Maggiano's to open second Triangle location as Ajja, Ideal's and Tesoro earn Michelin Bib Gourmand honors

The Triangle restaurant market is seeing a mix of national chain entries and local acclaim this month. WRAL reported that several new concepts are launching while existing establishments receive national recognition.

Three restaurants in the region earned Bib Gourmand designations at the 2026 Michelin Guide American South ceremony held Wednesday in Nashville. Ajja in Raleigh, Ideal's in Durham, and Tesoro in Carrboro received the new awards. Tesoro is an 18-seat pasta restaurant. Prime Barbecue, Mala Pata, and Sam Jones BBQ retained their previous Bib Gourmand status. Sixteen other establishments, including Brewery Bhavana 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 in Raleigh. This location will be the second Maggiano's in the Triangle, following the existing spot at Streets at Southpoint in Durham. The chain serves large family-style meals and has not announced an opening date. Millie's Homemade Ice Cream, a Pittsburgh franchise, plans to open its first North Carolina store at 325 Blake St. in City Market. The shop will sit next to Blackbird Books and Coffee. The Triangle Business Journal reported the target opening is before the end of the year.

South Block, a Charlotte-based chain known for acai bowls, is preparing to open at 4121 Main at North Hills St. in Raleigh next to bartaco. No specific date is set. In Apex, Grain & Berry opened at 2017 Creekside Landing Drive in Beaver Creek Crossings. This is its second North Carolina location after Holly Springs. Winston's Grille in Raleigh is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Wil O'Neal and Charles Winston Jr. founded the restaurant in 1986.

In Durham, M Kikkei will hold an invitation-only soft opening on October 24 and a grand opening on October 29 at 101 E. Chapel Hill St. The restaurant features Nikkei cuisine, which combines Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients. It is the seventh concept in the Mpire group. In Pittsboro, Tavolo Italian Eatery opened in MOSAIC at Chatham Park. Gandy Coffee House is expected to open in early 2027 in the Captain J. F. Alston House.

Sushioki in Research Triangle Park closed permanently after eight years. The Chapel Hill Biscuit Festival begins on October 25 at American Legion Post 6. Proceeds support SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals. A Yellowstone Dinner hosted by chefs including Sera Cuni will occur at Holl & Stone Farm in Garner on October 29.

The Food Bank is marking Tackling Hunger Month and states that more than 600,000 neighbors in the region are unsure where their next meal will come from. The organization notes that a $25 donation provides 75 meals. The third Rawleigh Oyster Fest is scheduled for November 7 at Raleigh Iron Works. Organizers added a $60 Half Shell ticket in response to feedback about pricing, as the previous two events sold out and raised about $12,500 combined.