Maggiano's takes over Brio's old spot at Crabtree Valley Mall as Triangle gains new Michelin Bibs

More than 600,000 neighbors in the Triangle are not always sure where their next meal will come from, according to the Food Bank, which is marking Tackling Hunger Month. The organization states that every $25 donation provides 75 meals. This statistic stands in contrast to the rapid expansion of the local dining scene, which saw three restaurants earn new honors from the Michelin Guide this week.

At the 2026 Michelin Guide American South ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee, Ajja in Raleigh, Ideal's in Durham, and Tesoro in Carrboro received Bib Gourmand designations. Tesoro is an 18-seat pasta-focused restaurant. Prime Barbecue, Mala Pata, and Sam Jones BBQ retained their Bib Gourmand status from the previous year. 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 open in Raleigh, taking over the space previously occupied by Brio Italian Grille at Crabtree Valley Mall. This will be the chain's second location in the Triangle, following its existing spot at Streets at Southpoint in Durham. The restaurant is known for large, family-style portions, and no specific opening date has been announced. Millie's Homemade Ice Cream, a Pittsburgh-based franchise, also plans to enter the market. Its first North Carolina shop will open at 325 Blake St. in City Market, next to Blackbird Books and Coffee, with a target date before the end of the year.

South Block, a Charlotte-based chain known for acai bowls and smoothies, is preparing to open at 4121 Main at North Hills St. in Raleigh, next to bartaco. No opening date is set for this location. In Apex, Grain & Berry opened its second North Carolina location at 2017 Creekside Landing Drive in Beaver Creek Crossings. In Durham, M Kikkei, formerly M Pocha, 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 serves Nikkei cuisine, which blends Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients.

The Triangle dining calendar is packed with upcoming events. The inaugural Chapel Hill Biscuit Festival takes place on October 25 at American Legion Post 6, with proceeds benefiting SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals. On November 7, the third Rawleigh Oyster Fest, themed "Smoke & Shuck," will hold at Raleigh Iron Works and include North Carolina pitmasters for the first time. Organizers added a $60 Half Shell ticket with nine oysters, two bites, and one drink after receiving feedback that previous prices were too high. The previous two editions of the fest sold out and raised about $12,500 combined.

The Trophy Trot 5K returns for its 10th year at Dix Park on Thanksgiving morning, November 26. Last year, nearly 3,000 people signed up, and the race donated about $60,000 to Healing Transitions, up from $42,000 the year before. In Pittsboro, Gandy Coffee House is expected to open in early 2027 inside the historic Captain J. F. Alston House. Meanwhile, Sushioki in Research Triangle Park has shut permanently after eight years of operation.