Fenton is continuing its expansion. | Rendering courtesy of The Willbert Group
Since its 2022 opening, Fenton has hit the ground running — creating a mixed-use space that features apartments, restaurants, retail shops + more — and continued expansion with additional lifestyle spaces.
The $850 million mixed-use complex has 12 eateries, 20 retailers, an apartment complex, ~200,000 sqft of office space, and five entertainment establishments. One of the main attractions is Sports & Social, a two-level, multi-use sports bar that features a gaming area, social lounge and a 30-foot high-definition LED TV.
Some of the eateries include AVA Rooftop and Bar, a rooftop restaurant offering craft cocktails, wine, and Mediterranean-inspired small plates + Carriage House Coffee, a mobile coffee truck serving crafted beverages like a Butter Beet Latte.
Coming soon
But, the fun has only just begun. Jewelry retailer Kendra Scott plans to open this fall as the third store in the Triangle — expect the brand’s signature Elisa necklaces and more chic pieces. Chef Scott Crawford’s Crawford Brothers Steakhouse will also open this fall and promises a steakhouse experience with flair. Featuring a “glass curtain,” a custom cooking suite, and a vibrant cocktail bar, the 4,500 sqft venue will combine classic charm with modern luxury.
Additional retailers to come
Brewery Bhavana, a brewery, flower shop, bookstore + Chinese restaurant
Vega Vitality, a wellness and aesthetic medspa featuring microneedling, laser, facials, and chemical peel services
Mainsail Lodging & Development plans to build a seven-story, 186-key hotel over the next two years. The unnamed hotel will mark Mainsail’s first in NC and will likely break ground in early 2025, pending the Town of Cary’s approval.
Networking | Tuesday, Sept. 24 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | City Club Raleigh | $12+ | Enjoy an evening of relaxed networking + socializing — the first drink is included in ticket price.
Swift Night Out | Tuesday, Sept. 24 | 6-8 p.m. | The Willard Rooftop Lounge | Free | Learn about chimney swifts, a unique bird that roosts + breeds in chimneys in the region before they migrate to the Amazon.
Wednesday, Sept. 25
Pay-What-You-Can Farmstand | Wednesday, Sept. 25 | 4-7 p.m. | Raleigh City Farm | Free | Fill up your reusable bag with local produce like basil, cabbage, herbs, tomatoes, and other seasonal produce.
Halloween Upcycled Painting Class | Wednesday, Sept. 25 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Joy Worthy Co. | $65 | Create a ghostly masterpiece with thrifted art led by artist Victoria Lowry and enjoy Halloween-themed bites + bevs.
Trivia Night: Football | Wednesday, Sept. 25 | 7 p.m. | Sports & Social Cary | Free | Grab your football friends and participate in a friendly trivia competition.
Thursday, Sept. 26
Tiki Night with Mikey and Jess | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Bird’s Nest at Blackbird Brewery, Wake Forest | $55 | Dive into the history of tiki culture through a led discussion, cocktail tasting, and refreshments.
Other elevated ingredients include hints of honeysuckle + sage. | Photo provided by The NOW
…we’ve got just the scent to keep the sunny times top of mind.
Handmade right here in the US(cheers to local craftsmanship), this Jasmine Coconut candle by The NOW pairs pure coconut wax with sustainable palm wax for a deliciously fragrant, natural blend.
The formula is so clean that the candle even doubles as a soothing body balm. Users can apply the softened wax directly to their skin for a smooth, moisturizing finish.
Giorgios Epicurean Market opens Thursday, Sept. 26, at East End in Raleigh. Offering a blend of shopping + dining, this European-inspired market features fresh foods and a full-service kitchen led by Executive Chef William D’Auvray. Look forward to an inviting atmosphere, al fresco seating + upcoming catering services and cooking classes. (Raleigh Magazine)
Eat
After closing his downtown Raleigh bakery, Andrew Ullom’s Union Special has increased production + revenue, thanks to new wholesale contracts with local restaurateur Scott Crawford and RDU Airport. Ullom is seeking a larger production space to meet growing demand, while maintaining his retail location at Gateway Plaza. (Triangle Business Journal)
Development
Raleigh and Wake County are investing $32.2 million to build three new affordable housing developments, creating 454 rental units. This initiative supports Raleigh’s goal to add 5,700 affordable units by 2026 and Wake County’s aim to create 2,500 units by 2029. (INDY Week)
Travel
RDU is experiencing significant growth in international travel, with an 88% increase year-over-year. Air Canada will double its nonstop flights to Montreal starting May 2025, and nearly 5.1 million passengers have boarded flights this year, prompting ongoing expansion. (Triangle Business Journal)
Open
Jeff’s Bagel Run opened its first NC location in Wake Forest at 12534 Capital Blvd., marking its first expansion beyond Florida. The shop offers a variety of bagel flavors, coffees + spreads including blueberry, cinnamon raisin, and jalapeño cheddar. (The News & Observer)
Listen
Raleigh has launched its own podcast, the Big Ideas Raleigh Podcast, exploring the city’s hidden gems, vibrant food scene, history, and parks. New episodes drop every other Monday + can be found on 10+ platforms.
Giveaway
Be among the first to experience Downtown Raleigh’s newest hotel + rooftop bar. We’re partnering with Tempo Raleigh and Urban Oak Rooftop Bar & Lounge to give away a two-night hotel stay and $150 in hotel restaurant gift cards (a $1,000 value). Enter to win now through Monday, Oct. 7 at noon.*
Offline is Raleigh’s premier restaurant discovery club. Get money off your tab at locally owned restaurants when you sign up for your first month free with code OFFLINE6AM.*
Kelsey Montague’s #WhatLiftsYou mural. | Photo by RALtoday
The Impact Partner Grant is now accepting applications until Friday, Oct. 18. This funding opportunity supports organizations in Raleigh that empower underrepresented innovators and entrepreneurs through a grant sum of $15,000-$20,000.
Eligible applicants include:
Nonprofits
Startups
Social enterprises
Universities
Proposals will be evaluated on:
Economic development needs
Clear goals and implementation plans
Advancement of diversity and inclusion
Organizational capacity to execute the initiative
Learn more about the program requirements, how and when to attend Q+A sessions, and view the timeline.
This Halloween ghost coffee mug — it’s a great “thinking of you” gift for a friend this fall, or a sweet way to add cheer + seasonal flair to your own coffee ritual.
I don’t know about you, Raleighites, but one of my favorite activities is avoiding cooking. One of my favorite way to do just that is to order pizza, but I’ve recently gone gluten free. If you have any suggestions on a local spot with great slices let me know.
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