The spot is adjacent to bartaco, and no opening date is set.

In Durham, M Kikkei, formerly known as M Pocha, will hold an invitation-only soft opening on October 24 and a grand opening on October 29. Located at 101 E. Chapel Hill St., the restaurant features Nikkei cuisine, which blends Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients. It is the seventh concept in the Mpire group. In Apex, Grain & Berry opened at 2017 Creekside Landing Drive in Beaver Creek Crossings, its second North Carolina location after Holly Springs. In Pittsboro, Tavolo Italian Eatery has opened in MOSAIC at Chatham Park, while Gandy Coffee House is expected to open in early 2027 inside the historic Captain J. F. Alston House.

Sushioki in Research Triangle Park has closed permanently after eight years. Winston's Grille in Raleigh is marking its 40th anniversary, having been founded by Wil O'Neal and Charles Winston Jr. in 1986.

Upcoming events include the inaugural Chapel Hill Biscuit Festival on Sunday, 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, introducing North Carolina pitmasters for the first time. Organizers added a $60 Half Shell ticket after feedback regarding pricing. The previous two editions sold out and raised about $12,500 combined.

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. Every $25 donation provides 75 meals.