Tex-Mex lovers rejoice

A Charlotte company called QCarolina Restaurants is betting big that our area's appetite for Tex-Mex food will remain strong.

QCarolina recently purchased the 16 North Carolina Qdoba restaurants, plus two in Tennessee, and is planning an overhaul and expansion.

QCarolina plans to start sprucing up the restaurants later this year. That work will continue through 2009. The company wants to open at least five new Qdoba stores a year.

President Tom Lewison said the company is planning a Knightdale store and is in negotiation for four additional stores in the Raleigh area. He declined to provide specific locations.

They will definitely have competition for Triangle-area Mexican food lovers. Chains such as Moe's Southwest Grill and Chipotle have been expanding. And newcomers such as Florida chain Tijuana Flats are entering the market.

In 2007, sales at such Mexican restaurants were $3.3 billion, according to Chicago research firm Technomic, with Qdoba's $380 million ranking second behind Chipotle. But Lewison said he thinks the Triangle has plenty of room for growth.

"We feel there's low brand awareness and low market penetration," he said. "We feel that's where the opportunity is."

Those of you from Florida may know of Carmine's, a gourmet market and restaurant, that is a foodie haven in Palm Beach Gardens.

Now one of Carmine's top chefs, Antonio Saladino, has moved to the Triangle and is opening his own gourmet market.

Antonio's Gourmet Market and Restaurant will sell fresh meat, fish and cheeses. He also plans catering and home delivery of groceries. A restaurant, where patrons can order or enjoy a treat they picked up in the store, will be attached to the market.

Antonio's will anchor the new Lafayette Village shopping center at Falls of Neuse and Honeycutt roads next summer.

Durham's Northgate mall has several openings this month: Closet Fashions, a junior apparel store; Body Era, selling body jewelry, charms, belt buckles and other accessories; Premier Novelties, selling NASCAR, college, football and basketball sportswear; and OrganiX CosmetiX, selling organic cosmetics.

OTHER ITEMS: In Raleigh's Triangle Town Center, The Hawaii Connection sells Kona coffee, chocolates with macadamia nuts and other Hawaiian treats. ... In Cary, Barbecues Galore in Crossroads Plaza is going out of business following a corporate bankruptcy. ... In Apex, Andy's Burgers, Shakes and Fries will open next week at 802 Perry Road, off N.C. 55. ... In Clayton, Chyten Educational Services learning center will open Saturday at 480 N.C. 42 West. ... In North Raleigh, Leesville Tap Room is open in the old Prime Only spot at 13200 Strickland Road. ... In Durham, William's Gourmet Kitchen is open at 2114 E. N.C. 54, serving lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. ... In Forestville Crossing, at Louisburg and Forestville roads in Raleigh, ProClips and RoadRunner Pizza are open. ... Tropical Smoothie Cafe opened in Oberlin Court, on Oberlin Road in Raleigh near Cameron Village. In the same center, Rita's Water Ice will open in November.