Food Bank Cites 600,000 Neighbors as Maggiano's and Millie's Open in Raleigh

More than 600,000 people in the region are not always sure where their next meal will come from, according to the Food Bank.

That statistic anchors the current expansion of the local dining scene. The Food Bank is using October to mark Tackling Hunger Month. It notes that a donation of $25 provides 75 meals to those neighbors.

New national chains are moving into the Raleigh market. Maggiano's Little Italy will occupy the space previously held by Brio Italian Grille at Crabtree Valley Mall. This location will be the second Maggiano's in the Triangle, following the existing restaurant at Streets at Southpoint in Durham. The chain is known for serving large, family-style portions. No specific opening date has been announced.

Millie's Homemade Ice Cream is also targeting the area. The Pittsburgh-based franchise plans to open its first North Carolina shop at 325 Blake St. in City Market. The location is adjacent to Blackbird Books and Coffee. The Triangle Business Journal reported that the store aims to open before the end of the year.

South Block, a brand known for acai bowls and smoothies, is preparing to enter the market. It currently has three locations in the Charlotte area. The new Raleigh location will be at 4121 Main at North Hills St., next to bartaco. No opening date has been set for this spot.

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

Other changes in the dining landscape include the opening of Grain & Berry at 2017 Creekside Landing Drive in Apex. This is its second North Carolina location. In Durham, M Kikkei will hold a 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. It is the seventh concept in the "Mpire" group. In Raleigh, Winston's Grille is marking its 40th anniversary. Wil O'Neal and Charles Winston Jr. founded the restaurant in 1986. In Research Triangle Park, Sushioki has closed permanently after eight years of operation.