Triangle adds three Michelin Bibs as Maggiano's targets Raleigh mall

For diners in the Triangle, the next few weeks bring a mix of national awards and new corporate locations. Three local restaurants received Michelin Bib Gourmand designations, while two major chains announced plans to open in Raleigh. These developments occur as regional food banks report that more than 600,000 neighbors are not always sure where their next meal will come from.

The 2026 Michelin Guide American South ceremony took place Wednesday in downtown Nashville. Ajja in Raleigh, Ideal's in Durham, and Tesoro in Carrboro earned the new Bib Gourmand honors. Tesoro is an 18-seat, pasta-focused establishment. The guide also retained Bib Gourmand status for Prime Barbecue, Mala Pata, and Sam Jones BBQ. Sixteen other Triangle restaurants, including Brewery Bhavana, Poole's, Stanbury, and The Fearrington House Restaurant, kept their Michelin recommended listings.

Maggiano's Little Italy will occupy the former Brio Italian Grille space at Crabtree Valley Mall. This will be the second Maggiano's in the Triangle, following the existing location at Streets at Southpoint in Durham. The chain is known for large, family-style portions. No specific opening date has been announced for the new site.

Millie's Homemade Ice Cream, a franchise based in Pittsburgh, plans to open its first North Carolina location at 325 Blake St. in Raleigh's City Market. The shop will be next to Blackbird Books and Coffee. The Triangle Business Journal reported that the target is to open before the end of the year. In Apex, Grain & Berry has already opened at 2017 Creekside Landing Drive in Beaver Creek Crossings. This is its second North Carolina location, following the shop in Holly Springs.

South Block, a Charlotte-based chain known for acai bowls and smoothies, is preparing to enter the Raleigh market. Its new location will be at 4121 Main at North Hills St., next to bartaco. No opening date has been set for this venue. In Raleigh, Winston's Grille is marking its 40th anniversary. Wil O'Neal and Charles Winston Jr. founded the restaurant in 1986.

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, which blends Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients. It is the seventh concept in the "Mpire" group. In Pittsboro, a Tavolo Italian Eatery has 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. in Pittsboro. On the closure side, Sushioki in Research Triangle Park has shut permanently after eight years of operation.

The upcoming calendar includes the inaugural Chapel Hill Biscuit Festival on Sunday, October 25, at American Legion Post 6. VIP entry begins at 2 p.m., and general admission starts at 3 p.m. Proceeds benefit SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals. On October 29, chefs including Sera Cuni of The Root Cellar will host a Yellowstone Dinner at Holl & Stone Farm in Garner.

Preeti Waas will hold a "Super Spooky Sandwich" popup on October 31 from noon to 4 p.m. in Durham. The menu will be available for pickup at 202 N. Corcoran St. starting Saturday, October 24. In early November, the Chefs for Change Gala & Auction at The Cookery will benefit Families Moving Forward on November 5. Botiwalla will host a Diwali party at Iron Works on November 6.

The third Rawleigh Oyster Fest, themed "Smoke & Shuck," is set for November 7 at Raleigh Iron Works. Organizers added North Carolina pitmasters for the first time this year. They also introduced a $60 Half Shell ticket with nine oysters, two bites, and one drink after hearing from people who felt priced out. The previous two editions sold out and raised about $12,500 together. 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 prior year. The North Carolina State Fair continues through Sunday, while the Food Bank marks Tackling Hunger Month, noting that every $25 provides 75 meals.