If you’re keeping up with what’s happening around Raleigh and the Triangle, here’s your latest Notes from the DoRaleigh News roundup — from restaurant openings and civic updates to arts nominations, local sports headlines, and community happenings shaping the City of Oaks.
🍽️ Food & Drink News in Raleigh
New Opening:
Roots Natural Kitchen is preparing to open on Hillsborough Street later this month. The fast-growing Virginia-based chain (founded in 2015) is known for customizable salads and grain bowls, and locals can start sampling the menu beginning Monday, Feb. 16.
Upcoming Closure:
Bahama Breeze plans to close its tropical-themed Raleigh restaurant on Wake Forest Road in April. The parent company may convert the location into another brand, possibly Olive Garden.
Coming Soon:
Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken & Wings is expected to open this summer at Quail Corners Shopping Center, bringing Nashville-style heat to North Raleigh.
🌞 Seasonal Raleigh Highlights
By the end of February, Raleigh will gain about 50 extra minutes of daylight, making it a great time to enjoy outdoor patios, greenways, and late-afternoon meetups across the Triangle.
Despite longer days, winter weather isn’t done yet — Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of cold earlier this month.
🎨 Arts, Culture & Events
Raleigh Medal of Arts Nominations Open
Nominations are underway for the city’s highest arts honor, recognizing performers, organizations, and leaders who shape Raleigh’s creative scene.
Plan Ahead:
Tickets are already on sale for Art in Bloom at the North Carolina Museum of Art (March 18–22). The floral-inspired exhibition is expected to sell out again this year.
Festival Announcement:
Raleigh Wide Open — the bluegrass and Americana festival — returns downtown Oct. 1–3, bringing live music, community vibes, and fall energy to the city.
⚾ Sports & Regional Buzz
UNC will pay a $50,000 ACC fine after fans stormed the court following a buzzer-beater win over Duke. Meanwhile, the NFL is planning its first-ever Paris game later this year — an interesting option for Triangle travelers flying out of RDU.
🏛️ Civic, Development & Transit Updates
Wake County leaders will vote soon on allocating $23.5 million in tourism funding across 12 projects. Early voting for the 2026 Primary Election is underway at multiple Wake County sites. A potential Raleigh-to-Asheville rail connection is under study, possibly generating thousands of jobs if approved. A proposed rezoning in Glenwood South could allow a 20-story mixed-use development. Renovation discussions continue around historic Ligon Middle School.
🏥 Health & Community Alerts
Wake County health officials warn that a person infected with measles visited several North Raleigh businesses recently. Residents who visited those locations should monitor symptoms through the end of the month.
☕ Local Business Spotlight
Cary’s Esteamed Coffee ranked No. 6 nationally among women-owned cafés, praised both for its quality drinks and its inclusive hiring of adults with disabilities.
🎶 Entertainment & Things to Watch
PBS NC’s Shaped by Sound podcast returns with Triangle musicians. “Forever K-Pop” arrives April 4 at the Martin Marietta Center with popular K-pop covers. Mardi Gras celebrations kick off locally, including Carnival-style festivities downtown.
🧭 Final Takeaway
Raleigh continues to evolve with new restaurants, development projects, arts initiatives, and civic engagement opportunities. Whether you’re exploring local patios, planning spring events, or staying involved in community decisions, there’s plenty happening across the Triangle.
Stay tuned to DoRaleigh.com for daily event guides, local news highlights, and community updates.
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