Fins, an upscale downtown Raleigh restaurant, has closed but will reopen at the end of January as bu.ku, an eatery devoted to global street food.

Chef William D'Auvray wrote in a news release that bu.ku was inspired by the cuisine of street vendors from the four corners of the globe.

D'Auvray opened Fins in 1997 and moved it from North Raleigh to its downtown spot in 2007, part of a restaurant rush spurred by the reopening of Fayetteville Street. But many restaurants have struggled during the recession as consumers cut back on dining out.

About a year ago, D'Auvray remade Fins' menu to offer less expensive options.

In an interview Thursday, D'Auvray said bu.ku will allow him to more easily tie lunch and dinner together at affordable prices and at prices that will encourage diners to try new foods. D'Auvray said the restaurant also will offer a happy hour, a late-night menu and live entertainment.