Plus, "Project Diamond," Vic's Pizzeria, and fall fun.
 
08.14.2024 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE
6AM City In-house

Today’s Forecast

85º | 20% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:33 a.m. | Sunset 8:05 p.m.
 

🔍 How food inspections keep you safe

What restaurant sanitation scores mean in Raleigh
The outside of a food hall with tables, chairs + yellow umbrellas spread out on the patio.
Transfer Co. Food Hall has a variety of vendors serving everything from burgers to bagels. | Photo by RALtoday
At each and every NC eatery, you’ll find a card hanging in view with its restaurant sanitation score up to 100 from the NC Department of Health and Human Services. We’re here to let you know what exactly those scores mean and shout out a few especially high-scoring spots in Raleigh.

About the scores

The purpose of these scores is to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses which can stem from a variety of factors. Restaurants are required to post the inspection so it’s visible to all customers, and any restaurants earning lower than 70 will have their permit immediately revoked.

What counts as a violation?

There are 56 violations an eatery can potentially receive, where each infraction can deduct up to four points from a starting score of 100. These include:
  • Food cross contamination
  • An untidy or dirty cooking space
  • Improper staff hygiene procedures
  • Food stored in the temperature danger zone
  • Employees using bare hands on ready-to-eat food
You can read up on all the rules governing all commercial NC kitchens + restaurants in the state food code manual.

Local spots with a perfect score

We peeked at Wake County’s restaurant sanitation score database to see who’s earning top marks — this database is open to anyone and you can easily find up-to-date inspection details for any food or drink establishment.

Baja Burrito | This spot is hidden and big on flavor. Load up on toppings from this eatery, and don’t forget the hot sauce.

Bittersweet | Chic and sweet, this cocktail bar serves up desserts, including sundaes, pies, and brulees.

Layered Croissanterie | This is one of Raleigh’s most iconic sweet shops. Filled with air and a nice crunch, don’t miss the fun + unique takes on a classic pastry.
 
Events
Wednesday, Aug. 14
  • The Concert: A Tribute to Abba | Wednesday, Aug. 14 | 7:30 p.m. | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | $40-$70 | Bring your best “Dancing Queen” moves to this tribute experience.
Thursday, Aug. 15
  • Jazz in the Square — Sidecar Social Club | Thursday, Aug. 15 | 6-8 p.m. | Moore Square | Free | Jam to local jazz musicians and try a variety of food trucks + bevs.
  • Zumba | Thursday, Aug. 15 | 6-7 p.m. | Downtown Cary Park | Free | Dance your way into fitness at this new park.
Friday, Aug. 16
  • Cooking Class: Gnocchi | Friday, Aug. 16 | 7-9 p.m. | Raleigh | $38 | Craft this Italian potato dish with a Parmesan lemon sauce.
  • Tate McRae: Think Later Tour | Friday, Aug. 16 | 8 p.m. | Red Hat Amphitheater | $30-$80 | You know her from “Greedy” and “Exes” — see the rising pop star live from RAL.
Saturday, Aug. 17
  • Spellbinding Stories Tour | Saturday, Aug. 17 | 5:15-6:30 p.m. | Starts at Governor’s Mansion | Free | Learn some of Raleigh + NC’s most captivating historical stories while trekking downtown.
  • Back to School Jamboree at the Park | Saturday, Aug. 17 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | John Chavis Memorial Park | Free | School’s nearly back in session — go back after a fun afternoon of bounce houses, crafts and services like free haircuts, lunch boxes, and water bottles for students.
Plan your week
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Giveaway

✨ Get your glow on with Synergy Face + Body’s Botox Bliss Giveaway
Three people stand in black medical scrubs on the right. The left includes text with info about the upcoming Instagram giveaway.
Synergy Face + Body is celebrating 20 years of award-winning aesthetic services with a luxe new Midtown location. | Image by 6AM City
We’re all about celebrating glow-getters — that’s why we’ve partnered with Synergy Face + Body to host a $1,500 Botox Bliss Giveaway.

One lucky winner will soar into September with 100 units of rejuvenating Botox to use at Synergy’s new Midtown Med-Spa.

From fine lines on the forehead to nagging areas in the neck, Synergy’s skilled injectors will work with you to help your skin achieve a lovably smooth appearance — while offering guidance + personalized recommendations every step of the way.

Ready to start your transformation? Head to our RALtoday Instagram account, click on the giveaway post, and follow the instructions to enter.

The giveaway ends on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at noon + our random winner will be announced on Instagram on Monday, Aug. 26.
Enter to win
News Notes
Biz
  • A shiny new business is expanding into the 919 and promises to bring 200 jobs in a plan called “Project Diamond.” Jewelers Mutual Group is bringing its jewelry insurance office to Raleigh’s booming job market with a $5.85 million investment. (The News & Observer)
Open
  • Vic’s Pizzeria is now open on Glenwood Avenue as the local spot’s third location. Expect New York-style pizza, calzones, salads, and plenty more from this local fave. (Raleigh Magazine)
State
  • Gov. Roy Cooper announced all of NC’s 99 eligible hospitals have agreed to participate in the state’s plan to relieve medical debt for millions of people. This first-in-the-nation program is set to impact families across the state. (Axios Raleigh)
Try This
  • North Hills Innovation District is hosting an End of Summer Bash this Saturday, Aug. 17 with henna, food + drinks, raffles, and of course, local shopping at Maker’s Alley.
Listen
  • Local band By George is getting ready to rock Lincoln Theatre alongside Hall Pass and other local fave Belltower Blues on Saturday, Aug. 24. Don’t miss them before they get big.
Plan Ahead
  • Raleigh’s Fall Arts Fair is coming to Fred Fletcher Park on Oct. 5. Expect fiber artisans, bookmakers, glass artists, and more straight from Pullen and Sertoma Art Centers’ programs to get you in the autumnal spirit.
Sports
  • Hey Pack football fans — 321 Coffee is offering a new dark roast blend for the 2024 football season called Light It Red benefiting student scholarships at NC State. Grab your own limited-edition coffee can while you still can.
Feel Good
Shop
  • These THC gummies tap into the body’s endocannabinoid system and get you feeling right within five minutes. Get 20% off with code FIRST20.*†
Finance
  • Good news: Rates are expected to go down soon. Compare fixed-rate loans and HELOCs to find your best way to borrow — calculate your payment.*
 
Transit

🚌 GoRaleigh fares are returning

How to ride the bus in Raleigh
A red GoRaleigh bus crosses a bridge in front of the Raleigh skyline as scooters and bicycles pass.
The City of Raleigh was named one of the 2023 Best Workplaces for Commuters. | Photo by the City of Raleigh
Raleigh is home to nearly 40 bus routes through GoRaleigh, not to mention even more connections through other GoTriangle transit and local university bussing systems.

GoRaleigh will resume fare collection Sunday, Sept. 1 after four years of free bus transit. Standard single day fare is $1.25, and you can purchase a seven-day or week-long pass for a better bang for your buck. Purchase passes at the GoRaleigh Station, and day passes can be purchased on the bus.

The R-Line has returned to downtown Raleigh running every 15 minutes at the regular fee. The route starts at Raleigh Union Station and ends at the Raleigh Convention Center.

Two upcoming projects, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Raleigh Union Station Bus Facility (RUS Bus) are in progress in the 919 and are set to open in 2026.
More commuter pro tips
The Buy

The Buy 8.14.24 (Affiliate)
A KeySmart SmartCard. Push aside the stress of losing your wallet with this ultra-slim, rechargeable SmartCard that slots into your wallet like a credit card. If your purse or wallet is ever lost, activate Apple’s “Find My” app and locate it instantly (woah).
More worth The Buy
 
The Wrap
 
Allie Remhof

Today’s edition by:
Allie
From the editor
Just about a year ago, I interviewed Chef Jay Ross about his breakfast pop-up series, and he’s back with a packed August throughout the 919. You can find him + his new concept called Juniors at Raleigh Wine Shop this Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. with a menu fit for wine pairings.
Missed our previous newsletter?     ›
Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback     ›
Advertise with us to stand out.     ›
Games | Crossword, Sudoku, and More     ›
 
Feedback on Today's Newsletter

Did you like today’s newsletter?

😍 Loved it 🙂 Solid effort 😞 Changes needed
 
 

†Legalities in your state may vary. Providers and services contained in this newsletter do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by 6AM City. It is advised to read a company’s terms & conditions and instructions for use before trying new products.

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY