Two businesses in Lafayette Village have closed, but new tenants are set to arrive. Village Grill will be replaced by Pickled Onion, a sports bar, and Driftwood Cantina will be succeeded by Franko’s Prime. Franko’s will be operated by the same team and will serve aged steaks and seafood. (Triangle Business Journal)

Voodoo Brewing will soon join Fayetteville Street’s expanding lineup near the new Sir Walter Coffee by City Plaza. You may be familiar with Voodoo from its Asheville location or over 20 spots nationwide — we look forward to more beer options in Oak City. (Raleigh Magazine)

The Bike Library, a bike sales and repair and rental shop, will open its first permanent storefront in the Platform Apartments in Raleigh’s West End. The group is seeking additional investors to make this storefront a reality and will join businesses like Homebody Yoga and Boulted Bread in the neighborhood.

Additionally, new businesses are emerging at Boxyard + Hub RTP. From a makerspace and tacos to two eateries from 2025 James Beard nominees, Research Triangle Park’s downtown district is experiencing significant growth. (The News & Observer)

Budget airline Breeze is expanding its Raleigh flight offerings, including a summer route to Pensacola, Florida, and service to Memphis, Tennessee, Orlando, Florida, and Rochester, New York starting in May. (The News & Observer)

A new study by Hers has ranked Raleigh as the 10th healthiest city in the US and the highest-ranking southern city. Cities were evaluated based on various characteristics, including strong sleep, walkability, and mental health resources. Explore some of Raleigh’s most peaceful places. (The News & Observer)

Layered Croissanterie, a bakery on North West Street, has closed and is transitioning to another location for Paul & Jack, a Wake Forest-based bakery and pastry shop. Stay tuned for more details.

Entrepreneur Jody Donaldson will open his first Alloy Personal Training studio, a Georgia-based fitness franchise, in Cary’s Alston Town Center in April 2025. Memberships range from $399 to $479 per month, with small group classes designed for adults over 40. (Triangle Business Journal)

CycleBar has closed its Raleigh and Cary locations on January 10. The Chapel Hill studio remains open, and a new location is planned for Durham. (Triangle Business Journal)

The Raleigh City Council is considering changes to its public comment sessions, including restricting visual media, shortening sessions, and starting earlier. Council members aim to improve efficiency, clarify the purpose of the sessions, and address concerns over graphic content and meeting duration, while still exceeding state law requirements. (INDY Week)

North Carolina ranks third in the US for avian flu cases, with over 3.3 million birds affected in the past month. The outbreak, primarily in commercial egg-laying operations, is contributing to egg shortages and price increases. State officials are working to contain the spread. (Axios Raleigh)

In community news, Oak City Cares is partnering with The Great Raleigh Cleanup to enhance local neighborhoods. GRC, in collaboration with the city, removes litter and hires individuals experiencing homelessness, paying them a living wage. This initiative aims to support community beautification and the mission to provide pathways to stability for unhoused individuals.

New York Times bestselling author Tabitha Brown will celebrate her first children’s book, “Hello There, Sunshine!” on Thursday, March 13 with Quail Ridge Books at Barton United Methodist Church. Ticket holders will receive a signed copy of the book and guaranteed entry.

Rocky Top Catering’s 7th Annual Cooking for the Kids competition will feature eight top Triangle chefs, including Bobby McFarland of Glasshouse Kitchen. The event will benefit Overflowing Hands and King’s Ridge. Attendees can enjoy a six-course dinner while chefs compete in a bracket-style competition. The first round begins Monday, Feb. 17 — grab your ticket.

In development news, The Preiss Company has acquired land near NC State for its Collegeview Apartments project. The $10 million development will feature a five-story building with 679 student beds, rooftop amenities, and parking. Construction begins in February, with completion expected by August 2027. (Triangle Business Journal)

In tech news, Siemens Energy plans to hire 200 technologists in Raleigh, increasing its local workforce to 300-350. The company has leased the entire 55,000-sqft of the 540 Tech Center building. This expansion supports over 100 projects as demand for power generation rises in the Triangle. (Triangle Business Journal)

Petopia, a dog store on Martin Street, has closed weeks after opening. Owner Jackyln Barefoot posted a handwritten sign announcing its closure, following a protest and a petition accusing the store of operating as a puppy mill, which gathered over 15,000 signatures. (The News & Observer)