In Durham, restaurateur Scott Howell opened Rockwood Filling Station, a restaurant specializing in wood-fired pizza. Some diners may remember Howell as the former chef-owner of Nana's Chophouse and one of the people behind The Q Shack. Rockwood, at 2512 University Drive, is between the Nana's spot and the Original Q Shack location.
In Apex, tenants are signing on for the new Perry Pointe Plaza near N.C. 55 and U.S. 1. At the end of August, Dunkin' Donuts-Baskin-Robbins will be first to open there, followed this fall by Andy's Cheesesteaks, Anytime Fitness and Dry Clean Spot.
In North Raleigh, the Chop House Grille in the Falls River Town Center off Durant Road closed. My calls to the company were not returned. But there are affiliated chophouses in Burlington, Greensboro, High Point and Cary at 500 Ledgestone Way.The chophouse's spot at Falls River Town Center has not yet been filled. In that same center, sushi restaurant Sake House and America's Mattress are open. From NY With Love Delicatessen will open within the week, and the day care Kidos will open by the end of August.
OTHER ITEMS: In Chapel Hill, The Crunkleton opens this weekend at 320 W. Franklin St. It's a neighborhood bar that also sells handmade art and furniture during the day. ... In Cary, Fantastic Sam's at 4242 N.W. Cary Parkway completed a renovation and is under new management. ... The new Garner Wal-Mart opened off Fayetteville Road on Wednesday. ... In North Raleigh, the Schlotzsky's Deli near Strickland and Six Forks roads closed and will be replaced by Zaxby's this fall. ... In Raleigh, Tri-Point Truck Center was awarded the area's first Freightliner franchise and now sells and services Freightliner trucks at 3500 Yonkers Road.
Finally, a note on that Char-Grill restaurant in Durham that I mentioned last week. The restaurant will be open this fall in Hope Valley Commons at N.C. 751 and N.C. 54, not in New Hope Commons. Sorry for any confusion.
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