Chef Ashley Christensen buys Wilmoore Cafe

Raleigh chef Ashley Christensen bought the Wilmoore Cafe, expanding her downtown Raleigh dining empire north along Wilmington Street.

David Fowle, the Wilmoore’s owner and a longtime fixture in the Triangle coffee scene, said the cafe needed to be open nights and weekends to take full advantage of its downtown Raleigh location. But Fowle said he doesn’t have the energy or expertise to take on that challenge. And so he and his business partners decided to sell the business to Christensen, who already owns three downtown restaurants and a bar.

The Wilmoore Cafe will close on Jan. 18. Christensen said it will reopen in March, operating seven days a week, more evening hours and with an expanded menu and beer, wine and cocktail offerings. She also will be changing the name.

North Raleigh’s Casalinga has closed

Casalinga Ristorante Italiano, an Italian-American restaurant in Mini City shopping center on Capital Boulevard, closed earlier this month.

A note on the restaurant’s website announced the Jan. 4 closing. It said: “We at Casalinga would like to thank you a wonderful 18 years. Your support and friendship has meant the world. To us 2013 is the beginning of new opportunities. We wish you health and happiness in the New Year! Thank you again for all your support. Love, Josephine and the Casalinga family.”

The restaurant was started in 1995 by Manny LoGuidice, who ran the kitchen, and his sister-in-law, Josephine Cappiello, who ran the front of the house. In 2003, LoGuidice moved back to New York, leaving the restaurant in the hands of Cappiello and her husband, Carlo. A few years later, the Cappiellos got divorced. LoGuidice returned to help Josephine with Casalinga. Carlo now runs Casa San Carlo on Falls of the Neuse Road.

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