600,000 Triangle Residents Face Hunger as New Chains and Michelin Honors Arrive

The Food Bank stated that more than 600,000 Triangle neighbors are not always sure where their next meal will come from, a figure released during Tackling Hunger Month. The organization noted that a $25 donation provides 75 meals. This data emerged as the region added new dining venues and received fresh recognition from the Michelin Guide.

At the 2026 Michelin Guide American South ceremony held in downtown Nashville on Wednesday, three Triangle restaurants earned new Bib Gourmand designations. The recipients were Ajja in Raleigh, Ideal's in Durham, and Tesoro in Carrboro. Tesoro operates as an 18-seat, pasta-focused establishment. Six other Triangle spots, including Prime Barbecue, Mala Pata, and Sam Jones BBQ, retained their Bib Gourmand status from the previous year. Sixteen additional restaurants, such as Brewery Bhavana and The Fearrington House Restaurant, kept their Michelin recommended listings.

New chains are moving into existing spaces in the Raleigh area. Maggiano's Little Italy will occupy the former Brio Italian Grille space at Crabtree Valley Mall. This location will serve as the second Maggiano's in the Triangle, 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 shop at 325 Blake St. in City Market. The Triangle Business Journal reported a target of opening before the end of the year. The site is next to Blackbird Books and Coffee.

South Block, a Charlotte-based chain serving acai bowls and smoothies, is preparing to enter the Raleigh market. Its location will be at 4121 Main at North Hills St., adjacent to bartaco. RALtoday reported that no opening date has been set for this expansion. In Apex, Grain & Berry opened at 2017 Creekside Landing Drive in Beaver Creek Crossings. This is its second North Carolina location, following its opening in Holly Springs.

In Durham, M Kikkei, formerly M Pocha, will hold an invitation-only soft opening on October 24. The grand opening is scheduled for October 29 at 101 E. Chapel Hill St. The restaurant features Nikkei cuisine, blending Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients. It is the seventh concept in the Mpire group. In Pittsboro, a 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 has closed permanently after eight years of operation. Winston's Grille in Raleigh is marking its 40th anniversary. Wil O'Neal and Charles Winston Jr. founded the restaurant in 1986. The North Carolina State Fair continues through Sunday. The Trophy Trot 5K returns for its 10th year at Dix Park on Thanksgiving morning, November 26, benefiting Healing Transitions. Nearly 3,000 people signed up last year, and the race donated about $60,000, up from $42,000 the year before.